The Rubber Manufacturers Association is predicting total U.S. tire shipments will surpass 315 million units in 2016.
Steady economic improvement, low fuel prices and increases in miles traveled should create favorable conditions for growth in 2016, RMA said.
According to the forecast, original equipment passenger and light truck shipments are expected to see the largest percentage increase, raising 2.7% and 1.8% respectively. OE passenger tire shipments are estimated to reach 51.1 million and OE light truck shipments may reach 4.5 million, the RMA reported.
Replacement passenger tire shipments are expected to hit a record number with 206.8 million shipments anticipated in 2016.
Replacement light truck will see a slight increase of 0.3% to 29.2 million shipments, the RMA said. Additionally, replacement commercial truck tire shipments are expected to increase by 1.1% to 18.1 million.
OE commercial truck tire shipments are expected to decrease by 2.9%