Retreaded tyres market in Estonia

Earlier Report Observations

The Estonian retreaded tyre market experienced substantial volatility from 2018 to 2024. Market volume fell sharply from 68.7 thousand units in 2018 to a low of 19.7 thousand units in 2020. It then recovered to 32.7 thousand units in 2022 before declining again to 19.2 thousand units in 2024.

The market rebound in 2022 was driven by new regulatory requirements for winter tyres. From December 1, 2022, the use of tyres with the 3PMSF (Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake) symbol became mandatory, prompting vehicle owners to replace non-compliant tyres. Concurrently, significant price increases for new tyres due to supply chain and production difficulties made retreaded tyres a more affordable alternative for some consumers. The market also saw the entry of new winter tyre producers and models, such as Fronway and Green-Max, expanding available choices.

The subsequent market contraction in 2023 and 2024 coincided with a rule permitting the use of older M+S marked tyres until September 2024, which deferred immediate replacement demand. Furthermore, ongoing price pressures and market preparations for the upcoming Extended Producer Responsibility scheme, scheduled for July 2025, contributed to a period of adjustment and reduced volumes.

Production retreaded tyres in Estonia

In value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Estonia's retreaded tyre production value increased for the second consecutive year. In 2021, output was valued at 3 518 K $ US, marking a 15.1% rise compared to 2020. However, looking at the broader period from 2018 to 2021, production decreased by 45.7%, which translates to an annualized decline of 18.4%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 2 587 K $ US, with the largest decline of 60.1% occurring that same year. In contrast, the largest increase of 18.1% was observed in 2020.

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

In kind, 2018-2021, unit

Following a two-year decline, Estonia's retreaded tyre production increased in 2021. That year, 23 000 units were produced, representing an 8.0% year-over-year growth. Over the 2018-2021 period, however, production decreased by 74.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of -36.7%. The lowest production volume was recorded in 2020 at 21 300 units, while the largest decline of 60.1% occurred in 2019.

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

Exports retreaded tyres from Estonia

Exports in kind, unit

Retreaded tyre exports from Estonia declined for the third consecutive year. In 2021, exports totalled 9 153 units, showing a 4.4% drop compared to the previous year. From 2018 to 2021, exports decreased by 68.8%, equating to an annualized decline of 32.2%.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, Russia and Finland remained the primary buyers of retreaded tyres from Estonia, together accounting for 94.9% of total exports in volume. The remaining share was distributed among other countries.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Retreaded tyre exports from Estonia declined for the second consecutive year. In 2021, exports were recorded at 1 063 K $ US, down by 1.3% year-over-year. Over the 2018-2021 period, exports decreased by 21.4%, with an annualized decline of 7.7%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 1 386 K $ US, which also saw the largest increase of 2.4%. The largest decline of 22.3% occurred in 2020.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Finland and Russia continued to lead as the main markets for exports in value terms, together accounting for 87.1% of total flows. Other partners played a supplementary role in the export structure.

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

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

Imports retreaded tyres to Estonia

Imports in kind, unit

Imported retreaded tyre volumes in Estonia increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, import volume reached 8 869 units, reflecting a solid 11.0% increase compared to 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, imports grew by 20.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 6.5%.

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

Throughout 2018-2021, Latvia and Germany were the core markets for imports in volume, jointly accounting for 91.2% of total flows. Other destinations had comparatively modest shares.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

There were noticeable fluctuations in market performance during the period. The minimum value was recorded in 2020 at 481 K $ US, which also saw the largest decline of 30.6%. In 2021, foreign retreaded tyre supplies to Estonia stood at 938 K $ US, up by 95.0% year-over-year. From the low in 2020 to the high in 2021, import volumes varied 1.9 times.

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

Over 2018-2021, Germany and Latvia clearly dominated the partner structure for imports in value terms, while other countries together formed the remaining share.

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

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