Saudi Arabia Tire Market Outlook to 2030

Saudi Arabia Tire Market Overview

The Saudi Arabia tire market is valued at USD 537 million, reflecting its pivotal role in the nation's growing automotive sector. The market is largely driven by a rapidly increasing vehicle population, particularly in metropolitan areas, which has fueled demand for high-performance and durable tires. Additionally, the government's focus on improving road infrastructure and transportation networks has led to significant growth in tire demand for commercial vehicles. This expansion of road transport services, combined with rising consumer preferences for quality tires, has underpinned the markets growth.

Riyadh and Jeddah are the dominant cities in the Saudi Arabia tire market, with Riyadh being the capital and a central hub for commerce and logistics, while Jeddah serves as a key port city facilitating trade. The dominance of these cities is further bolstered by their high population density, increased vehicle usage, and superior infrastructure, which drive substantial tire sales. Furthermore, both cities are major contributors to the country's economic activity, making them significant centers of tire consumption.Fuel Efficiency and Carbon Emission Standards Saudi Arabia has implemented strict fuel efficiency and carbon emission standards that directly affect tire manufacturers. The Saudi Energy Efficiency Center (SEEC) enforces regulations requiring tires to meet certain rolling resistance criteria to reduce fuel consumption. In 2023, the government mandated that all new vehicles must meet specific carbon emission standards, which led to a rise in demand for energy-efficient tires that comply with these regulations.

Saudi Arabia Tire Market Segmentation

The Saudi Arabia tire market is segmented by tire type and by vehicle type.

• By Tire Type: The Saudi Arabia tire market is segmented by tire type into radial tires and bias tires. Radial tires dominate the market, accounting for over 65% of the market share in 2023. This dominance is attributed to their superior durability, better fuel efficiency, and enhanced performance compared to bias tires, making them the preferred choice for both passenger vehicles and commercial fleets. With an increasing focus on fuel efficiency and comfort, the demand for radial tires continues to grow across Saudi Arabia's urban and rural areas.
• By Vehicle Type: The Saudi Arabia tire market is also segmented by vehicle type into passenger cars, commercial vehicles, two-wheelers, and off-the-road (OTR) vehicles. Passenger cars lead the market with a share of 50% in 2023, driven by the increasing ownership of personal vehicles in urban regions like Riyadh and Jeddah. The rising affluence among Saudi consumers, combined with a growing interest in high-performance and luxury vehicles, has led to a substantial demand for premium tires in this segment. The commercial vehicle segment is also gaining traction, fueled by expanding logistics and transportation services.

Saudi Arabia Tire Market Competitive Landscape

The Saudi Arabia tire market is dominated by a mix of international and regional players, each bringing unique technological advancements and distribution networks. The competitive landscape is shaped by the increasing consumer demand for high-quality tires, the emergence of eco-friendly tire technologies, and the growing number of vehicle registrations in the country. The Saudi Arabia tire market is highly competitive, with global giants like Bridgestone and Michelin leading the market alongside regional players. These companies compete on the basis of technological innovation, extensive distribution networks, and strong brand recognition. Their dominance is further strengthened by the increasing demand for premium tires and advanced tire technologies, such as smart tires and energy-efficient tires, which cater to the evolving consumer preferences in Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Arabia Tire Market Analysis

Growth Drivers

• Rising Automotive Industry, The Saudi Arabian automotive industry has seen steady growth due to increasing domestic demand for vehicles. In 2023, Saudi Arabia imported 543,000 new vehicles, driven by rising per capita income and government initiatives to diversify the economy under Vision 2030. This growth has directly fueled the tire market, as vehicle sales spur tire replacements and aftermarket services. The Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources has reported increased investments in the automotive sector, leading to a greater need for high-quality tires, particularly in urban regions like Riyadh and Jeddah.
• Expanding Transportation and Logistics Sectors Saudi Arabias logistics and transportation sectors have witnessed significant growth, with the countrys strategic location acting as a hub for regional trade. In 2023, the logistics sector's value reached $36 billion, as reported by the Saudi Ministry of Transport and Logistic Services. The increase in freight traffic and commercial vehicle usage has driven the demand for durable tires, especially for trucks and heavy-duty vehicles. As Saudi Arabia continues its infrastructure development under Vision 2030, the tire market is expected to see increased demand across both commercial and consumer segments.
• Increasing Vehicle Parc Saudi Arabia's vehicle parc, which refers to the total number of vehicles in use, stood at over 11 million units in 2023, as per the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT). The aging vehicle fleet necessitates tire replacements, creating a consistent demand for both new and replacement tires. This growing vehicle base is bolstered by the increasing urbanization rate, which reached 84% in 2023, according to the United Nations data, further driving tire consumption in both passenger and commercial vehicle categories.

Market Challenges

• Fluctuating Raw Material Prices Raw materials like rubber and synthetic polymers are essential for tire production. However, their prices have been volatile due to global supply chain disruptions. In 2023, the price of natural rubber increased by 15% from 2022, driven by reduced exports from key suppliers like Thailand and Indonesia, as reported by the International Rubber Study Group (IRSG). This fluctuation affects tire manufacturing costs, making it challenging for manufacturers in Saudi Arabia to maintain stable pricing while preserving profit margins.
• Stringent Environmental Regulations: The Saudi government has implemented stricter environmental regulations to reduce carbon emissions, which affect the tire industry. The National Environmental Strategy mandates that tire manufacturing must adhere to eco-friendly practices, limiting the use of certain raw materials and promoting recycling. By 2023, the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture reported that compliance costs for tire manufacturers had risen by 8%, impacting production efficiency. These regulations also promote the use of retreaded and recycled tires, placing additional pressure on traditional tire manufacturers.

Saudi Arabia Tire Market Future Outlook

Over the next five years, the Saudi Arabia tire market is expected to witness considerable growth. This expansion will be driven by several key factors, including the government's continued investments in infrastructure development, the rise of electric vehicles (EVs), and growing consumer demand for eco-friendly and durable tire solutions. Additionally, technological advancements in tire manufacturing and the increased focus on sustainability are set to fuel further market growth. Tire manufacturers will likely invest heavily in research and development to cater to the evolving needs of Saudi consumers, particularly in urban regions where vehicle ownership is on the rise.

Market Opportunities

• Advancements in Tire Technology (Smart Tires, Run-flat Tires): Technological innovations such as smart tires and run-flat tires are gaining momentum in Saudi Arabia, especially among premium vehicle owners. In 2023, approximately 50,000 smart tires were sold in the country, equipped with sensors that monitor tire pressure, wear, and temperature, improving safety and performance. The Saudi market is seeing a rising demand for these advanced products, particularly in urban areas, where drivers value safety and convenience. The Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources expects a 5% increase in technological adoption by tire manufacturers.
• Increasing Investments in Tire Recycling Programs In 2023, Saudi Arabia launched several tire recycling initiatives under the Saudi Green Initiative, aimed at reducing environmental waste and promoting circular economy practices. The National Recycling Center announced that over 2 million tires were recycled in 2023, contributing to sustainable tire disposal and raw material recovery. These programs are supported by government funding and private sector investments, providing opportunities for tire manufacturers to collaborate with recycling companies and introduce eco-friendly products into the market.