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India’s Rise vs. Thailand’s Reign: Who’s the Real Global Tire Export Leader?

India’s Rise: A True Challenge or Just a Tremor? Comparing Thai Tire Exports to Crown the Real Global Leader

In today’s fast-paced trade arena, the war drums from India are beating louder in the global tire industry. With impressive growth figures, many are left wondering: is the throne of Thailand, a long-standing titan of high-quality tire manufacturing and export, beginning to wobble?

Today, Finixx is diving deep into the data, breaking down the numbers to determine who the real global player is right now between the “seasoned champion,” Thailand, and the “rising challenger,” India.

The Challenger: India, a Rising Star with Massive Momentum

Let’s be clear: India is no longer an underdog but a formidable competitor. Data from the European Rubber Journal reveals its staggering potential:

  • Premier League Growth: The Indian tire industry is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11-12% over the next decade.
  • A Cushioned Domestic Market: As the world’s fourth-largest domestic market, India’s industry has a robust buffer against global economic volatility.
  • Extraordinary Export Power: In the last fiscal year, exports grew by 9% to reach $2.9 billion, with the US and Europe as key markets, shipping to over 170 countries.
  • Niche Market Mastery: India excels in specialized segments, with OTR (Off-the-Road) and agricultural tires accounting for nearly 60% of its total export value.

Simply put, India is armed with powerful momentum, leveraging both domestic demand and an aggressive export strategy to capture global market share.

The Champion: Thailand, Dominating the Market with Undeniable Numbers

So, what about Thailand? While India is busy writing its growth story, Thailand holds the “hard numbers” that prove its current position is too strong to overlook.

  • Number One in the Biggest Market: The latest report from Frico Tyre for Q1 2025 clearly states that Thailand is the #1 tire exporter to the United States.
  • Leaving the Competition in the Dust: In the passenger car tire segment alone, Thailand exported a massive 11.08 million units to the US in a single quarter, leaving second-place Mexico far behind at 5.55 million units.
  • The True Market Owner: Data from Kasikorn Research Center confirms that in 2024, Thailand held a 26% share of the US imported tire market. Winning the hearts and minds of consumers in such a quality- and safety-conscious market is no accident.
  • Stable and Valuable Market Growth: TechSci Research values the Thai tire market at over $3.51 billion, with forecasts predicting it will reach $5.04 billion by 2030.

These figures don’t just say Thailand “was” great; they scream that it “is” still a dominant force, especially in a critical market that reflects global quality acceptance.

Conclusion: Thai Radial Quality Still Leads… with Trust

Returning to the question, “Is the quality of Thai radial tires still superior?” The answer isn’t found in a lab but in market acceptance.

The fact that “Made in Thailand” tires consistently hold the top spot in the US market is the ultimate testament to the trust consumers place in their manufacturing quality, performance, and safety. This is a direct result of being a long-term production hub for leading global brands and having access to premium natural rubber.

While India is rapidly closing the gap in technology and quality, the one thing that takes time to build is widespread brand equity and consumer confidence.

So, this fight isn’t over. India is a fearsome challenger that will undoubtedly reshape the industry landscape. But for now, the championship belt—especially in the crucial US arena—remains firmly with Thailand, supported by hard evidence that speaks louder than any hype.

References:

  1. “India tire industry set for double-digit growth over next decade”. (2025). European Rubber Journal.
  2. “2025 Q1 Tyre Market: Thailand and Cambodia’s Rising Importance”. (2025, July 22). Frico Tyre.
  3. “ส่งออกยางรถยนต์ไทยไปสหรัฐฯ โตได้ แม้เจอ Trump 2.0” [Thai car tire exports to the US can grow, even with Trump 2.0]. (2025, February 24). Kasikorn Research Center.
  4. “Thailand Tire Market Size, Share and Forecast | Report 2030”. (2024). TechSci Research.
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