Tire Cord Fabric Market - Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity & Forecast, Segmented By Material (Nylon, Polyester, Rayon, Others), By Tire Type (Radial, Bias), By Vehicle Type (Passenger Cars, Commercial Vehicles, Others), By Application (OEM, Replacement), By Region & Competition, 2020-2030F

Market Overview

Global Tire Cord Fabric market was valued at USD 5.75 Billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 8.23 Billion by 2030 with a CAGR of 6.15%. The global tire cord fabric market is a foundational segment of the tire manufacturing industry, supplying specialized high-strength reinforcement materials essential for tire performance, safety, and longevity. Produced from materials such as polyester, nylon, rayon, aramid, and steel, these fabrics are strategically embedded within the rubber matrix to deliver superior tensile strength, maintain structural stability under varying loads, and enhance reliability across diverse operating conditions.

Market dynamics are defined by two core pillars: the consistent, repeat-purchase demand from the replacement tire sector and the rapid advancement of material technologies in response to evolving regulatory standards, performance requirements, and sustainability objectives. This dual momentum is fostering a competitive landscape where manufacturers capable of delivering next-generation, high-modulus, and eco-conscious reinforcement solutions are positioned to secure long-term market leadership and capitalize on value-added growth opportunities.

Key Market Drivers

Expanding Automotive Production and Vehicle Parc

Expanding automotive production and the continuous growth of the global vehicle parc are among the most influential factors driving the growth of the global tire cord fabric market. As more vehicles are manufactured and remain in operation for longer periods, the demand for both original equipment (OE) and replacement tires rises proportionally, creating a sustained need for high-performance reinforcement materials like tire cord fabrics. In 2023, global passenger car production was recorded at approximately 93.5 million units, reflecting the sector’s sustained manufacturing momentum and its critical contribution to overall automotive industry output. The increasing production of passenger cars, SUVs, light trucks, and commercial vehicles particularly in emerging economies directly fuels tire demand. Countries such as China, India, Brazil, and ASEAN nations are witnessing rapid industrialization and urbanization, prompting higher consumer spending on personal mobility and boosting sales of new vehicles. Each new vehicle requires a set of tires reinforced with cord fabrics, making automotive manufacturing output a direct growth driver for the industry. The global vehicle parc the total number of vehicles in operation has been expanding steadily due to higher ownership rates, improved vehicle longevity, and growing economic prosperity. As vehicles stay on the road longer, the need for replacement tires increases at regular intervals, ensuring a recurring demand cycle for tire cord fabrics well beyond the initial manufacturing phase.

A larger and more varied vehicle fleet generates demand for a broad spectrum of tires, from standard passenger car radial tires to specialized heavy-duty truck and bus tires. Each of these tire categories relies on reinforcement fabrics such as polyester, nylon 66, and aramid tailored to their performance requirements, further widening market opportunities for tire cord fabric producers. An expanding vehicle parc also stimulates the aftermarket, where consumers often opt for premium or performance-oriented replacement tires offering better safety, durability, and fuel efficiency. These advanced tires require higher-grade reinforcement materials, boosting the value as well as the volume of tire cord fabric consumption. The dual impact of increasing new vehicle production and the sustained demand from a growing vehicle parc provides the tire cord fabric market with long-term stability. Even during economic slowdowns that affect new car sales, replacement tire demand remains resilient, ensuring a consistent revenue stream for manufacturers.

Increasing Replacement Tire Demand

Increasing replacement tire demand is a critical growth driver for the global tire cord fabric market, as it ensures a recurring and resilient revenue stream independent of fluctuations in new vehicle production. This demand stems from the inevitable wear and tear of tires during regular use, which necessitates periodic replacements to maintain vehicle safety, performance, and regulatory compliance. The global tire industry manufactures 3 billion new tires each year, while an estimated 800 million to 1 billion tires reach end-of-life annually. This production-to-disposal ratio underscores the vast scale of the global tire fleet currently in operation and the continuous replacement cycle sustaining market demand. With the global vehicle parc expanding steadily, the number of tires in active use continues to climb. Each of these tires has a finite service life, influenced by factors such as road conditions, climate, driving habits, and load-bearing requirements. As these tires reach the end of their usability, the replacement cycle kicks in, driving sustained demand for new tires and, consequently, the tire cord fabrics that reinforce them. In many regions, governments enforce strict safety regulations requiring tire replacements when tread depth falls below legal limits. For example, mandates from authorities like the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in the U.S. or European Union safety standards ensure that worn-out tires are replaced promptly. This regulatory framework guarantees a steady flow of replacement activity, directly supporting the tire cord fabric market.

The replacement market is not purely about restoring basic functionality. Many consumers choose replacement tires that offer enhanced durability, better fuel efficiency, improved wet and dry grip, and lower road noise compared to original equipment (OE) fitments. These performance upgrades often require advanced reinforcement materials, such as high-modulus low-shrink (HMLS) polyester, nylon 66, or aramid, thereby boosting the value and technical sophistication of tire cord fabrics in demand. In regions with distinct seasonal climates such as North America, Europe, and parts of East Asia seasonal tire changes (e.g., winter to summer tires) create additional replacement cycles. Similarly, in markets with harsh road conditions, heavy rainfall, or extreme temperatures, tire wear accelerates, shortening replacement intervals and further amplifying demand.

Unlike new vehicle sales, which are sensitive to macroeconomic conditions, replacement tire demand remains relatively stable even during economic downturns, as tire safety is non-negotiable. This stability provides tire cord fabric manufacturers with a reliable and counter-cyclical source of revenue. For logistics companies, public transportation services, and ride-hailing fleets, tire performance directly impacts operational costs and safety. Fleet operators often adhere to rigorous tire maintenance schedules, resulting in more frequent replacements and greater demand for durable reinforcement fabrics that extend tire life.

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Key Market Challenges

Volatile Raw Material Prices

Tire cord fabrics are primarily made from polyester, nylon, rayon, aramid, and steel cords, whose production depends on petrochemical derivatives or specialized fibers. Fluctuations in crude oil prices directly affect the cost of polyester and nylon, while aramid and rayon production costs are influenced by complex supply chains and specialty chemical pricing. Sudden spikes in raw material costs can compress profit margins for manufacturers, especially when tire makers are reluctant or slow to accept price increases. The high cost sensitivity of the tire industry means raw material volatility can disrupt production planning, hinder long-term contracts, and create competitive pricing pressures, particularly in price-sensitive markets.

Stringent Environmental Regulations

Environmental and sustainability mandates are becoming more rigorous worldwide, impacting both tire production and the materials used in tire cord fabrics. Regulations targeting volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions, microplastic pollution, and non-biodegradable waste are pressuring manufacturers to transition toward eco-friendly or bio-based reinforcement fibers. While these shifts present innovation opportunities, they also require significant investment in R&D, production reconfiguration, and certification processes. Smaller players may struggle to adapt, leading to market consolidation. Moreover, compliance with different environmental regulations across regions adds complexity and cost to global operations, slowing expansion in certain markets.

Key Market Trends

Rise of Sustainable and Bio-Based Reinforcement Materials

Sustainability is transitioning from a niche consideration to a core strategic priority in the tire industry. Tire cord fabric manufacturers are increasingly exploring bio-based and recycled fibers such as recycled PET (rPET), bio-polyesters derived from plant-based feedstocks, and other renewable fiber technologies to align with tire makers’ environmental goals. These materials reduce reliance on virgin petrochemical feedstocks and lower the overall carbon footprint of tire production. Furthermore, major automotive OEMs are demanding more sustainable components to meet their Scope 3 emissions targets, which is prompting tire manufacturers to partner with material suppliers on green innovation. This trend is not only reshaping the product portfolio of tire cord fabric manufacturers but also positioning eco-friendly solutions as a competitive differentiator in premium and OE markets.

Integration of Smart and Sensor-Enabled Tire Technologies

The future of tire cord fabrics is moving beyond structural reinforcement toward enabling advanced tire intelligence. The growing adoption of connected, sensor-embedded tires particularly in fleet, logistics, and performance vehicle applications is pushing manufacturers to design fabrics that can integrate with or support embedded electronics without compromising strength or flexibility. These smart tires monitor parameters such as pressure, temperature, load, and tread wear in real time, enhancing safety, efficiency, and predictive maintenance. As tire makers innovate in this space, tire cord fabrics may evolve to incorporate conductive fibers or hybrid materials capable of supporting data transmission, opening new high-value segments for the industry.

Segmental Insights

Vehicle Type Insights

Based on the category of Vehicle Type, the Passenger Cars segment emerged as the fastest growing in the market for Tire Cord Fabric in 2024. 55% of the global population resides in urban areas, a share projected to rise to 68% by 2050. According to newly released United Nations data, the combined impact of ongoing urban migration and overall population growth could add approximately 2.5 billion people to urban centers by mid-century, with nearly 90% of this expansion concentrated in Asia and Africa and infrastructure development are increasing the need for reliable daily transportation, while growing middle-class populations in Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and parts of Africa are boosting first-time car ownership. Simultaneously, in developed markets, the trend toward premium, luxury, and performance-oriented vehicles is accelerating the adoption of advanced reinforcement materials such as high-modulus polyester, nylon 66, and aramid for improved tire strength, stability, and longevity.

Sales are forecast to surpass 20 million units in 2025, marking an increase from the 17 million units projected for 2024, signaling a strong year-over-year growth trajectory and hybrid passenger vehicles is reshaping tire design requirements. These vehicles demand tires with lower rolling resistance, higher load-bearing capacity, and enhanced durability to support heavier battery systems and extended range, further increasing the need for specialized tire cord fabrics.

The aftermarket also plays a pivotal role in this growth trajectory. High vehicle parc levels worldwide, coupled with frequent tire replacements due to safety regulations and consumer emphasis on performance, ensure a steady flow of demand. As a result, the passenger cars segment is not only expanding rapidly but is also setting new benchmarks for product innovation, material performance, and sustainability within the global tire cord fabric industry. These factors contribute to the growth of this segment.

Material Insights

Based on the category of Material, the polyester segment emerged as the dominating segment in the market for Tire Cord Fabric in 2024. The key factors underpinning polyester’s dominance is its ability to deliver consistent performance under varying temperature and load conditions, which is crucial for ensuring tire durability and safety. Compared to alternatives such as nylon and rayon, polyester offers lower shrinkage, better adhesion with rubber compounds, and enhanced resistance to moisture and environmental degradation. These attributes make it highly suitable for radial tire construction, which constitutes the bulk of global tire production.

From a cost perspective, polyester’s relatively lower production expense and abundant raw material availability give it a competitive edge, enabling tire manufacturers to maintain profitability while meeting stringent performance and regulatory requirements. Its versatility also allows seamless application in a broad range of tires from economy models to premium and performance-oriented variants further widening its market share.

Moreover, ongoing advancements in high-modulus, low-shrink (HMLS) polyester grades are expanding its suitability for high-speed, heavy-load, and electric vehicle applications. This material innovation is reinforcing polyester’s relevance in a market increasingly focused on efficiency, durability, and sustainability.

Application Insights

Based on the category of Application, the Replacement segment emerged as the dominating segment in the market for Tire Cord Fabric in 2024. High vehicle ownership rates in developed economies, coupled with the rapid expansion of personal mobility in emerging markets, contribute significantly to replacement tire sales. As tires naturally wear out over time due to factors such as road conditions, driving habits, and climate, the need for durable, high-performance replacements remains constant. This recurring demand is further reinforced by regulatory frameworks in many countries that mandate minimum tread depths and tire safety standards, compelling timely replacements.

Consumer preferences also play a key role in the segment’s dominance. Vehicle owners often seek replacement tires that offer improved performance, fuel efficiency, and safety over the original fitment, driving demand for premium tires with advanced reinforcement materials like high-modulus polyester, nylon 66, and aramid-based fabrics. This, in turn, fuels the consumption of high-quality tire cord fabrics in the aftermarket.

The replacement segment benefits from its ability to cater to a diverse range of tire types covering passenger cars, light trucks, heavy commercial vehicles, and specialty vehicles allowing tire manufacturers to maintain steady production cycles and broaden their customer base. Seasonal demand patterns, such as winter tire replacements in colder regions, further contribute to the segment’s stability and growth.

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Regional Insights

North America emerged as the largest market in the global Tire Cord Fabric market in 2024, holding the largest market share in terms of value & volume. A significant factor contributing to North America’s dominance is the mature automotive aftermarket, characterized by high vehicle ownership rates and frequent tire replacement cycles, particularly for passenger cars, SUVs, and commercial vehicles. The region’s preference for premium and high-durability tires often requiring advanced reinforcement materials further amplifies the need for high-quality tire cord fabrics.

Stringent safety regulations and performance standards enforced by agencies such as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) drive continuous innovation and adoption of superior reinforcement materials. This is complemented by strong R&D investment from both tire manufacturers and raw material suppliers, enabling the integration of advanced fabrics like high-modulus polyester, nylon 66, and aramid into tire designs.

The region’s well-developed logistics infrastructure, stable raw material supply chains, and proximity to major end-user industries such as automotive, aerospace, and construction further enhance market stability and growth. Together, these factors position North America not only as the largest market but also as a trendsetter in technological advancements and performance standards in the global tire cord fabric industry.

Recent Developments

• In August 2024, Hyosung Advanced Materials Corp. and Kolon Industries Inc., South Korea’s leading tire cord manufacturers, are operating their production facilities at near full capacity to meet surging global demand. A persistent supply shortage is driving robust order volumes, positioning both companies for a strong business outlook as the market shows no indication of easing.
• In August 2023, Hailide New Material, a Chinese tire cord fabric producer serving major clients such as Michelin, Bridgestone, and Continental, plans to invest USD 52 million in establishing a new manufacturing facility in southern Vietnam. The move is aimed at mitigating potential disruptions from trade frictions while strengthening the company’s supply chain resilience and regional market presence.

Key Market Players

• Toray Hybrid Cord,Inc.
• Benninger AG
• Century Enka Limited
• Kolon Industries, Inc.
• SRF Ltd.
• Bekaert SA
• Hyosung Advanced Materials Corp.
• Cordenka GmbH & Co KG
• Madura Industrial Textiles Ltd.
• Junma Tyre Cord Company Limited

Report Scope:

In this report, the Global Tire Cord Fabric Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

• Tire Cord Fabric Market, By Material:

o   Nylon

o   Polyester

o   Rayon

o   Others

• Tire Cord Fabric Market, By Tire Type:

o   Radial

o   Bias

• Tire Cord Fabric Market, By Vehicle Type:

o   Passenger Cars

o   Commercial Vehicles

o   Others

• Tire Cord Fabric Market, By Application:

o   OEM

o   Replacement

• Tire Cord Fabric Market, By Region:

o   North America

§  United States

§  Canada

§  Mexico

o   Europe

§  France

§  United Kingdom

§  Italy

§  Germany

§  Spain

o   Asia-Pacific

§  China

§  India

§  Japan

§  Australia

§  South Korea

o   South America

§  Brazil

§  Argentina

§  Colombia

o   Middle East & Africa

§  South Africa

§  Saudi Arabia

§  UAE

Competitive Landscape

Company Profiles: Detailed analysis of the major companies present in the Global Tire Cord Fabric Market.

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Global Tire Cord Fabric 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

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