Retreaded tyres for buses or lorries market in Portugal

Earlier Report Observations

The Portuguese market for retreaded tyres for buses and lorries expanded consistently from 2018 to 2021, with volume rising from 101 085 units to 122 379 units. This growth was fueled by increasing demand from logistics, mining, and commercial transport sectors seeking cost-effective alternatives. Environmental regulations in Portugal encouraged tyre recycling, boosting the adoption of retreads. Technological advances improved the durability and performance of retreaded tyres, making them more attractive to fleet operators. The role of VALORPNEU, the integrated used tyre management system, was pivotal in promoting retreading, while major tyre brands continued to invest in retread solutions for heavy vehicles.

After peaking in 2021, the market volume contracted to 109 466 units in 2022 before stabilizing around 108 000 units in 2023-2024. During this period, the introduction of advanced retreading technology, such as the fully automatic Buffer 8550E machine, enhanced production efficiency. Partnerships between OEM tyre manufacturers and retreading companies, like Continental Tires with Indag Rubber, indicated a trend towards closer industry cooperation. Growing environmental awareness and technical guidelines for safe use of retreaded tyres further shaped consumer behavior and market standards. In value terms, the market continued to rise, reaching 27 million USD in 2024, reflecting the adoption of higher-value retreading solutions.

Production retreaded tyres for buses or lorries in Portugal

In value, 2018-2021, K $ US

After two consecutive years of decline, Portugal's production of retreaded tires for buses and lorries showed signs of recovery. In 2021, output reached 18,814 thousand US dollars, marking an 8.1% increase compared to 2020. However, looking at the broader period from 2018 to 2021, production overall decreased by 4.5%, which translates to an average annual decline of 1.5%. The lowest point was recorded in 2020 at 17,410 thousand US dollars, while the sharpest drop occurred in 2019 with a 7.7% decrease.

Annual dynamics of production in Portugal in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

In kind, 2018-2021, unit

Following two years of contraction, Portugal's production of retreaded tires for buses and lorries rebounded. In 2021, the country produced 89,480 units, representing a 3.4% increase over 2020. Despite this recent uptick, production from 2018 to 2021 fell by 5.2% overall, averaging an annual decline of 1.8%. The lowest production volume was recorded in 2020 at 86,560 units, which also saw the largest decline of 5.2% during this period.

Annual dynamics of production in Portugal in kind, 2018-2021, unit

Exports retreaded tyres for buses or lorries from Portugal

Exports in kind, unit

After two years of decline, Portugal's exports of retreaded tires for buses and lorries experienced a significant recovery. In 2021, exports surged to 19,045 units, reflecting a strong 18.6% increase compared to the previous year. However, over the four-year span from 2018 to 2021, exports plummeted by 62.4%, with an average annual decrease of 27.8%. The export volume hit its lowest point in 2020 at 16,060 units, which also recorded the steepest decline of 44.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Portugal in kind, 2018-2021, unit

From 2018 to 2021, Spain, the Netherlands, and France dominated as the top buyers of retreaded tires for buses and lorries from Portugal. Spain accounted for 47.7% of exports in kind, followed by the Netherlands at 24.7%, and France at 17.9%. Together, these three countries represented 90.3% of Portugal's total exports in this category.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Portugal in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, K $ US

Following two years of decline, Portugal's exports of retreaded tires for buses and lorries in value terms rebounded strongly. In 2021, exports amounted to 2,661 thousand US dollars, up 19.0% from 2020. Despite this recent growth, exports from 2018 to 2021 fell sharply by 66.5%, with an average annual decline of 30.5%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 2,237 thousand US dollars, while the largest drop occurred in 2019 with a 49.8% decrease.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Portugal in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Between 2018 and 2021, Spain, the Netherlands, and France remained the key markets for Portugal's exports of retreaded tires for buses and lorries in value terms. Spain led with 48.2% of exports, followed by the Netherlands at 24.9%, and France at 18.8%. Collectively, these three countries accounted for 91.9% of total export value.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Portugal in value, 2018-2021

Imports retreaded tyres for buses or lorries to Portugal

Imports in kind, unit

Portugal's imports of retreaded tires for buses and lorries increased for the second year in a row. In 2021, imports reached 51,944 units, showing a modest 5.6% rise compared to 2020. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, however, imports decreased by 9.3%, with an average annual decline of 3.2%. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 48,632 units, which also saw the largest decline of 15.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Portugal in kind, 2018-2021, unit

From 2018 to 2021, Spain was overwhelmingly the dominant source for Portugal's imports of retreaded tires for buses and lorries in kind, capturing 98.4% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Portugal in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, K $ US

Portugal's imports of retreaded tires for buses and lorries in value terms grew for the second consecutive year. In 2021, imports totaled 8,283 thousand US dollars, reflecting a slight 1.5% year-over-year increase. However, from 2018 to 2021, imports overall decreased by 9.6%, averaging an annual decline of 3.3%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 7,860 thousand US dollars, which also experienced the largest drop of 14.2%. In contrast, 2020 saw an increase of 3.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Portugal in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Between 2018 and 2021, Spain served as the nearly exclusive supplier of retreaded tires for buses and lorries to Portugal in value terms, accounting for 98.0% of total imports.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Portugal in value, 2018-2021