New Legislation to Support Ohio Tire Producers

U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) introduced his Retreaded Truck Tire Jobs, Supply Chain Security and Sustainability Act, new legislation to support tire producers and workers in Ohio, lowering tire costs and allowing Ohio workers to better compete with Chinese imports. The legislation will create good paying jobs, promote economic development, and strengthen the domestic supply chain by providing a tax credit to lower the cost of retreading tires.

“This tax credit will make it more affordable for American consumers, truckers, and businesses to buy American retreaded tires, and allow Ohio companies and workers to better compete with shoddy imports from China,” said Brown. “This will mean more cars and trucks driving on American roads with American tires, made and retreaded by American workers.”

Retreading is a manufacturing process that replaces the tread on worn tires to help extend the life of the tire. According to a 2023 report, the industry employs over 51,000 workers and supports more than 268,000 jobs across the broader $28.4 billion U.S. tire industry. However, the number of tire retreading facilities in the U.S. has dropped from over 3,000 in 1982 to an estimated 500 in 2023. The growth of lower-quality, cheap import tires from countries like China is accelerating this trend and increasing the likelihood of further plant closure. These low-quality imported tires are often unsuitable for retreading and discarded after a single use. The 2023 report found that for every new premium tire sold in the U.S., 1.1 retreads are produced, but for the imported tires, less than 0.4 retreads are produced.

The Retreaded Truck Tire Jobs, Supply Chain Security and Sustainability Act is supported by a wide range of auto industry leaders and manufacturers, as well as labor leaders. Brown hosted a news conference call today with John Rizzo, Vice President of the Akron-Canton Advocacy Alliance, and Johnny McIntosh, Senior Director of Commercial Services and Retreads at The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, to discuss the legislation.

“This legislation would have positive implications on our national economy, sustainability goals, and help position American companies for success. While the bill would have national impact, Greater Akron and its companies would directly benefit, making it good for our local communities. We applaud the efforts of Senator Brown and Congresswoman Sykes for working to pass this critically important legislation,” said John Rizzo, Vice President of the Akron-Canton Advocacy Alliance.

“Bridgestone supports the legislation as it addresses jobs, sustainability, and a more robust domestic supply chain. Increased demand for U.S.-manufactured retreaded tires will create local jobs, reduce costs for tire customers, save energy, reduce material consumption and waste, and reduce dependence on tires imported from overseas. Senator Brown has been a leader on this issue, and we thank him for his ongoing efforts,” said Paolo Ferrari, CEO of Bridgestone Americas, Inc. and Global Co-COO of Bridgestone Corporation.

“When I worked at Goodyear, retreaded tires were a big thing.  The trucking companies loved them, the retreading shops were local, and there was less waste. Truck tire retreading has dropped off the radar compared to where it was 25 or 30 years ago, and the reason is cheap tires from China and elsewhere in Southeast Asia have flooded the market.  You can’t retread those tires because they are made so poorly. I’ve been a member of the United Steelworkers union for years, and we’ve protested tire dumping at every turn.  Senator Brown has been with us every step of the way with those cases.  Most recently, the USW filed a dumping petition related to tires made in Thailand.  Truck and bus tire imports from Thailand, fueled by Chinese investments, have surged over the last few years. We applaud Senator Brown for continuing to promote – and protect – the domestic tire industry,” said Dave Prentice, Executive Secretary-Treasurer & of Tri-County Regional Labor Council.

“Retreading commercial tires provides not only a sustainable option for commercial fleets but also helps lower the operating costs for their business. Goodyear supports this legislation proposed by Senator Brown and the benefits it provides by incentivizing fleet customers to choose new tires that can be retreaded,” said Johnny McIntosh, Senior Director of Commercial Services and Retreads at The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company.

Source: Sherrod Brown