Report

Market Overview
South America Tire market was valued at USD 13.38 Billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 21.01 Billion by 2030 with a CAGR of 7.8% during the forecast period. The South America tire market is experiencing steady growth, driven by a combination of macroeconomic recovery, infrastructure development, increasing vehicle ownership, and expanding logistics and e-commerce sectors across the region. Countries such as Brazil, Argentina, and Colombia are witnessing a rebound in automotive production and sales, supported by government incentives and improving consumer confidence. The growing demand for passenger and commercial vehicles, along with a rising preference for fuel-efficient and durable tires, is fueling market expansion. Urbanization and the proliferation of ride-hailing and last-mile delivery services are further boosting the replacement tire segment, particularly in densely populated cities. Additionally, the agricultural and mining sectors, significant in countries like Brazil, Chile, and Peru, are generating strong demand for off-the-road (OTR) tires.
Technological advancements and innovations in tire manufacturing, such as the development of eco-friendly, low rolling resistance, and smart tires with embedded sensors, are aligning with the global shift towards sustainability and digitalization. Moreover, the region's growing awareness of vehicle safety and maintenance, coupled with the expansion of service networks and e-commerce platforms for tire sales, is improving consumer accessibility and fueling the aftermarket segment. Tire manufacturers are increasingly investing in local production facilities and strategic partnerships to reduce import dependency and navigate trade barriers. The implementation of stringent regulatory norms regarding tire performance, labeling, and emissions is also shaping market dynamics and pushing manufacturers toward higher-quality standards. Despite challenges such as currency volatility, political uncertainty, and inflationary pressures in some nations, the overall outlook remains positive due to the rising motorization rate and evolving consumer expectations. The market is also benefiting from increased penetration of radial tires, especially in commercial fleets, owing to their longevity and efficiency. The gradual electrification of mobility and government initiatives promoting green transportation are expected to open new avenues for specialized tire categories. As sustainability, digital connectivity, and performance optimization become central to purchasing decisions, tire manufacturers in South America are expected to adopt more integrated, customer-centric, and eco-conscious approaches to product development and distribution.
Key Market Drivers
Rising Vehicle Ownership and Expanding Automotive Production in Key Economies
One of the primary drivers of the South America tire market is the consistent rise in vehicle ownership and the revival of automotive manufacturing activities, especially in large economies like Brazil and Argentina. In 2024, Brazil produced 2.55 million vehicles, marking a 9.7% increase from 2023, and reclaiming its position as the world's 8th largest vehicle producer. As the middle class expands and urbanization accelerates across the region, consumer demand for personal mobility has increased significantly. In countries such as Brazil-the largest automobile market in South America-the rebound in consumer confidence and access to flexible financing options have led to a surge in new vehicle sales, particularly passenger cars and light commercial vehicles. Alongside rising ownership, automotive production has also regained momentum, backed by investments from global OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) and supportive government policies. The implementation of local content requirements and trade protection measures have encouraged domestic vehicle manufacturing, creating a cascading demand for tires both as original equipment and through replacement cycles. Furthermore, the increasing age of vehicles on the road in several countries is driving the replacement tire market, particularly in urban and peri-urban areas where daily vehicle use is high. The automotive ecosystem's growth has a multiplier effect on the tire market, making vehicle fleet expansion a fundamental demand driver.
Key Market Challenges
Economic Instability and Currency Volatility Impacting Consumer Spending and Manufacturing Costs
One of the most persistent challenges for the South America tire market is the region's economic volatility, which directly affects both consumer purchasing power and the operational stability of tire manufacturers. Countries like Argentina, Venezuela, and to some extent Brazil, have been grappling with high inflation, frequent currency devaluation, and fiscal imbalances. These macroeconomic fluctuations have led to unpredictable cost structures, especially for tire manufacturers reliant on imported raw materials such as natural rubber, synthetic rubber, carbon black, and steel cords. A weak or unstable currency significantly increases the cost of imports, resulting in higher prices for finished products in the local market, which discourages consumer demand-particularly in the price-sensitive aftermarket segment. Furthermore, high interest rates, reduced access to credit, and tightening fiscal policies can dampen vehicle sales, which in turn reduces OEM tire demand. The uncertainty also limits the ability of companies to make long-term investments in technology upgrades or capacity expansion, thereby slowing innovation and domestic production growth. For multinational tire manufacturers, profit repatriation and operational planning in such environments become increasingly complex. Overall, economic instability leads to demand fluctuations, inventory mismanagement, and lower consumer confidence, all of which weigh heavily on the market's sustained growth trajectory.
Key Market Trends
Digital Transformation and E-commerce Expansion in Tire Retailing
A major trend revolutionizing the South America tire market is the rapid digitalization of the tire retail ecosystem, driven by increased internet penetration, smartphone usage, and changing consumer behavior post-COVID-19. Traditionally, tire purchases in the region were heavily reliant on physical dealerships and workshops. However, a growing number of consumers and fleet operators are now shifting towards online platforms to compare prices, read reviews, schedule installations, and access promotional offers. This shift is particularly prominent in urban centers such as Sao Paulo, Buenos Aires, and Santiago, where internet usage is high and delivery infrastructure is relatively developed. E-commerce platforms and digital marketplaces have begun partnering with tire manufacturers and local service garages to offer end-to-end tire solutions-from selection and payment to installation. Multinational players and regional e-retailers are also launching dedicated apps and websites, offering features such as virtual tire advisors, vehicle compatibility checks, and subscription models for regular maintenance. Additionally, large tire brands are integrating customer relationship management (CRM) tools and AI-driven analytics to track customer preferences and personalize marketing strategies.The digital push also includes the use of inventory management systems and real-time logistics tracking for distributors and retailers. In the commercial vehicle segment, fleet operators are adopting digital tire monitoring platforms for predictive maintenance, optimizing downtime, and ensuring tire longevity. While rural areas still face digital infrastructure limitations, the expansion of mobile broadband and fintech solutions such as digital wallets and buy-now-pay-later (BNPL) schemes is expected to deepen the penetration of online tire retail.
Key Market Players
- Michelin Group
- The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company
- Bridgestone Corporation
- Cooper Tire & Rubber Company
- Continental AG
- Pirelli & C. S.p.A
- MRF Tyres
- Yokohama Rubber Company Ltd.
- Toyo Tire Corporation
- Hankook Tire & Technology Co. Ltd.
Report Scope:
In this report, the South America Tire market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:
- South America Tire Market, By Vehicle Type:
o Passenger Cars
o Light Commercial Vehicles
o Medium & Heavy Commercial Vehicles
o Two-Wheelers
o Off Road Vehicles (OTR)
- South America Tire Market, By Tire Construction:
o Radial
o Bias
- South America Tire Market, By Demand Category:
o OEM
o Aftermarket
- South America Tire Market, By Country:
o Brazil
o Argentina
o Columbia
o Chile
o Cuba
Competitive Landscape
Company Profiles: Detailed analysis of the major companies presents in the South America Tire market.
Available Customizations:
South America Tire market report with the given market data, TechSci Research offers customizations according to a company's specific needs. The following customization options are available for the report:
Company Information
- Detailed analysis and profiling of additional market players (up to five).