TyreXpo Asia 2025, held from 12th to 14th March at Marina Bay Expo & Convention Centre in Singapore, reaffirmed its position as a premier tyre industry event in Southeast Asia. With a notable increase in exhibitor and visitor numbers, the show provided a crucial platform for networking, industry discussions, and business expansion.
Strong Participation and Industry Engagement
The event saw diverse exhibitors, although Chinese tyre manufacturers maintained a strong presence. While international participation was somewhat limited, key industry players engaged actively, demonstrating the event’s role as a critical meeting point for manufacturers, suppliers, and professionals.
Alwin Seow, Deputy Event Director at Informa Markets, the organiser of TyreXpo Asia, highlighted the event’s growth, noting a 20% rise in exhibitor numbers compared to the previous edition. While final visitor figures were still being collated, Seow emphasised the sustained foot traffic across the three days as a key indicator of the event’s success.
Beyond the exhibition hall, networking opportunities played a significant role in strengthening industry relationships. Evening gatherings and business dinners were well attended, with Seow estimating that 70–80% of attendees at these events were also visitors to the show. This underscored Singapore’s suitability as a host city and the expo’s ability to attract the right mix of industry professionals.
A Changing Landscape for Retreading
Although retreading had a relatively low profile at the exhibition, its significance in fleet management and sustainability remains critical. Among the few retreading sector exhibitors, Malaysia’s Eversafe Rubber and MaxRubber were present but expressed caution about the future of retreading in the region. While many retreaders attended as visitors, exhibiting at the show did not seem to offer the same value as it did for other industry segments.
Guy Heywood of Hankook Tyre highlighted the ongoing importance of retreading, emphasising its role in sustainable mobility.
“Retreading definitely has a role to play in the evolving mobility landscape,” Heywood said. “The best way to decarbonise commercial fleets is to fit them with premium tyres that deliver high fuel efficiency, then extend their lifespan through regrooving and retreading.”
Heywood also underlined Hankook’s commitment to retreading, noting the company’s five retreading facilities in Europe and plans for further expansion. Stamford Tyres, another key exhibitor, signalled its intent to strengthen its presence in the retreading market. CEO Conson Sia revealed plans to establish a retreading facility in Indonesia, aligning with government policies aimed at encouraging local purchasing and restricting import quotas.
“We see an opportunity to align with this initiative by setting up a new retreading plant,” Sia said. “This will help extend the lifespan of tyre casings and support sustainability efforts in fleet management.”
Innovation, Recycling, and Market Expansion
Several exhibitors used TyreXpo Asia 2025 to showcase their expansion strategies and innovations. Indian company Elgi Rubber reinforced its global ambitions, while Stamford Tyres made a strong impression with its prominent presence at the exhibition hall’s entrance.
The recycling sector also saw encouraging engagement. European companies Eldan Recycling and Gradeall, a tyre baling specialist, reported strong interest in their solutions, highlighting the growing demand for recycling and waste management in the region.
31 Incorporated, the sole US-based exhibitor, leveraged the show to assess new market potential in tyre repair and service products. Meanwhile, Davanti Tyres took the opportunity to launch a new product range, further demonstrating the industry’s focus on innovation.
Knowledge Sharing and Industry Insights
The conference programme added depth to the event, with experts sharing insights on various industry developments. The newly introduced Tyre Technical Seminar received positive feedback, addressing the knowledge gap in downstream technicalities with three dedicated tracks. Additionally, the Tyre Business Forum provided a platform for discussions on market strategies.
Heywood also discussed the rapid transformation in tyre design and manufacturing. “The developments we’re going to see in tyres over the next four or five years will be remarkable compared to the past century,” he said, highlighting advancements in AI, 3D printing, and new material sciences that are driving up to a 20% improvement in multiple aspects of tyre performance.
Lau Den Nee of Wegmann Automotive GmbH shared insights into precision and efficiency improvements with Hofmann balancing weights. “We’ve successfully expanded into five countries—Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines, and Australia—and we’re looking to develop our presence even further,” Lau said, reaffirming the company’s commitment to the Asia-Pacific region.
Looking Ahead: Expansion and Future Focus
As TyreXpo Asia grows, its organisers are looking to expand the event’s focus on recycling, equipment, and retreading.
“Retreading is quite a volatile sector, but it has the potential to be a sustainable solution for the tyre industry,” Seow noted. “We recognise its growing importance and will explore how to incorporate it more into future events.”
Following the success of the Singapore edition, TyreXpo Asia will return to Bangkok in 2026. Thailand’s strategic role as a distribution hub and strong support from the Rubber Authority of Thailand and other government bodies make it an ideal location for the next phase of the event’s growth.
“Thailand is a key distribution hub, making it easier for tyre manufacturers to connect with regional buyers,” Seow said.
Ultimately, TyreXpo Asia 2025 reinforced its importance as a central meeting point for the global tyre industry. Whether on the exhibition floor or through networking events, the show provided a dynamic platform for business, innovation, and industry collaboration, setting the stage for further growth in the years to come.
