Retreaded tyres market in Lithuania

Earlier Report Observations

The Lithuanian retreaded tyre market from 2018 to 2020 operated within a regulatory framework that required manufacturers and importers to collect and process 80% of tyres supplied, though enforcement gaps limited compliance. This pressure for tyre reuse provided initial structure, but a systemic crisis emerged in 2020 when it became more economical for many in the chain to pay fines rather than fund proper disposal. This disruption likely constrained the availability of casings for retreading, coinciding with an 11% contraction in market volume to 74,438 units that year.

Market volume rebounded to 86,148 units in 2021 and surged to 135,505 units in 2022. Rising energy and operational costs made retreaded tyres a more attractive, economical alternative, boosting demand. The war in Ukraine further disrupted supply chains for new tyres, leading to a sharp rise in imports of retreaded tyres. During this period, Lithuania's largest tyre recycling plant adapted its output toward alternative fuel for cement production due to closed export markets, while innovative products made from recycled rubber, such as sound-insulating compositions and playground surfaces, also entered the market.

Following the peak in 2022, the market volume fell to 77,575 units in 2023 before partially recovering to 94,165 units in 2024.

Production retreaded tyres in Lithuania

In value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Lithuania's production of retreaded tyres has grown for the third year in a row. In 2021, the output was valued at 8 750 thousand US dollars, marking a significant increase of 52.4% compared to 2020. From 2018 to 2021, production rose by 166.8%, with an average annual growth rate of 38.7%.

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

In kind, 2018-2021, unit

Lithuania's production of retreaded tyres has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, the country produced 57 927 units, showing a sharp uptick of 42.9% year-over-year. Between 2018 and 2021, production grew by 102.6%, which translates to an annualized rate of 26.5%.

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

Exports retreaded tyres from Lithuania

Exports in kind, unit

Lithuania's exports of retreaded tyres declined for the second year in a row. In 2021, the country exported 15 220 units, down by 2.0% from the previous year. From 2018 to 2021, exports increased by 20.5%, with an annualized growth rate of 6.4%. The highest volume was recorded in 2019 at 16 209 units, which saw the largest increase of 28.3%. In 2020, exports experienced the largest decline of 4.2%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, the three largest markets for Lithuania's retreaded tyres exports in kind were Latvia, Belgium, and Estonia. Together, they accounted for 75.7% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Lithuania's exports of retreaded tyres in value terms have risen for the third consecutive year. In 2021, exports totaled 1 426 thousand US dollars, representing a modest increase of 6.5% over the past year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, exports grew by 71.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 19.6%.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, the main destinations for Lithuania's retreaded tyres exports in value terms were Latvia, with 43.4% of exports, Belgium at 20.0%, and Poland at 7.9%. Together, these three markets made up 71.3% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports retreaded tyres to Lithuania

Imports in kind, unit

Lithuania's imports of retreaded tyres in kind fell for the second year in a row. In 2021, imports amounted to 43 441 units, indicating a solid decrease of 12.1% compared to the previous year. From 2018 to 2021, imports decreased by 2.5%, equating to an annualized decline of 0.8%. The peak volume was recorded in 2019 at 66 792 units, which also saw the largest increase of 50.0%. In 2020, imports experienced the largest decline of 26.0%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, the leading sources for Lithuania's retreaded tyres imports in kind were Poland, with 58.6% of imports, Latvia at 18.1%, and Germany at 17.6%. Collectively, these three countries accounted for 94.3% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Lithuania's imports of retreaded tyres in value terms have increased for the second consecutive year. In 2021, imports amounted to 4 448 thousand US dollars, rising by 13.7% compared to the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, imports grew by 30.4%, with an annualized rate of 9.2%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 3 369 thousand US dollars, which also saw a slight decline of 1.3%. In 2020, imports posted the largest increase of 16.1%.

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

Throughout 2018 to 2021, Poland dominated Lithuania's retreaded tyres imports in value terms, holding a share of 78.3% of total flows. Other markets combined accounted for the remaining portion.

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

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