Steel Tire Cord Market - Global Forecast 2025-2032

The steel tire cord market is shaping the future of tire technology by enabling next-generation durability, efficiency, and compliance worldwide. As automotive manufacturers and supply chain leaders face heightened industry demands, steel tire cords have become essential in aligning performance objectives with evolving regulatory requirements.

Market Snapshot: Advancing Steel Tire Cord Market Fundamentals

The steel tire cord market grew from USD 3.63 billion in 2024 to USD 3.87 billion in 2025; it is projected to continue expanding at a CAGR of 7.15%, reaching USD 6.31 billion by 2032. This growth underscores the sector’s pivotal role in supporting both conventional and electric vehicle segments, driven by demand for high-performance, safe, and sustainable tire solutions. Stakeholders must navigate new trade barriers, technological shifts, and higher standards as they seek resilient supply strategies and product excellence.

Scope & Segmentation in the Steel Tire Cord Market

This report delivers a granular analysis of the steel tire cord sector, mapping out comprehensive segmentation and regional market coverage. Strategic insights have been developed through close examination of key categories and influential technologies:

• Type: Brass coated, Copper coated, Zinc coated steel cords serve distinct tire reinforcement needs, from heavy-duty to cost-sensitive applications.
• Manufacturing Process: Both electroplating and hot-dipped processes shape quality, production scale, and final cord performance, with technology choice reflecting end-use and operational priorities.
• Application: Coverage spans aircraft tires, commercial vehicle tires, industrial tires, passenger vehicle tires, and two-wheeler tires, highlighting varied durability, stability, and efficiency considerations.
• End Use Application: Aftermarket and original equipment manufacturer (OEM) channels demand unique cord specifications and partnership models to support both repair and new production needs.
• Geographic Regions: Assessment includes Americas (with North America and Latin America breakdown), Europe, Middle East & Africa (including discrete European, Middle Eastern, and African markets), and Asia-Pacific, reflecting tailored production and technology investment strategies.

This segmentation framework empowers decision-makers to analyze, benchmark, and strategize for market entry or expansion across target regions and use cases.

Key Takeaways for Senior Decision-Makers

• Material innovation is accelerating lighter, stronger tire cord designs that support the transition toward electrification while addressing stricter safety and efficiency regulations.
• Collaborative development between cord manufacturers and tire producers is enabling bespoke solutions for performance, durability, and compliance with emerging vehicle requirements.
• Advances in coatings—such as improved brass, copper, and zinc treatments—are enhancing fatigue resistance and adhesion, improving overall tire resilience under evolving environmental conditions.
• Supply chains are realigning in response to new tariffs, driving regional sourcing, increased investment in local processing, and strategic shifts to manage potential cost pressures.
• Companies are leveraging digital transformation in manufacturing, logistics, and quality assurance to increase agility, reduce inefficiencies, and adapt quickly to market disruptions or new compliance mandates.

Tariff Impact: Reshaping Sourcing and Supply Chain Strategies

The introduction of United States tariffs on imported steel tire cord in 2025 marks a defining change for industry supply chains. Domestic producers must evaluate alternative procurement approaches, prioritize regional supplier partnerships, and consider investments in local processing and technology upgrades to mitigate cost increases. The industry’s response includes intensified scenario analysis, automation, and redesign of tire cord specifications to counterbalance pricing pressures and optimize profit margins while maintaining operational continuity.

Methodology & Data Sources

This research is grounded in a rigorous combination of structured executive interviews, technical workshops, and comprehensive secondary analysis. Sources include conversations with senior stakeholders at tire companies and steel cord manufacturers, trade data, financial filings, and technical literature. Data triangulation and in-house analytical modeling further support scenario validation and reliability.

Why This Report Matters

• Enables senior executives to identify granular demand drivers and innovation pathways within each market segment and region.
• Offers actionable recommendations on supply chain adaptation, digital transformation, and sustainable product strategies—informed by objective analysis and real-world stakeholder input.

With this report, decision-makers gain a strategic foundation to address material, regulatory, and trade-related complexities in the evolving steel tire cord landscape.

Conclusion

The steel tire cord sector stands at the intersection of material science, regulatory change, and supply chain evolution. Leaders who adapt strategies to these multidimensional factors will position their organizations for sustainable growth and competitive advantage.