Thailand Inner Tube Market

1. Market Overview and Driving Factors

Rubber Resources and Industrial Chain Advantages: Thailand is one of the world's major natural rubber producers, and its rubber plantations and processing technology provide a stable raw material base for inner tube manufacturing. As an important component of traditional tires, inner tubes are still in great demand in the fields of commercial vehicles, motorcycles and bicycles58.

The core position of the two-wheeled vehicle market: Motorcycles and bicycles dominate urban transportation in Thailand, especially the extremely high number of motorcycles, which has driven the continued demand for inner tubes. In 2024, although Thailand's automobile sales fell by 26%, the motorcycle market still contributed a major share of inner tube demand25.

Commercial vehicle demand support: The demand for inner tubes for large vehicles (such as trucks and buses) depends on the development of the logistics and transportation industries. Although Thailand's economic growth rate has slowed down (GDP growth of 2.5% in 2024), increased public investment may drive a recovery in future transportation demand48.

2. Current challenges

Overall decline in the auto market: In 2024, Thailand's auto sales will be only 573,000 units, down 26% year-on-year, with electric vehicles accounting for 12% (about 80,000 units). The shrinking demand for traditional fuel vehicles will indirectly affect the inner tube market26.

Popularity of tubeless tires: High-end models and high-performance vehicles are gradually turning to tubeless tires because of their better handling and safety, which has an impact on the traditional inner tube market58.

Fluctuation in raw material prices: In early 2025, floods in southern Thailand hindered the tapping of natural rubber, and coupled with rising global rubber prices, the production cost of inner tubes has risen. For example, brands such as Dunlop have announced a 38% increase in tire prices in 2025.

Household debt and loan tightening: Thailand's household debt accounts for as much as 89.6% of GDP, and the rejection rate of new car loans by financial institutions has risen to 20%-50%, which has suppressed the consumption of automobiles and accessories (including inner tubes)2.

3. Competition and brand dynamics

Competition between local and international brands: The Thai market is dominated by international brands such as Goodyear, Michelin, and Bridgestone, while local companies have a certain share through cost advantages. For example, Chinese automakers such as BYD have formed cost competitiveness through a high localization rate (60%)25.

Impact of electric vehicle transformation: The Thai government has promoted the "30·30 Policy" and plans to increase the proportion of electric vehicle production to 30% by 2030. Although the growth of electric vehicles (expected to grow by 40% year-on-year in 2025) may drive tire demand, the popularity of tubeless technology may further squeeze the traditional inner tube market67.

4. Sustainable development and technological innovation

Application of environmentally friendly materials: In response to global environmental regulations, Thai manufacturers have begun to explore biodegradable and recyclable rubber materials to reduce carbon emissions. For example, some companies use butyl rubber and nanomaterials to improve the durability of inner tubes58.

Integration of intelligent technology: Innovative technologies such as built-in sensors and intelligent valve systems are introduced into inner tube design to monitor tire pressure and safety in real time to meet high-end market needs5.

5. Future Trends and Opportunities

Expected Economic Recovery: The Thai government expects GDP growth to exceed 3% in 2025, and increased public and private investment may boost the automotive and accessories market4.

Regional Radiation Potential: As the manufacturing center of ASEAN, Thailand's inner tube production can radiate to neighboring countries such as Vietnam and Indonesia. For example, Chery plans to export automotive products from Malaysia to Vietnam, showing the trend of supply chain integration in Southeast Asia6.

Aftermarket Growth: As the number of vehicles increases, the demand for repairs and replacements will become an important growth point for the inner tube market, especially the regular maintenance of motorcycles and commercial vehicles58.