SA’s tyre market: key drivers, trends and challenges

We look at how current trends are influencing the evolution of the local tyre market.

According to a market report published in Q3 2025 by New York-based TechSci Research (TSR), this surge has led to an increase in tyre replacements, alongside a rise in demand for advanced tyre technologies.

In 2024, SA’s overall tyre market was valued at US$1.2 billion (R20.24 billion). TSR projects 6.8% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) for 2025-30, while California-based Grand View Research reports the SA truck and bus radial tyre market value in 2024 as US$136 million (R2.3 billion), projecting 6.1% CAGR (2025-30).

One of the main market drivers for the local tyre industry is rising vehicle ownership. “As the number of vehicles on the road continues to rise, replacement cycles are becoming more frequent, expanding the replacement segment. Fleet expansion in sectors such as ride-hailing, logistics, and public transport further reinforces consistent tyre demand,” notes TSR. Significant investments in the automotive sector – such as Volkswagen’s R4-billion investment in its Kariega plant to increase capacity and BAIC’s R11-billion new plant in the Coega Special Economic Zone – “are expected to boost vehicle production and, consequently, tyre requirements.”

Growth in e-commerce and industrial production is boosting the logistics sector, and this “requires a reliable and extensive fleet network, with a corresponding need for frequent tyre replacements,” says TSR. “Long-haul trucks and distribution vehicles operate under demanding conditions, necessitating durable and high-performance tyres. The increase in freight movement and logistics connectivity amplifies commercial tyre consumption.”

Growth in cross-border transport and freight movement is further intensifying the demand for commercial vehicle tyres, while “innovations in rubber compounds, tread design, and manufacturing techniques are improving product lifespan, rolling resistance, and fuel efficiency.”

Sustainability is also becoming a central focus as manufacturers investigate eco-friendly materials and recyclable solutions. Retreading and recycling, notes TSR, are increasingly vital to SA’s sustainable tyre ecosystem, with their cost-effectiveness making them especially popular with commercial fleets and transport operators. “Retreading companies are benefiting from growing fleet demand, while tyre manufacturers collaborate with recycling firms to repurpose scrap rubber into new products,” it adds.

The quest for fuel efficiency is driving demand for tyres with low rolling resistance, steadily propelling premium tyre sales as fuel prices fluctuate. Tyre technology is advancing rapidly, with smart tyres, self-sealing capabilities, and run-flat features gaining traction, while “innovations in tread patterns and rubber formulation are also extending tyre life, which supports long-term cost savings for users.”

The rapidly-growing electric vehicle (EV) market, meanwhile, calls for advanced adaptations to cater to heavier battery loads and instant torque delivery. “Manufacturers are responding by developing EV-specific tyres with advanced compounds and tread designs that reduce energy consumption and road noise,” says TSR.

Major challenges continue to be volatile raw material prices, non-compliant tyres and the proliferation of counterfeits. “The South African market faces a steady inflow of inexpensive imported tires, many of which do not comply with safety or quality standards,” emphasises TSR. “These products attract budget-conscious consumers but pose safety hazards due to their reduced durability and performance.” This also creates unfair competition for quality-focused domestic players and erodes consumer trust.

Counterfeit tyres, meanwhile, are “a growing concern”: sold at a fraction of the cost, usually lacking safety certifications and made from substandard materials. “Identifying and removing counterfeit products from the market is a significant regulatory and enforcement challenge,” TSR points out.

However, it predicts that concerns regarding safety and vehicle performance may benefit established brands in the long run, shifting consumer preferences toward quality and durable tyres and steering the market back to premium offerings.

With the influx of cheap imported tyres looking set to continue into 2026, it will be vital for operators to weigh the risks of short-term savings against the long-term benefits and safety provided by reliable products.