Global rubber consumption declined by 5.3% year-on-year in Q1 2026, while total rubber production contracted by 3.3%, according to the latest data released by the International Rubber Study Group (IRSG) in its Rubber Statistical Bulletin. The figures point to weakening rubber demand amid a challenging global economic environment and softer consumption across major markets.

The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd., announced its business and financial results for the first half of fiscal 2026 (January–June 2026). Sales revenue increased 10.4% over the same period of the previous year, to ¥639.4 billion; business profit increased 54.3%, to ¥95.8 billion; operating profit increased 100.0%, to ¥109.7 billion; and profit attributable to owners of the parent increased 104.2%, to ¥72.6 billion. The Company achieved record first-half highs in each of these core earnings results categories. Business profit margin also rose to a record high of 15.0%.

In the second quarter, adjusted EBITDA rose by 24 percent to €630 million. In June, the company had forecast adjusted EBITDA in the range between €600 million and €650 million and significantly raised its guidance for fiscal 2026. Evonik now expects adjusted EBITDA between €2.0 billion and €2.2 billion (previously: €1.7 billion to €2.0 billion). In 2025, Evonik earned around €1.9 billion.

Dow together with Adient, a global manufacturing leader in automotive seating, commercially launched SPECFLEX™ REN, a next-generation polyurethane seating solution now available with ISCC PLUS certified bio-attributed feedstocks enabled via a mass balance approach.

The latest additions extend Continental’s Gravity portfolio with new size, casing and compound combinations across the Argotal, Kryptotal Front, Kryptotal Rear, and Xynotal models. Riders can now choose from additional Trail Soft and Enduro SuperSoft options across 29-inch and 27.5-inch platforms, while Continental’s proven mixed-conditions tread performance continues to be available for smaller 20, 24, and 26-inch wheel sizes.

The U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association (USTMA) projects total U.S. tire shipments of 330.3 million units in 2026, compared to 336.3 million units in 2025 and 332.7 million units in 2019.

Compared with 2025, Original Equipment (OE) shipments for passenger, light truck, and truck tires are expected to change by -0.7%, -1.9%, and 6.2% respectively, with a total decrease of 0.1 million units. Replacement passenger, light truck, and truck tire shipments are also projected to change by -1.6%, -1.6%, and -7.1% respectively, with a total decrease of 5.9 million units.