Pakistan joins top truck, bus radial tyre exporters to US, Brazil

Pakistan has become one of the world’s leading exporters of truck and bus radial (TBR) tyres to major international markets such as the United States and Brazil, highlighting a notable transformation in the country’s industrial and export sectors. According to industry figures, Pakistani tyre exports have witnessed steady growth in recent years, with the US and Brazil emerging as key destinations for locally manufactured products. A major driver behind this progress is Service Long March Tyres Limited (SLM), Pakistan’s largest tyre producer and exporter. Since launching operations in 2022, the company has significantly expanded its reach in overseas markets, recording strong export performance in the US, Brazil, and newer destinations, including South Africa and Egypt. The company’s export growth has been aided by adherence to strict international quality standards and certifications required for access to regulated markets, particularly in the US and Brazil, where performance and safety benchmarks are essential. SLM has also adopted advanced Chinese manufacturing technology, enabling it to maintain one of the most cost-efficient production systems among tyre manufacturers in Pakistan. This competitive edge has allowed the company to export nearly 40 per cent of its TBR tyre output. Within Pakistan, the tyre industry continues to represent a sizeable market. Annual demand is estimated at approximately 1.7 million units for truck and bus tyres, while passenger vehicle demand stands at nearly 7 million units each year. In the past, imports fulfilled a large share of this demand, but domestic production is increasingly replacing imported products. At present, SLM manufactures around 1.6 million TBR tyres annually and plans to raise production capacity to 2 million units by July 2026, followed by 2.2 million units by June 2027. The company currently commands an estimated 58 per cent share of Pakistan’s domestic TBR market, strengthening its role in reducing imports and