Tire Cord Fabrics Market By Material Type (Polyester, Nylon 6, Nylon 6,6, Rayon, Aramid, Others); By Tire Type (Radial, Bias); By Vehicle Type (Passenger Cars, LCVs, HCVs, OTR Vehicles, Two-Wheelers); By End Use (OEM, Aftermarket); By Geography, Segment Revenue Estimation, Forecast, 2024–2030

Introduction And Strategic Context

The Global Tire Cord Fabrics Market will witness a robust CAGR of 5.8%, valued at approximately $5.1 billion in 2024, and is expected to appreciate and reach $7.6 billion by 2030, confirms Strategic Market Research. Tire cord fabrics are critical reinforcement materials used in tires to provide dimensional stability, shape retention, and resistance to high-impact stresses. These fabrics serve as the backbone of modern tires, ensuring performance, durability, and safety across a wide range of vehicle categories—from passenger cars to heavy-duty trucks and industrial machinery.

 

The strategic relevance of the tire cord fabrics market in the 2024–2030 window is anchored in the convergence of several macroeconomic and industrial forces. As global vehicle production regains momentum post-pandemic disruptions, demand for advanced, fuel-efficient, and durable tires is surging. In parallel, government mandates around fuel economy, carbon emissions, and road safety are catalyzing innovation in tire engineering. This is pushing OEMs and Tier-1 suppliers to source tire cord materials that offer superior strength-to-weight ratios and compatibility with next-gen rubber composites.

 

The rise of electric vehicles (EVs) is also significantly altering tire performance demands. EVs, due to their higher weight and torque, require tires with stronger reinforcement materials to ensure wear resistance and noise damping, thereby making tire cord fabrics strategically essential in this decade. Furthermore, the aftermarket for tires in fast-growing economies like India, Brazil, and Vietnam continues to expand as vehicle ownership rises and infrastructure spending accelerates.

 

On the industrial front, advancements in high-tenacity polyester, nylon 6 ,6 , rayon, and aramid fiber production are giving rise to next-generation tire cord fabrics with enhanced thermal and mechanical stability. This is enabling tire manufacturers to push the boundaries of product lifecycle, tread uniformity, and high-speed performance. Sustainability concerns are also nudging the market toward bio-based and recyclable fiber technologies—marking a potential inflection point for long-term innovation cycles.

 

Key stakeholders driving the dynamics of this market include:

• Tire manufacturers (OEM and aftermarket suppliers)

• Automotive OEMs

• Textile producers and synthetic fiber manufacturers

• Raw material suppliers (e.g., caprolactam, terephthalic acid producers)

• Government regulators and environmental agencies

• Investors and PE firms focused on green mobility and automotive value chains

Geopolitically, production hubs in Asia Pacific —notably China, South Korea, India, and Indonesia—continue to dominate due to raw material availability, cost-effective manufacturing, and proximity to large tire plants. Meanwhile, Europe and North America are pushing for domestic supply chain resilience due to trade tensions and raw material dependency concerns.

In summary, the tire cord fabrics market is not only foundational to the automotive sector but is becoming an arena for advanced materials engineering, geopolitical supply chain strategies, and green technology innovation.

 

Market Segmentation And Forecast Scope

The global tire cord fabrics market is segmented across multiple dimensions that reflect its technical diversity and downstream industrial use. For the forecast period 2024–2030, Strategic Market Research has identified the following core segmentation logic:

By Material Type

• Polyester

• Nylon 6

• Nylon 6,6

• Rayon

• Aramid

• Others (e.g., hybrid and composite cords)

Polyester held the largest market share in 2024, accounting for approximately 38% of total revenue. This dominance is due to its cost-efficiency, mechanical strength, and compatibility with radial tire architectures. However, aramid is projected to be the fastest-growing segment through 2030, driven by its superior heat resistance and strength-to-weight ratio, which are critical for high-performance and EV tires.

Rayon and nylon 6 ,6 continue to be favored in high-load or high-temperature applications, such as truck and aviation tires, where dimensional stability and thermal endurance are crucial.

 

By Tire Type

• Radial Tires

• Bias Tires

Radial tires represent the overwhelming majority share due to their improved fuel economy, ride comfort, and tread wear characteristics. This segment will continue to dominate, especially with increased EV penetration, as radial designs better handle electric motor torque. In contrast, bias tires still find niche applications in agriculture, construction, and off-road vehicles, particularly in emerging economies.

 

By Vehicle Type

• Passenger Cars

• Light Commercial Vehicles (LCVs)

• Heavy Commercial Vehicles (HCVs)

• Off-the-Road (OTR) Vehicles

• Two-Wheelers

Passenger cars led the segment in 2024, contributing over 45% of the global revenue. However, heavy commercial vehicles and off-the-road vehicles are forecast to grow significantly due to increasing logistics demands and mining/agricultural activities in developing nations. Tire cord fabrics in these applications require high-performance reinforcement solutions that withstand heavy loads and tough terrains.

 

By End Use

• OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer)

• Aftermarket/Replacement

The aftermarket segment dominates in volume, but OEM usage is expected to grow faster, driven by tighter OEM design specifications, especially in EVs and premium vehicles that demand high-performance tire materials integrated into first-fit tires.

 

By Region

• North America

• Europe

• Asia Pacific

• Latin America

• Middle East & Africa (MEA)

Asia Pacific is the largest and fastest-growing regional market, contributing well over 50% of the total market share in 2024, owing to extensive tire manufacturing bases, domestic vehicle demand, and low-cost textile processing hubs. Within the region, China, India, and Indonesia represent high-growth zones, supported by OEM expansions and government-backed mobility programs.

This segmentation framework sets the foundation for analyzing innovation dynamics, competitive intensity, and investment pockets in the next sections.

 

Market Trends And Innovation Landscape

The tire cord fabrics market is undergoing a wave of transformation, fueled by technological advances, performance demands in new-age vehicles, and sustainability mandates from regulators and OEMs. From material science to digital manufacturing integration, the innovation landscape is broadening the strategic horizons of the industry.

Rise of High-Performance Fibers

Modern tire design increasingly demands reinforcement fabrics that deliver optimal strength-to-weight ratios, fatigue resistance, and thermal endurance . As a result, aramid and high-tenacity polyester cords are gaining traction—especially in EVs, racing tires, and aviation applications. While polyester and nylon remain dominant due to cost-performance balance, R&D investments in bio-based nylon 610 and recycled PET ( rPET ) fibers are shaping the next chapter of sustainable tire cords.

“We’re seeing a growing shift toward composite fabrics that combine different fiber chemistries, like aramid-polyester blends, to achieve multi-property performance in extreme conditions,” notes a materials science lead from a South Korean automotive supplier.

 

Digitization and Smart Production

The manufacturing side of the industry is embracing automation, AI-based quality control, and digital twin modeling to improve yarn consistency, reduce waste, and accelerate product development. Real-time tension monitoring and automated looms embedded with edge computing sensors are reducing production anomalies, especially for high-precision radial cords.

Companies are also experimenting with additive manufacturing for mold optimization, enabling faster prototyping of custom tread designs that integrate tire cord placement with precise stress-distribution models.

 

Eco-Conscious Innovation

Sustainability is no longer optional. Leading tire and textile companies are deploying closed-loop recycling systems, reducing water usage in fiber production, and integrating plant-based polymers to meet environmental goals. Rayon cords derived from sustainably sourced wood pulp and sugarcane-based bio-nylon fibers are entering pilot phases in select regions.

Major brands are also aligning with green tire initiatives, wherein all tire components—including cord fabrics—must be recyclable, non-toxic, and low-emission. This is setting new benchmarks for lifecycle innovation in an industry traditionally slow to pivot on environmental grounds.

 

Collaborative Innovation Ecosystems

The competitive landscape is seeing increasing collaboration between fiber manufacturers, tire OEMs, and research institutes . For instance, joint R&D programs in Japan and Germany are working on next-generation nanofiber-reinforced cords using graphene and carbon nanotube technologies to enhance both mechanical and electrical conductivity properties—key for smart tire applications.

 

Recent Innovations & Pipeline Highlights

• Development of heat-resistant tire cords for ultra-high-performance tires in Europe

• Expansion of recyclable tire cord production lines in Southeast Asia

• Patent filings for hybrid fiber twisting techniques that improve fatigue life

• Introduction of AI-based defect detection platforms integrated into tire cord looms

Industry analysts predict that by 2030, over 25% of tire cord fabrics used in premium vehicles will be made from either bio-based or hybrid composite fibers, transforming the current supply-demand equation.

 

Competitive Intelligence And Benchmarking

The tire cord fabrics market is moderately consolidated, characterized by the presence of a handful of global giants and a growing network of regional specialists. These players differentiate through proprietary fiber technology, supply chain scale, customer proximity, and increasingly, sustainability credentials.

Below are key companies actively shaping the competitive terrain:

1. Kolon Industries Inc.

A leading South Korean player, Kolon Industries is known for its advanced nylon and polyester tire cords and longstanding partnerships with global tire OEMs. The company operates manufacturing units across Asia and North America, giving it a strategically diversified footprint. It has also been active in green material innovation, exploring bio-based alternatives for nylon 6 ,6 .

Kolon’s vertical integration from polymerization to finished cords provides cost control and process agility in responding to custom OEM requirements.

 

2. Hyosung Advanced Materials

Another South Korean powerhouse, Hyosung dominates the global polyester tire cord market and is rapidly advancing its aramid fiber division, targeting the performance and defense sectors. With plants in Vietnam, India, and China, the company benefits from geographic cost arbitrage and access to high-growth end markets.

It has also launched several smart factory initiatives to enhance process efficiency and real-time defect detection. Hyosung is a key supplier for global tire brands transitioning toward EV-specific radial tires.

 

3. Kordsa Teknik Tekstil A.S.

Based in Turkey, Kordsa is a well-recognized name in both nylon and polyester tire cord fabrics, with growing activities in composite reinforcements and sustainable cord technologies. The company’s U.S. and Asian acquisitions have enabled it to serve regional OEMs while also establishing R&D centers focused on fiber innovation.

Kordsa’s academic partnerships and investment in recyclable composite cords position it as a forward-looking competitor.

 

4. SRF Limited

India’s SRF Limited is a key exporter of nylon and polyester tire cords, with a strong manufacturing base and expansion ambitions across Thailand and Europe. The company caters primarily to the aftermarket and mid-tier OEMs, focusing on cost-effectiveness and reliable delivery schedules.

SRF is also developing closed-loop recycling capabilities in nylon-based tire fabrics, targeting sustainability-conscious customers in Europe.

 

5. Teijin Limited

Japan’s Teijin is a specialist in aramid and high-performance fiber solutions, supplying premium-grade tire cords for aerospace, racing, and electric vehicles. While not a high-volume producer in traditional segments, Teijin holds technological superiority in aramid hybrid cords and smart fiber integrations.

Its development of heat-dissipating cords for EV tires reflects its niche leadership in innovation-driven markets.

 

6. Zhejiang Hailide New Material Co., Ltd.

A rising Chinese contender, Zhejiang Hailide has rapidly expanded its capacity in polyester and nylon tire cord fabrics, serving domestic and Southeast Asian OEMs. While its market share is regional, the company is investing in low-VOC coating technology and automation to meet export quality benchmarks.

 

7. Century Enka Limited

Headquartered in India, Century Enka is a major nylon tire cord producer with decades of supply relationships across Asia and the Middle East. The company’s focus is on value-tier and replacement market applications, with efforts underway to diversify into composite cords for non-automotive use.

Strategically, the most competitive players in this space combine scale, fiber innovation, and regional flexibility. Those embracing digitization and sustainability are carving out long-term defensibility as tire OEMs adopt stricter material compliance standards.

 

Regional Landscape And Adoption Outlook

The tire cord fabrics market exhibits sharp regional contrasts, driven by variations in automotive manufacturing density, raw material availability, and government regulations. While Asia Pacific dominates in terms of volume and cost leadership, regions like Europe and North America are steering high-performance and eco-conscious innovations.

 

Asia Pacific: Global Epicenter of Volume and Capacity

Accounting for more than 50% of global revenue in 2024, Asia Pacific is the undisputed leader in tire cord fabric production and consumption. Countries like China, India, Indonesia, South Korea, and Thailand are home to vertically integrated supply chains, cost-effective labor, and high domestic vehicle demand.

• China remains the global hub for tire manufacturing, both for domestic consumption and export. Its local supply of caprolactam and PTA (key raw materials for nylon and polyester) enhances its cost advantage.

• India is emerging as a global export base for nylon and rayon cords due to rising FDI in automotive and infrastructure sectors.

• Vietnam and Thailand are strategically important for Japanese and Korean OEMs seeking regional balance and tariff-free exports under ASEAN pacts.

However, these regions are increasingly facing environmental scrutiny, pushing governments and manufacturers to shift toward cleaner production practices, including water recycling, waste management, and carbon reporting.

 

Europe: Premium Focus and Regulatory Pressure

In Europe, the market is skewed toward high-performance and sustainable solutions . OEMs and tire manufacturers are investing in bio-based fibers, closed-loop systems, and eco-labeled tire products, aligned with EU Green Deal objectives.

• Germany leads in R&D for composite cords and performance tires, supporting both passenger and industrial vehicle segments.

• France and Italy are witnessing increased demand for EV-specific tire cords, driven by electrification mandates and local innovation funds.

• Eastern European countries like Poland and Romania are becoming outsourcing hubs for Western tire companies, offering skilled labor with lower costs.

The tight regulatory environment means suppliers must meet REACH and ECHA standards, prompting more collaborative material development with academic institutes.

 

North America: Demand Driven by EV and Retreading Markets

The North American market, led by the United States, is recovering from supply chain disruptions with a renewed focus on domestic sourcing and EV-aligned material requirements . While the region imports a significant portion of polyester and nylon tire cords, initiatives under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and CHIPS Act are indirectly boosting local manufacturing sentiment.

• EV adoption is driving demand for aramid and hybrid cords that offer low rolling resistance and noise reduction.

• The retreading industry, particularly in the commercial truck segment, is revitalizing demand for durable and recyclable cord fabrics.

Mexico and Canada are crucial nodes in the regional network, offering both supply and assembly capabilities under USMCA trade advantages.

 

Latin America: Underserved Potential

Countries like Brazil and Argentina hold promise due to rising middle-class car ownership and growing commercial fleets. However, the region suffers from limited domestic production of tire cords and is reliant on imports, mostly from Asia. Local tire makers are demanding cost-effective yet durable cords suited for rugged terrains and diverse climate conditions.

• Growth in agriculture and mining is also driving up demand for OTR vehicle tires, which require heavy-duty reinforcement materials.

 

Middle East & Africa: Fragmented

This region remains underserved but is witnessing gradual uptake, especially in GCC nations with expanding automotive distribution networks. South Africa is the leading market in Sub-Saharan Africa, supported by local assembly plants and moderate tire manufacturing activity.

• Infrastructure development projects in the UAE and Saudi Arabia are driving tire demand across both commercial and industrial segments.

• However, local production of tire cord fabrics is almost nonexistent, making imports essential and posing logistics and tariff challenges.

Overall, the global regional dynamic is one of volume dominance in Asia, innovation leadership in Europe, and transformation opportunities in North America and emerging markets.

 

End-User Dynamics And Use Case

End users of tire cord fabrics fall primarily into two categories: OEM tire manufacturers and aftermarket tire retreaders /replacers . Each segment has unique performance requirements, procurement strategies, and levels of technological sophistication that directly shape the demand for various cord materials.

OEM Segment: Precision, Consistency, and Performance

Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), including global tire giants like Michelin, Bridgestone, Goodyear, and Continental, represent the most technically demanding tier of end users. They require:

• High dimensional stability to maintain uniform tire geometry

• Fatigue resistance for longer tread life and higher safety margins

• Compatibility with evolving tire architectures (especially radial and EV-focused designs)

OEMs typically co-develop tire cord specifications with fabric manufacturers during new vehicle platform rollouts. Increasingly, this includes mandates around carbon footprint reporting, VOC emission compliance, and smart tire integration, where cords may serve as carriers for embedded sensors.

 

With the surge in electric vehicles, OEMs are revising their specifications to demand:

• Low rolling resistance cords to enhance EV range

• Noise-dampening cords to improve cabin comfort

• Lightweight reinforcements to offset battery weight

 

Aftermarket and Retreading Segment: Cost Efficiency and Durability

The aftermarket—particularly prominent in commercial vehicles, buses, and OTR equipment —demands high durability at a lower price point. Tire cords used in this segment must retain tensile strength and flexibility under repeated remolding and retreading conditions.

 

Retreading operators often prefer nylon or polyester fabrics that offer a balance between fatigue life and price competitiveness. This segment is especially strong in Latin America, India, and parts of Africa where retreaded tires represent up to 40% of the on-road vehicle base.

 

Industrial and Specialty Vehicle Users

Other end users include manufacturers of:

• Agricultural tires requiring impact-resistant cords

• Mining and OTR tires demanding ultra-high-strength reinforcements

• Aerospace tires, where only specialized aramid or composite cords are used for takeoff/landing shock resistance

 

Use Case: EV Tire Development in South Korea

A leading South Korean tire manufacturer partnered with a domestic cord supplier to develop a custom polyester-aramid hybrid cord for its next-gen EV tires. The goal was to achieve low rolling resistance without compromising high-speed stability. Through 8 months of iterative prototyping and track testing, the team achieved a 12% reduction in rolling resistance and extended the tire lifespan by 18%—a critical differentiator in the competitive EV segment.

This use case highlights the strategic alignment between tire cord innovation and OEM-led EV development, reflecting the broader shift toward integrated, sustainable material sourcing in the mobility sector.

 

Recent Developments + Opportunities & Restraints

Recent Developments (Last 2 Years)

• Hyosung Advanced Materials launched a new line of ultra-low rolling resistance tire cords specifically for electric vehicles, improving energy efficiency and ride stability.

• Kordsa opened a new R&D center in Turkey focused on sustainable composite reinforcements, aiming to reduce tire weight while enhancing durability.

• Kolon Industries announced successful trials of a bio-based nylon tire cord using castor oil derivatives, moving toward commercial scale in 2025.

• SRF Limited expanded its manufacturing facility in Thailand to serve regional demand and reduce export lead times to Europe and Southeast Asia.

• Teijin Limited filed a patent for a heat-resistant aramid cord designed for high-speed performance tires in EVs and aircraft.

 

Opportunities

• EV-Specific Tire Demand: Electric vehicles place unique demands on tires, particularly around rolling resistance, torque absorption, and thermal control—creating fresh demand for advanced tire cord fabrics.

• Sustainability and Recycling Push: OEMs and regulators are increasingly requiring tire components, including cords, to meet end-of-life recycling targets and low-VOC certifications.

• Growth in Emerging Economies: As vehicle ownership rises in India, Brazil, Indonesia, and sub-Saharan Africa, the demand for cost-effective and durable cords—especially in the replacement market—is expanding.

 

Restraints

• High Raw Material Volatility: Prices of key raw materials like caprolactam , PTA, and aramid feedstocks are highly volatile, influenced by petrochemical cycles and geopolitical factors.

• Capital-Intensive Production: Tire cord manufacturing requires specialized looms, coating lines, and quality control infrastructure, making entry barriers high for new players and restricting flexibility in capacity expansion.

 

7.1. Report Coverage Table

Report Attribute	Details
Forecast Period	2024 – 2030
Market Size Value in 2024	USD 5.1 Billion
Revenue Forecast in 2030	USD 7.6 Billion
Overall Growth Rate	CAGR of 5.8% (2024 – 2030)
Base Year for Estimation	2024
Historical Data	2019 – 2023
Unit	USD Million, CAGR (2024 – 2030)
Segmentation	By Material Type, Tire Type, Vehicle Type, End Use, Region
By Material Type	Polyester, Nylon 6, Nylon 6,6, Rayon, Aramid, Others
By Tire Type	Radial, Bias
By Vehicle Type	Passenger Cars, LCVs, HCVs, OTR Vehicles, Two-Wheelers
By End Use	OEM, Aftermarket
By Region	North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East & Africa
Country Scope	U.S., Germany, China, India, Japan, Brazil, South Africa, etc.
Market Drivers	Rising EV adoption, Sustainable materials push, Growth in commercial transport
Customization Option	Available upon request