Retreaded tyres market in Portugal

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 through 2020, the Portuguese retreaded tyre market was shaped by a search for economical alternatives in logistics, mining, and commercial transport. Environmental regulations began encouraging tyre recycling, boosting the adoption of retreads, while technological advances improved their durability and performance. The extended producer responsibility scheme for used tyre accounting and collection was strengthened, and the presence of companies with local warehouses facilitated market access through fast delivery. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 introduced supply chain challenges but also increased demand for retreaded tyres as a cost-saving option, alongside a notable rise in online tyre sales with rapid delivery and installation services.

Between 2021 and 2023, the market volume in kind declined from 151.5 thousand units to 139.6 thousand units, with a notable drop in 2022 followed by stabilization in 2023. During this period, the market continued to evolve with the expansion of the retreaded and remoulded tyre segment, driven by sustainability and price appeals. Clearer regulation of the Ecovalor fee for tyres first sold in Portugal was implemented, and new tyre segments developed, including reinforced, runflat, and electric vehicle tyres, broadening the product offering. The importance of online tyre sales grew, with companies emphasizing real local stock and fast delivery, even as the overall market volume adjusted.

Over the full period from 2018 to 2025, the market was influenced by ongoing environmental policies and producer responsibility for used tyre management, which bolstered the collection and recycling infrastructure. Consumer preference for recognized brands like Michelin and Pirelli remained strong, and the network of workshops and fitting points expanded to support sales. The introduction of tyres for electric and hybrid vehicles reflected shifting consumer preferences and technological advancements, marking a diversification within the retreaded tyre sector in Portugal.

Production retreaded tyres in Portugal

In value, 2018-2021, K $ US

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

In kind, 2018-2021, K unit

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

Exports retreaded tyres from Portugal

Exports in kind, K unit

Portugal's exports of retreaded tyres have increased for the second year in a row. In 2021, exports reached 122.5 thousand units, marking a 13.2% rise compared to the previous year. However, looking at the broader period from 2018 to 2021, exports actually declined by 19.4%, which translates to an average annual decrease of 6.9%. The lowest point was in 2019, with exports at 105.4 thousand units, and that year also saw the sharpest drop of 30.7%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Spain, France, and the Netherlands were consistently the top destinations for Portugal's retreaded tyre exports in volume terms. Spain accounted for 30.7% of exports, France for 26.0%, and the Netherlands for 16.7%. Together, these three countries made up 73.4% of all exports during this period.

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

Portugal's exports of retreaded tyres in value terms have risen for the second consecutive year. In 2021, exports totaled 11 992 thousand US dollars, up 11.4% from the year before. Despite this recent growth, exports fell by 10.4% overall between 2018 and 2021, averaging an annual decline of 3.6%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 10 480 thousand US dollars, with the largest year-on-year decrease of 21.7% also occurring that year.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, Spain, the Netherlands, and France were the leading buyers of retreaded tyres from Portugal in monetary terms. Spain held a 36.3% share of exports by value, the Netherlands 24.5%, and France 21.7%. Combined, these three markets represented 82.6% of Portugal's total export value for retreaded tyres.

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 to Portugal

Imports in kind, K unit

Portugal's imports of retreaded tyres have decreased for the third year in a row. In 2021, imports stood at 53.0 thousand units, which is 18.6% lower than in 2020. Over the four-year span from 2018 to 2021, imports dropped by 45.7%, equating to an average annual reduction of 18.4%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Spain was overwhelmingly the dominant source for Portugal's retreaded tyre imports in volume, accounting for 97.4% of all imports during this time.

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 tyres in value terms have declined for the third consecutive year. In 2021, imports were valued at 8 411 thousand US dollars, down 9.6% from the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, imports fell by 26.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of -9.9%.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, the import market was highly concentrated, with Spain alone responsible for 93.8% of Portugal's total import value for retreaded tyres.

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

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