WASHINGTON, Aug. 3, 2020—As the U.S. economic downturn continues during the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association (USTMA) projects 2020 U.S. tire shipments will decrease to 279.4 million units in 2020 compared to 332.7 million units in 2019. This forecast represents a small improvement of 5.8 million units from USTMA’s April 2020 forecast adjustment, which was the first preliminary estimate after the declaration of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Compared to 2019, Original Equipment (OE) shipments for passenger, light truck and truck tires are expected to decrease by 24.5%, 21.0% and 32.6% respectively, with a total reduction of 14.7 million units. Replacement passenger and light truck tire shipments are projected to decrease by 15.2% and 11.8% respectively, with truck tire replacement shipments showing the smallest decline at 5.0%. The total unit reduction for replacement tires is projected to be 38.7 million units.

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