Thailand Tire Market Trends and Insights
Government EV-Subsidy Program Boosting BEV Tire Demand
Thailand's EV 3.5 policy, which provides subsidies ranging from THB 50,000 (approximately USD 1,500) to THB 100,000 (approximately USD 3,000) and reduces excise taxes to their minimum levels, is anticipated to drive a 40% increase in EV registrations. The growing weight of battery packs has compelled automakers to adopt tires with a 40% higher load rating and ultra-low rolling resistance compounds to meet performance and efficiency requirements. Additionally, the local-assembly mandate, which stipulates that multiple vehicles must be manufactured domestically for every imported unit by December 2026, has attracted key players such as BYD and GAC Aion. These companies have collectively established a production capacity of nearly 200,000 units in Thailand. The concentration of production facilities in Chonburi and Rayong ensures a steady and predictable demand for nearby tire manufacturing plants. Furthermore, the ongoing expansion of public fast-charging infrastructure will be a critical factor in determining the extent of EV penetration beyond Bangkok, influencing the broader adoption of electric vehicles across the country.Rapid E-Commerce Growth Driving Last-Mile LCV Tire Volumes
Thailand's e-commerce turnover continues to grow at double-digit rates, driving platforms such as Grab and Skootar to expand their operations by deploying motorcycles and small vans. These vehicles typically operate for 8-12 hours daily and cover an average of 43 kilometers in Bangkok's congested traffic conditions. This high level of utilization accelerates replacement cycles, thereby increasing demand for light commercial and two-wheeler tires. Fleet operators are progressively prioritizing high-durability tire compounds and extended mileage warranties to optimize operational efficiency. However, price sensitivity among operators limits the widespread adoption of ultra-premium tire options. As a result, urban logistics provides substantial growth opportunities for medium-tier radial tire manufacturers. Simultaneously, it enables premium tire brands to test fleet-service contracts, effectively demonstrating potential savings in total cost-of-ownership to fleet operators.Elevated Natural-Rubber Price Volatility
In early 2025, benchmark RSS-3 rubber prices reached a 12-year high as producers accelerated efforts to comply with the European Union's deforestation regulations, which restrict imports sourced from newly cleared lands. Thai tire manufacturers benefit from their geographical proximity to rubber plantations; however, they continue to face elevated feedstock costs. This challenge arises because synthetic alternatives are unable to fully replace natural rubber, particularly in critical applications such as heavy-duty truck and aviation sectors. Leading premium brands mitigate these risks through long-term supply contracts and the implementation of advanced digital traceability tools. Despite these measures, margin pressures remain significant in price-sensitive domestic markets, where the ability to pass on increased costs to consumers is limited. Furthermore, currency fluctuations exacerbate market volatility, as a weakening baht inflates the cost of dollar-denominated raw material invoices, adding another layer of complexity to the supply chain dynamics.Other drivers and restraints analyzed in the detailed report include:
- Tourism Rebound Accelerating Rental-Car Fleet Renewals
- OEM Shifts to Larger Rim Sizes for SUVs and Pickups
- Counterfeit and Grey-Market Tires Eroding Branded Sales
Segment Analysis
In 2025, all-season tires accounted for 53.24% of the Thailand tire market, driven by the country's consistent tropical climate, which eliminates the necessity for seasonal tire changes. Conversely, winter tire shipments are projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.85% through 2031. This growth is primarily attributed to export contracts targeting markets in Europe and North America. The increase in production not only contributes to the expansion of Thailand's tire market size but also enhances factory load factors and supports investments in advanced, specialized curing presses. Notably, Continental has expanded its Rayong facility, dedicating multiple curing lines to the production of studdable winter tire designs that comply with EU regulatory mandates.Export-driven winter tire production highlights how Thai manufacturing facilities effectively leverage economies of scale, while domestic consumers continue to favor all-season tires. A niche segment comprising automotive enthusiasts and luxury import owners opts for summer performance tires, representing a small yet profitable market channel. Additionally, Thai all-season tires distinguish themselves with monsoon-grade compounds featuring high silica content, which deliver superior wet grip performance on oil-slick roads. This combination of stable domestic demand and export diversification underpins the resilience and efficient utilization of production capacity across various seasonal tire categories.
In 2025, radial casings accounted for 87.65% of Thailand's tire market, underscoring the country's robust infrastructure in steel belts, cord fabric, and precision molding. Non-pneumatic airless designs are anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 5.87% through 2031. Bridgestone has initiated pilot programs for airless bus tires on Bangkok's BRT routes, while Michelin is conducting tests on Tweel platforms for agricultural applications. Bias-ply formats continue to maintain relevance in niche agriculture and mining sectors, where cost-effectiveness and repairability remain more critical than high-speed performance.
Investments in high-strength aramid and eco-friendly resin matrices are positioning Thai manufacturing facilities to scale up production of next-generation airless tires, contingent on overcoming current commercialization barriers. Simultaneously, radial tire producers are focusing on developing lighter, environmentally friendly composites that can reduce rolling resistance by up to 15%, aligning with the carbon-reduction objectives of original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). Domestic R&D collaborations between universities and suppliers are emphasizing the development of bio-based elastomers derived from Thailand's latex exports. These initiatives aim to enhance supply chain independence while significantly reducing lifecycle emissions.
In 2025, passenger-car fitments accounted for a significant 45.54% share of Thailand's tire market. The segment is projected to grow at a 5.91% CAGR through 2031, reinforcing its position as the primary contributor to the market's expansion. This segment has demonstrated notable resilience, even amidst a 20% decline in auto assemblies in 2024, driven by tightened credit policies from banks. The rise of e-commerce has significantly boosted demand for light commercial vehicles, while heavy trucks have benefited from the recovery of cross-border trade activities with Malaysia and Cambodia.
Motorcycle tires remain a critical segment, supported by Thailand's growing two-wheeler production, which is anticipated to experience exponential growth in 2025. The demand for off-the-road tires continues to align with commodity cycles; the mining recovery in Phichit and increased agricultural mechanization in Nakhon Sawan are sustaining growth in these specialty segments. Tire manufacturers are strategically refining their product portfolios, balancing high-volume passenger tire lines with higher-margin specialty products. This approach enables them to stabilize earnings and maintain profitability during periods of market downturns.
Complete Report Scope:
- By Season
- Summer
- Winter
- All-Season
- By Tire Design
- Radial
- Bias
- Non-pneumatic/Airless
- By Vehicle Type
- Two-Wheelers
- Passenger Cars
- Light Commercial Vehicles
- Heavy Commercial Trucks and Buses
- Off-the-Road and Specialty (OTR, Agriculture, Mining, Racing)
- By Application
- On-Road
- Off-Road
- By End User
- OEM
- Aftermarket
- By Rim Size
- Below 15 inches
- 15 - 20 inches
- Above 20 inches
- By Propulsion
- Internal-Combustion Vehicles
- Battery-Electric Vehicles
- Hybrid and Fuel-Cell Vehicles
List of Companies Covered in this Report:
- Bridgestone Corp.
- Michelin SCA
- Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co.
- Yokohama Rubber Co.
- Sumitomo Rubber Industries (Dunlop/Falken)
- Pirelli & C. S.p.A.
- Continental AG
- Hankook Tire & Technology
- Kumho Tire Co.
- Toyo Tire Corp.
- Maxxis International (Cheng Shin)
- Giti Tire Pte.
- Apollo Tyres Ltd.
- Nokian Tyres
- Triangle Tyre Co.
- Linglong Tire
- CEAT Ltd.
- Balkrishna Industries (BKT)
- Titan International
- Zhongce Rubber (Westlake)
- PT Multistrada Arah Sarana (Achilles)
Additional Benefits:
- The market estimate (ME) sheet in Excel format
- 3 months of analyst support
Table of Contents
Companies Mentioned (Partial List)
A selection of companies mentioned in this report includes, but is not limited to:
- Bridgestone Corp.
- Michelin SCA
- Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co.
- Yokohama Rubber Co.
- Sumitomo Rubber Industries (Dunlop/Falken)
- Pirelli & C. S.p.A.
- Continental AG
- Hankook Tire & Technology
- Kumho Tire Co.
- Toyo Tire Corp.
- Maxxis International (Cheng Shin)
- Giti Tire Pte.
- Apollo Tyres Ltd.
- Nokian Tyres
- Triangle Tyre Co.
- Linglong Tire
- CEAT Ltd.
- Balkrishna Industries (BKT)
- Titan International
- Zhongce Rubber (Westlake)
- PT Multistrada Arah Sarana (Achilles)

