Retreaded tyres for buses or lorries market in Romania

Earlier Report Observations

The retreaded tyre market for buses and lorries in Romania began a steady ascent from USD 6.5 million in 2018 to USD 8.4 million in 2020. This initial growth was supported by the expansion of product offerings, including the introduction of the premium SATOYA GRAND line for trucks and buses, which attracted demand for higher-class products. The fundamental cost advantage of retreaded tyres, being 30-50% cheaper than new ones, made them a preferred choice for cost-conscious fleets. Even the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, which disrupted supply chains, did not dent demand significantly, as operators continued to prioritize economical and sustainable solutions, with growing interest in tyre pressure monitoring systems to further optimize operational expenses.

Market expansion continued, reaching USD 9.9 million in 2021 and nearly USD 10.0 million in 2022. The consolidation of retreaded tyre use, driven by their economic and environmental benefits alongside compliance with European safety and performance standards, supported the 2021 increase. The following year, growth virtually stalled as global factors came into play: raw material price volatility and supply chain bottlenecks increased costs and affected tyre availability, influencing fleet purchasing decisions despite sustained demand for high-quality retreads backed by local producers and distributors.

The market resumed stronger growth thereafter, climbing to USD 11.7 million in 2023 and further to USD 12.8 million in 2024, extending the overall upward trend observed since 2018.

Production retreaded tyres for buses or lorries in Romania

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Romania's production of retreaded tyres for buses and lorries has grown for the second year in a row. In 2020, output reached 3 877 K $ US, up 20.8% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production rose by 18.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 5.8%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 2 007 K $ US, which also saw the largest decline of 38.8%. In contrast, 2019 experienced the biggest increase at 59.9%.

Annual dynamics of production in Romania in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

In kind, 2017-2020, unit

The data shows irregular fluctuations, pointing to a volatile market. Production peaked in 2017 and hit its lowest point in 2018, with a 4.1-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Romania produced 38 064 units of retreaded tyres for buses and lorries, a 26.3% increase from 2019. The minimum was in 2018 at 14 578 units, which also saw the steepest decline of 75.8%. The largest rise occurred in 2019 at 106.8%.

Annual dynamics of production in Romania in kind, 2017-2020, unit

Exports retreaded tyres for buses or lorries from Romania

Exports in kind, unit

Romania's exports of retreaded tyres for buses and lorries have fallen for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 2 235 units, a slight decline of 3.5% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports dropped by 35.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of -13.7%. The highest value was in 2018 at 3 615 units, which also saw the largest increase of 3.9%. The biggest decrease was in 2019 at 35.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Romania in kind, 2017-2020, unit

From 2017 to 2020, Romania's export partners for retreaded tyres for buses and lorries were quite diverse. The United Kingdom accounted for 32.5% of exports in kind, Germany for 9.9%, and Poland for 7.3%. Together, these three countries represented 49.8% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Romania in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

In 2020, Romania's cross-border shipments of retreaded tyres for buses and lorries amounted to 176 K $ US, a modest increase of 6.8% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 31.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of -11.9%. The lowest value was in 2019 at 165 K $ US, which also saw the largest decline of 55.6%. The highest value was in 2018 at 372 K $ US, which experienced the biggest increase of 43.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Romania in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

From 2017 to 2020, the United Kingdom, Germany, and Switzerland remained the top buyers of retreaded tyres for buses and lorries from Romania in value terms. The United Kingdom accounted for 34.4% of exports, Germany for 9.3%, and Switzerland for 8.2%. Collectively, these three countries made up 51.9% of total export value.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Romania in value, 2017-2020

Imports retreaded tyres for buses or lorries to Romania

Imports in kind, unit

In 2020, Romania's imports of foreign retreaded tyres for buses and lorries reached 29 869 units, a minor decrease of 0.9% from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports fell by 4.5%, equivalent to an annualized rate of -1.5%. The lowest value was in 2018 at 29 249 units, which also saw the largest decline of 6.5%. The biggest increase occurred in 2019 at 3.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Romania in kind, 2017-2020, unit

From 2017 to 2020, Hungary and Germany together accounted for 93.1% of Romania's total imports in kind of retreaded tyres for buses and lorries. Other countries contributed to a more diversified but less significant portion of imports.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Romania in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

After two years of growth, Romania's imports of retreaded tyres for buses and lorries declined. In 2020, imports amounted to 4 714 K $ US, a modest drop of 3.8% year-on-year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports increased by 8.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 2.8%. The highest value was in 2019 at 4 900 K $ US, which also saw the largest increase of 11.3% in 2018.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Romania in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

From 2017 to 2020, Hungary and Germany jointly absorbed 93.6% of the total import value of retreaded tyres for buses and lorries into Romania. The remaining volume was distributed across smaller markets.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Romania in value, 2017-2020