Steel Cord for Semi-Steel Radial Tires Market latest Statistics on Market Size, Growth, Production, Sales Volume, Sales Price, Market Share and Import vs Export 

Steel Cord for Semi-Steel Radial Tires Market — Summary Highlights 

The Steel Cord for Semi-Steel Radial Tires Market is entering a structurally stronger growth phase during 2025–2030, driven by rising demand for cost-optimized radial tires, expanding passenger vehicle production in emerging economies, and increasing adoption of semi-steel radial tires in entry- and mid-segment vehicles. Semi-steel radial tires continue to balance performance, durability, and affordability, making them a preferred choice in high-volume automotive markets. 

From a material perspective, steel cord remains a critical reinforcement component, directly influencing tire strength, rolling resistance, fatigue life, and overall lifecycle cost. Improvements in brass-coated steel cord designs, filament tensile strength, and corrosion resistance are enhancing the value proposition of steel cord in semi-steel radial tires. The Steel Cord for Semi-Steel Radial Tires Market Size is projected to expand steadily, supported by higher vehicle parc growth, replacement tire demand, and localization of tire manufacturing capacity across Asia-Pacific and selected regions in Latin America and Africa. 

Steel Cord for Semi-Steel Radial Tires Market — Statistical Summary  

• The Steel Cord for Semi-Steel Radial Tires Market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of approximately 6.8% during 2025–2030. 

• Asia-Pacific accounts for nearly 62% of global demand for steel cord used in semi-steel radial tires in 2025. 

• Passenger vehicles contribute over 78% of steel cord consumption within the market segment. 

• Replacement tires represent about 54% of total steel cord demand for semi-steel radial tires globally. 

• High-tensile steel cord grades account for approximately 46% of total volume consumption in 2026. 

• China and India together represent nearly 45% of incremental demand growth through 2030. 

• Brass-coated steel cords dominate the market with over 85% share due to superior adhesion performance. 

• Lightweight cord constructions are expected to reduce per-tire steel content by 4–6% by 2028. 

• OEM demand is projected to grow at 7.5% CAGR, outpacing the replacement segment. 

• The Steel Cord for Semi-Steel Radial Tires Market Size is forecast to cross a high-single-digit billion USD valuation by the end of the decade. 

Steel Cord for Semi-Steel Radial Tires Market: Expansion of Passenger Vehicle Production in Cost-Sensitive Segments 

Growth in passenger vehicle production, particularly in compact and mid-size categories, is a primary driver of the Steel Cord for Semi-Steel Radial Tires Market. Semi-steel radial tires remain the dominant fitment for vehicles priced in the mass-market range, where cost efficiency and durability outweigh premium performance characteristics. 

For instance, global passenger vehicle production is projected to exceed 96 million units by 2026, compared to approximately 90 million units in 2024. More than 70% of this incremental production is expected to come from Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and Eastern Europe. In these regions, semi-steel radial tires account for over 80% of original equipment tire installations, directly increasing steel cord demand. 

Steel cord consumption per passenger vehicle tire averages between 0.8–1.2 kilograms, depending on tire size and construction. As vehicle production volumes rise, steel cord demand scales proportionally, reinforcing long-term volume stability for the Steel Cord for Semi-Steel Radial Tires Market. 

Steel Cord for Semi-Steel Radial Tires Market: Rising Replacement Tire Demand Driven by Expanding Vehicle Parc 

The expanding global vehicle parc is a structural growth engine for the Steel Cord for Semi-Steel Radial Tires Market. The global passenger vehicle parc is forecast to surpass 1.55 billion units by 2027, up from an estimated 1.45 billion units in 2024. Each vehicle generates recurring replacement tire demand over its lifecycle. 

Semi-steel radial tires dominate the replacement market due to their lower price points and sufficient performance for urban and highway driving conditions. Replacement cycles typically occur every 40,000–55,000 kilometers, translating into predictable demand for steel cord inputs. 

By 2026, replacement tires are expected to consume more than 5.2 million metric tons of steel cord globally, with semi-steel radial tires accounting for over half of this volume. This recurring demand base provides revenue visibility and volume consistency for steel cord manufacturers operating in the Steel Cord for Semi-Steel Radial Tires Market. 

Steel Cord for Semi-Steel Radial Tires Market: Shift Toward High-Tensile and Fatigue-Resistant Steel Cord Designs 

Technological upgrades in steel cord manufacturing are reshaping competitive dynamics within the Steel Cord for Semi-Steel Radial Tires Market. Tire manufacturers are increasingly specifying high-tensile steel cords that deliver equivalent or superior performance with reduced material usage. 

For example, next-generation high-tensile cords offer tensile strengths exceeding 3,200 MPa, compared to legacy designs averaging 2,800–3,000 MPa. This improvement allows tire producers to reduce cord diameter or filament count, lowering overall tire weight while maintaining durability standards. 

By 2028, high-tensile and ultra-high-tensile steel cords are projected to account for nearly 60% of steel cord demand in semi-steel radial tires. This transition supports tire manufacturers’ objectives of reducing rolling resistance and improving fuel efficiency, further strengthening demand fundamentals in the Steel Cord for Semi-Steel Radial Tires Market. 

Steel Cord for Semi-Steel Radial Tires Market: Localization of Tire Manufacturing and Steel Cord Supply Chains 

Localization strategies are significantly influencing the Steel Cord for Semi-Steel Radial Tires Market, particularly in Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, and Africa. Tire manufacturers are expanding regional production facilities to reduce logistics costs, manage trade risks, and align with local automotive policies. 

India, Southeast Asia, and North Africa are emerging as key hubs for semi-steel radial tire manufacturing. Between 2025 and 2029, more than 35 new or expanded tire production lines are expected to come online across these regions. Each new tire plant typically sources 65–80% of steel cord requirements locally within three years of commissioning. 

As a result, steel cord producers are investing in regional wire rod processing, cord drawing, and brass plating facilities. This localized capacity expansion supports faster delivery times, improved cost competitiveness, and stable supply relationships within the Steel Cord for Semi-Steel Radial Tires Market. 

Steel Cord for Semi-Steel Radial Tires Market: Cost Optimization and Material Efficiency Pressures 

Cost efficiency remains a defining driver in the Steel Cord for Semi-Steel Radial Tires Market, particularly as tire manufacturers face volatile raw material prices and margin pressure in mass-market segments. Steel cord represents approximately 12–18% of total tire material cost for semi-steel radial tires. 

To address this, tire producers are collaborating with steel cord suppliers to optimize cord constructions, reduce scrap rates, and improve process yields. For instance, improved brass coating uniformity has reduced cord breakage rates during tire building by up to 20% in high-speed production lines. 

Additionally, digital quality monitoring and inline defect detection systems are reducing rejection rates and enhancing consistency. These improvements are expected to lower effective steel cord consumption per tire by 3–5% by 2027 without compromising performance. 

Such efficiency-driven innovations are reinforcing supplier differentiation and supporting sustainable margins across the Steel Cord for Semi-Steel Radial Tires Market, while maintaining affordability for end users. 

Steel Cord for Semi-Steel Radial Tires Market — Global Geographical Demand Overview 

The Steel Cord for Semi-Steel Radial Tires Market demonstrates a geographically concentrated demand structure, with Asia-Pacific functioning as the primary consumption and production hub. In 2025, Asia-Pacific accounts for approximately 62–64% of global steel cord demand used in semi-steel radial tires, driven by large-scale passenger vehicle production, high replacement tire volumes, and strong domestic tire manufacturing ecosystems. 

China alone contributes nearly 38% of global demand within the Steel Cord for Semi-Steel Radial Tires Market, supported by annual passenger vehicle output exceeding 28 million units and a replacement tire market growing at nearly 7% annually. India follows with demand growth exceeding 8.5% CAGR through 2030, supported by rapid vehicle parc expansion and increasing radialization of the tire market. For instance, radial tire penetration in India has crossed 55% in 2025, compared to less than 40% five years earlier, directly expanding steel cord consumption. 

Steel Cord for Semi-Steel Radial Tires Market — Demand Patterns in Asia-Pacific 

Within Asia-Pacific, demand for the Steel Cord for Semi-Steel Radial Tires Market is strongly correlated with mass-market vehicle sales and urban mobility growth. Southeast Asian countries such as Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam collectively account for nearly 9% of global steel cord demand for semi-steel radial tires. 

For example, Indonesia’s passenger vehicle parc is expanding at over 6% annually, increasing replacement tire consumption proportionally. Semi-steel radial tires dominate this segment due to affordability, and steel cord demand grows at approximately 6.5% CAGR in volume terms. Japan and South Korea, while mature markets, continue to contribute stable demand due to consistent replacement cycles and high-quality cord specifications per tire. 

Steel Cord for Semi-Steel Radial Tires Market — North America Demand Characteristics 

North America represents approximately 16–18% of global demand in the Steel Cord for Semi-Steel Radial Tires Market. The region’s demand is driven more by replacement tires than OEM production. The U.S. vehicle parc exceeds 290 million units, generating a substantial and recurring need for semi-steel radial tires, particularly in compact cars and entry-level SUVs. 

For instance, replacement tires account for nearly 70% of steel cord consumption in North America. Although premium all-steel radial tires exist, semi-steel radial tires remain widely used in price-sensitive segments, maintaining steady steel cord demand growth of around 4.2% annually through 2030. 

Steel Cord for Semi-Steel Radial Tires Market — Europe and Emerging Regions 

Europe contributes approximately 12–14% of global demand in the Steel Cord for Semi-Steel Radial Tires Market. Demand growth is moderate, averaging 3.5–4.0% CAGR, as vehicle production stabilizes and mobility shifts gradually toward electrification. Semi-steel radial tires remain prevalent in compact vehicles, which still account for over 45% of new registrations in Southern and Eastern Europe. 

Emerging regions including Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa collectively represent nearly 7% of global demand in 2025. These regions exhibit above-average growth rates exceeding 7% annually, supported by increasing vehicle ownership and localization of tire manufacturing. For example, Brazil’s semi-steel radial tire production is expanding at nearly 6% CAGR, driving incremental steel cord demand. 

Steel Cord for Semi-Steel Radial Tires Market — Production Trend and Capacity Statistics 

Steel Cord for Semi-Steel Radial Tires production is highly concentrated near tire manufacturing hubs to optimize logistics and cost efficiency. Global Steel Cord for Semi-Steel Radial Tires production capacity is estimated at over 6.5 million metric tons in 2025, with Asia-Pacific accounting for nearly 68% of total output. China alone hosts more than 40 large-scale steel cord production lines dedicated to semi-steel radial tires. 

Between 2025 and 2028, Steel Cord for Semi-Steel Radial Tires production capacity is expected to expand by approximately 1.2 million metric tons, driven by new plants in India, Vietnam, and North Africa. For instance, newly commissioned facilities typically add 40,000–70,000 metric tons annually per line. Localization strategies ensure that Steel Cord for Semi-Steel Radial Tires production aligns closely with tire OEM demand, reducing supply chain volatility. Overall, Steel Cord for Semi-Steel Radial Tires production growth is projected at 6.5% CAGR through 2030. 

Steel Cord for Semi-Steel Radial Tires Market — Market Segmentation Highlights 

Key segmentation patterns define demand and pricing behavior within the Steel Cord for Semi-Steel Radial Tires Market: 

• By Application 

• Passenger vehicles: ~78% share 

• Light commercial vehicles: ~22% share 

• By Tire Channel 

• Replacement tires: ~54% 

• OEM tires: ~46% 

• By Cord Type 

• Standard tensile steel cord: ~54% 

• High-tensile steel cord: ~46% 

• By Coating Type 

• Brass-coated steel cord: ~85% 

• Other coatings: ~15% 

• By Region 

• Asia-Pacific: ~62% 

• North America: ~17% 

• Europe: ~13% 

• Rest of the world: ~8% 

These segmentation dynamics reinforce volume stability and predictable consumption patterns across the Steel Cord for Semi-Steel Radial Tires Market. 

Steel Cord for Semi-Steel Radial Tires Market — Application-Based Demand Dynamics 

Passenger vehicles remain the dominant application segment within the Steel Cord for Semi-Steel Radial Tires Market, supported by high-volume production of compact and mid-size cars. For example, compact vehicles represent nearly 48% of global passenger vehicle sales in 2026, and over 85% of these vehicles are fitted with semi-steel radial tires. 

Light commercial vehicles contribute a smaller but faster-growing segment, with demand expanding at nearly 7% CAGR. Urban logistics growth, last-mile delivery fleets, and e-commerce expansion are increasing LCV sales, indirectly raising steel cord consumption. 

Steel Cord for Semi-Steel Radial Tires Market — Steel Cord for Semi-Steel Radial Tires Price Dynamics 

The Steel Cord for Semi-Steel Radial Tires Price is influenced by wire rod costs, energy prices, labor, and regional supply-demand balance. In 2025, the average Steel Cord for Semi-Steel Radial Tires Price ranges between USD 1,350–1,550 per metric ton, depending on tensile grade and coating quality. 

Asia-Pacific typically records the lowest Steel Cord for Semi-Steel Radial Tires Price, approximately 8–12% below the global average, due to scale efficiencies and integrated steel supply chains. In contrast, Europe experiences higher pricing, often exceeding USD 1,600 per metric ton, driven by energy costs and stricter environmental compliance. 

Steel Cord for Semi-Steel Radial Tires Market — Steel Cord for Semi-Steel Radial Tires Price Trend Analysis 

The Steel Cord for Semi-Steel Radial Tires Price Trend during 2025–2030 indicates moderate upward movement, with expected annual price increases of 2.5–3.0%. This Steel Cord for Semi-Steel Radial Tires Price Trend reflects gradual increases in raw material costs and investments in advanced production technologies. 

For instance, high-tensile steel cords command a premium of 12–18% over standard grades, influencing the overall Steel Cord for Semi-Steel Radial Tires Price Trend. However, efficiency improvements and material optimization are partially offsetting cost pressures, stabilizing the Steel Cord for Semi-Steel Radial Tires Price Trend in volume-driven markets. 

Steel Cord for Semi-Steel Radial Tires Market — Regional Price Variations and Outlook 

Regional differences significantly shape the Steel Cord for Semi-Steel Radial Tires Price structure. For example, localized production in India has reduced average prices by nearly 6% since 2023, improving competitiveness for domestic tire manufacturers. Similarly, Southeast Asian producers benefit from lower logistics costs, positively influencing the Steel Cord for Semi-Steel Radial Tires Price Trend. 

Looking ahead, price volatility is expected to remain limited, as long-term contracts between tire manufacturers and steel cord suppliers dominate procurement. This stability supports predictable margins and reinforces long-term planning across the Steel Cord for Semi-Steel Radial Tires Market. 

Top Manufacturers — Steel Cord for Semi-Steel Radial Tires Market 

The Steel Cord for Semi-Steel Radial Tires Market is moderately consolidated, with a small group of global manufacturers controlling a significant share of total capacity, technology leadership, and long-term supply contracts with tire OEMs. Staticker estimates that the top 6 manufacturers together account for approximately 55–62% of global volume, while the remaining share is distributed among regional and local producers serving cost-sensitive and localized markets. 

Market leadership is shaped by factors such as tensile strength capability, brass-coating quality, production scale, proximity to tire plants, and the ability to support OEM lightweighting and cost-optimization strategies. 

N.V. Bekaert S.A. — Market Leader in Steel Cord for Semi-Steel Radial Tires Market 

N.V. Bekaert S.A. holds the leading position in the Steel Cord for Semi-Steel Radial Tires Market, supported by a diversified global manufacturing footprint and a wide portfolio of passenger car radial (PCR) steel cord solutions. 

Key product lines include: 

• Standard and high-tensile PCR steel cords 

• Ultra-tensile and mega-tensile steel cords optimized for weight reduction 

• Advanced brass-coated cords designed for improved rubber adhesion and fatigue life 

Bekaert’s solutions enable tire manufacturers to reduce steel usage per tire while maintaining durability, a critical requirement in semi-steel radial tires. Staticker estimates Bekaert’s market share at 12–16%, making it the single largest supplier globally. 

KISWIRE Ltd. — High-Volume Supplier with Regional Strength 

KISWIRE Ltd. is a key high-volume supplier in the Steel Cord for Semi-Steel Radial Tires Market, particularly strong across East Asia, Southeast Asia, and select European markets. 

KISWIRE’s steel cord portfolio includes: 

• Standard tensile PCR cords for mass-market tires 

• High-tensile steel cords targeting cost-to-performance optimization 

• Customized constructions for regional OEM and replacement tire producers 

Vertical integration into wire rod processing and scale-driven manufacturing efficiency allow KISWIRE to compete effectively on both price and volume. Its estimated market share ranges between 8–12%, positioning it among the top three global suppliers. 

Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd. — High-Tensile and Precision-Focused Supplier 

Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd. plays a strategic role in the Steel Cord for Semi-Steel Radial Tires Market, focusing on high-strength and precision-engineered steel cords. 

Its product offerings emphasize: 

• High-tensile and ultra-high-tensile PCR steel cords 

• Enhanced fatigue resistance for extended tire life 

• Tight dimensional control for high-speed tire building lines 

Sumitomo Electric works closely with OEM customers, particularly in Japan and other developed Asian markets. Staticker estimates its market share at 6–9%, with above-average revenue realization due to premium product positioning. 

HS HYOSUNG ADVANCED MATERIALS — Diversified Reinforcement Portfolio 

HS HYOSUNG ADVANCED MATERIALS is a diversified supplier of steel and textile reinforcement materials and maintains a meaningful presence in the Steel Cord for Semi-Steel Radial Tires Market. 

Relevant steel cord offerings include: 

• PCR-focused steel cords for semi-steel radial tires 

• High-strength cord variants targeting durability improvements 

• Cost-optimized grades for emerging markets 

The company’s estimated market share stands at 5–8%. Strategic portfolio reviews and restructuring initiatives during 2025 have introduced uncertainty but also potential consolidation opportunities within the market. 

Key Regional and Secondary Manufacturers 

Beyond the global leaders, several regional producers collectively represent a substantial portion of the Steel Cord for Semi-Steel Radial Tires Market, particularly in China, South Asia, and Eastern Europe. 

Notable players include: 

• Jiangsu Xingda Steel Tyre Cord Co., Ltd. – strong domestic market penetration and cost competitiveness 

• Henan Hengxing Science & Technology Co., Ltd. – large-scale supplier to Chinese tire OEMs 

• Tokusen Kogyo Co., Ltd. – niche supplier focused on quality and specialty applications 

• ArcelorMittal – limited direct steel cord exposure but significant upstream influence on wire rod supply 

These manufacturers typically compete on price, proximity, and customized specifications, especially for regional replacement tire markets. 

Steel Cord for Semi-Steel Radial Tires Market Share by Manufacturers 

Staticker’s estimated market share distribution for 2025 is as follows: 

• Top tier (Bekaert, KISWIRE, Sumitomo Electric): ~28–36% 

• Upper second tier (Hyosung, major Chinese producers): ~20–26% 

• Long-tail regional and local suppliers: ~35–45% 

The long tail remains particularly relevant in emerging markets, where localized production, lower logistics costs, and flexible pricing are critical procurement factors. 

Product Line Differentiation in Steel Cord for Semi-Steel Radial Tires Market 

Across the Steel Cord for Semi-Steel Radial Tires Market, differentiation increasingly depends on: 

• Tensile strength levels (standard vs. high-tensile) 

• Brass coating uniformity and adhesion performance 

• Ability to support lightweight tire designs 

• Consistency at high tire-building speeds 

For example, high-tensile steel cords typically command a 12–18% price premium over standard grades but allow tire manufacturers to reduce material usage per tire, supporting long-term cost efficiency. 

Recent Industry Developments and Timeline 

• Q1 2025: Strategic reviews and portfolio restructuring initiatives announced by selected global suppliers, signaling potential consolidation in steel cord assets. 

• Mid-2025: Capacity expansions announced across India, Vietnam, and Southeast Asia, targeting localized supply for semi-steel radial tire plants. 

• 2025–2026: Accelerated adoption of high-tensile steel cords as tire OEMs pursue lightweighting and rolling-resistance reduction targets.