Reps. Sykes, LaHood Introduce Legislation to Lower Tire Costs For Consumers and Support Auto Industry Workers and Businesses
AKRON, OH - Today, U.S. Representatives Emilia Sykes (OH-13) and Darin LaHood (IL-16) introduced the Retreaded Truck Tire Jobs, Supply Chain Security and Sustainability Act, legislation that would create good-paying jobs, bolster our domestic supply chain, and promote economic growth by providing a tax credit to consumers who purchase retreaded tires. Retreading is a manufacturing process that replaces the tread on worn tires to help extend the life of the tire. Rep. Sykes announced this legislation during an event at the Bridgestone Americas Technology Center in Akron.
“The Retreaded Truck Tire Jobs, Supply Chain Security and Sustainability Act will encourage consumers to purchase high-quality American tires while putting more money back into their pockets,” said Rep. Sykes. “This commonsense, bipartisan legislation is good for both the economy and the environment, and it will protect thousands of good-paying manufacturing jobs here at home. Ohio’s 13th Congressional District has long been known as the ‘Rubber Capital of the World’ — this legislation upholds that legacy by investing in American manufacturing to ensure this vital industry remains globally competitive.”
“As Illinois residents continue to face challenges related to inflation and the high cost of goods, this commonsense, bipartisan bill will incentivize the purchase of American-made tires and create jobs in communities across the country,” said Rep. LaHood. “This bill makes an important investment in our manufacturing sector in Illinois, ensuring we keep jobs at home. I look forward to working with Congresswoman Sykes and my Ways and Means Committee colleagues to strengthen economic opportunities throughout the Midwest and America.”
According to a 2023 report, retread is the largest manufacturing sector in the U.S., employing over 51,000 workers and supporting more than 268,000 jobs across the broader $28.4 billion U.S. tire industry. However, the number of tire retreading facilities in the U.S. has dropped from over 3,000 in 1982 to an estimated 500 in 2023. The growth of low-cost import tires from countries like China is accelerating this trend and increasing the likelihood of further plant closure.
The Retreaded Truck Tire Jobs, Supply Chain Security and Sustainability Act is supported by a wide range of auto industry leaders and manufacturers, as well as labor leaders.
“Retreading extends the life of commercial tires, providing a more sustainable option for fleets while also helping them lower their operating costs. We welcome this legislation introduced by Congresswoman Sykes because it helps deliver these benefits by incentivizing fleet customers to buy commercial retreads and choose new tires that can be retreaded,” Joe Burke, Vice President, Goodyear North America Commercial Tires.
“Bridgestone enthusiastically supports the legislation introduced by Reps. Sykes and LaHood, as it addresses sustainability, job growth, and the creation of a more robust domestic supply chain. Increased use of U.S.-manufactured retreaded tires will create local jobs, reduce costs for tire customers, save energy, reduce material consumption and waste, and reduce dependence on tires imported from overseas. We thank Reps. Sykes and LaHood for their leadership and look forward to working with them on this issue,” said Paolo Ferrari, CEO of Bridgestone Americas, Inc. and Global Co-COO of Bridgestone Corporation.
“When I worked at Goodyear, retreaded tires were a big thing. The trucking companies loved them, the retreading shops were local, and there was less waste. Truck tire retreading has dropped off the radar compared to where it was 25 or 30 years ago, and the reason is cheap tires from China and elsewhere in Southeast Asia have flooded the market. You can’t retread those tires because they are made so poorly. I’ve been a member of the United Steelworkers union for years, and we’ve protested tire dumping at every turn. Most recently, the USW filed a dumping petition related to tires made in Thailand. Truck and bus tire imports from Thailand, fueled by Chinese investments, have surged over the last few years. We applaud Congresswoman Sykes for introducing this important legislation. It is a long overdue step in the right direction,” said Dave Prentice, Executive Secretary-Treasurer & of Tri-County.
“Retreading is at the core of our business, as we retread over one million units annually. Being a Midwest based organization, and employing over 100 retread employees in Ohio, retreading is crucial. Our hardworking Americans rely on us to keep food on their table. Anything Congress can do to help promote the safe, environmentally friendly, and economically sound retread would be much appreciated,” said Mike Peterson, Executive Vice President Operations & Manufacturing of Best One Tire and Service.