Top 10 Companies in the Steel Cords for Radial Tyres Market (2026): Market Leaders Powering Global Automotive

MARKET INSIGHTS

Global steel cords for radial tyres market size was valued at USD 4.72 billion in 2024  to USD 6.13 billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 4.0% during the forecast period.

Steel cords for radial tyres are high‑strength reinforcement materials composed of twisted steel wire strands. These specialized cords form the structural backbone of radial tyres, providing critical tensile strength, durability, and dimensional stability. The technology enables tyres to maintain their shape under load while resisting punctures and abrasions, significantly enhancing vehicle safety and performance. Major variants include Normal Tensile (NT), High Tensile (HT), Super Tensile (ST), and Ultra Tensile (UT) cords, each offering graduated strength characteristics for different vehicle applications.

Market growth is being driven by the expansion of global automotive production, particularly in emerging Asian markets, where increasing vehicle ownership rates are creating sustained demand for replacement tyres. Furthermore, stringent safety regulations in Europe and North America are mandating higher performance standards in tyre manufacturing, necessitating advanced steel cord reinforcement. Recent technological advancements in cord coatings and wire formulations are enabling manufacturers to produce lighter yet stronger reinforcement solutions, aligning with the automotive industry’s push for improved fuel efficiency. Leading players like Bekaert, ArcelorMittal, and Hyosung are investing in capacity expansions to meet this growing demand, with several new production facilities announced in Southeast Asia during 2023‑2024.

Steel Cords for Radial Tyres Market – View in Detailed Research Report

🔟 1. Bekaert

Headquarters: Belgium
Key Offering: High‑tensile steel cords for premium automotive applications

Bekaert continues to lead the industry with its diverse product portfolio and global manufacturing footprint. The Belgium‑based company has consistently strengthened its position through high‑tensile steel cord innovations, particularly for premium automotive applications. Recent investments in micro‑alloyed steel compositions and automated production lines have further enhanced the performance of Bekaert’s radial tyre reinforcement solutions.

Sustainability & Growth Initiatives:

• Expansion of high‑tensile cord production capacity in Southeast Asia
• Implementation of electric arc furnace technology to reduce CO₂ emissions by up to 60%
• Research into corrosion‑resistant coatings to extend tyre lifespan

🔟 2. Jiangsu Xingda Steel Cord

Headquarters: Jiangsu, China
Key Offering: Normal and high‑tensile steel cords for mass‑market tyres

Jiangsu Xingda Steel Cord holds significant market share in Asia, leveraging China’s booming automotive sector to expand production capacity by approximately 8% annually since 2020. The company’s focus on cost‑effective normal‑tensile cords supports the high‑volume tyre manufacturing landscape in the region.

Sustainability & Growth Initiatives:

• Investment in energy‑efficient rolling mills to lower production energy consumption
• Partnerships with local tyre manufacturers to streamline supply chains
• Development of lightweight high‑tensile variants for electric vehicle applications

🔟 3. ArcelorMittal

Headquarters: Luxembourg
Key Offering: High‑tensile and ultra‑tensile steel cords for commercial and passenger vehicles

ArcelorMittal has vertically integrated into the steel cord market, combining raw material advantage with specialized manufacturing capabilities. Their entry has intensified competition, particularly in cost‑sensitive commercial vehicle segments, while maintaining a strong presence in premium tyre segments.

Sustainability & Growth Initiatives:

• Integration of blast‑furnace‑free steel production processes
• Collaboration with tyre OEMs to develop low‑rolling‑resistance cord designs
• Carbon‑neutral production targets for 2050

🔟 4. Hyosung

Headquarters: South Korea
Key Offering: High‑tensile steel cords with advanced coating technologies

Hyosung recently announced a $150 million investment in Vietnam to capitalize on Southeast Asia’s growing tyre production. The company’s focus on advanced coatings and micro‑alloyed steels positions it as a leader in high‑performance reinforcement solutions.

Sustainability & Growth Initiatives:

• Deployment of electric arc furnaces to cut CO₂ emissions by 40‑60%
• Research into bio‑based additive coatings for improved durability
• Expansion of production capacity in Vietnam and Thailand

🔟 5. Shandong SNTON Steel Cord

Headquarters: Shandong, China
Key Offering: High‑tensile and ultra‑tensile cords for commercial and passenger tyres

Shandong SNTON has positioned itself as a key supplier in the Chinese market, focusing on high‑strength cords that meet stringent safety regulations in Europe and North America.

Sustainability & Growth Initiatives:

• Adoption of water‑based coating processes to reduce VOC emissions
• Collaboration with tyre manufacturers on low‑rolling‑resistance designs
• Investment in energy‑efficient rolling mills

🔟 6. Bridgestone Corporation

Headquarters: Japan
Key Offering: In‑house steel cord production for premium tyre lines

Bridgestone’s in‑house steel cord production supports its premium tyre lines, ensuring tight quality control and alignment with advanced tyre technologies such as run‑flat and low‑rolling‑resistance designs.

Sustainability & Growth Initiatives:

• Zero‑emission production lines for steel cord manufacturing
• Partnerships with tyre OEMs to develop lightweight reinforcement solutions
• Commitment to 100% recycled steel in production by 2030

🔟 7. Shougang Century

Headquarters: China
Key Offering: High‑tensile steel cords for heavy commercial and mining tyres

Shougang Century focuses on high‑tensile cords that meet the demanding durability requirements of heavy commercial and mining applications, driving market penetration in emerging economies.

Sustainability & Growth Initiatives:

• Implementation of closed‑loop water recycling in production
• Development of high‑strength, low‑weight cord variants for electric heavy vehicles
• Partnerships with mining companies to tailor cord specifications

🔟 8. Tokusen

Headquarters: Japan
Key Offering: Precision‑engineered cords for high‑performance tyres

Tokusen maintains a strong position through precision‑engineered cords that support high‑performance tyre applications, including run‑flat and low‑rolling‑resistance technologies.

Sustainability & Growth Initiatives:

• Energy‑efficient laser measurement systems for quality control
• Research into bio‑based coating materials
• Expansion of production capacity in Japan and South Korea

🔟 9. Tokyo Rope MFG

Headquarters: Japan
Key Offering: Wire‑strand cords for commercial and passenger tyres

Tokyo Rope MFG specializes in wire‑strand cords that deliver superior flexibility and strength, catering to both commercial and passenger tyre markets.

Sustainability & Growth Initiatives:

• Implementation of low‑energy rolling mills
• Collaboration with tyre OEMs on low‑rolling‑resistance cord designs
• Commitment to 90% recycling of steel waste by 2035

🔟 10. Hubei Fuxing New Material

Headquarters: Hubei, China
Key Offering: Advanced high‑tensile and ultra‑tensile cords for commercial tyres

Hubei Fuxing focuses on advanced high‑tensile and ultra‑tensile cords, leveraging new alloy compositions to meet the evolving demands of commercial tyre manufacturers.

Sustainability & Growth Initiatives:

• Adoption of electric arc furnace technology to reduce CO₂ emissions
• Research into corrosion‑resistant coatings for extended tyre life
• Expansion of production capacity in central China

---

Download FREE Sample Report: Steel Cords for Radial Tyres Market – View in Detailed Research Report

Get Full Report Here: Steel Cords for Radial Tyres Market – View in Detailed Research Report

🌍 Outlook: The Future of Steel Cords for Radial Tyres

Global steel cords for radial tyres market is experiencing steady growth, fueled primarily by the expansion of automotive production worldwide. With over 85 million vehicles produced annually, the demand for high‑performance radial tyres incorporating steel cord reinforcement continues to rise. Emerging markets in Asia‑Pacific and Latin America are particularly contributing to this demand, as increasing disposable incomes and urbanization drive vehicle ownership. While passenger vehicles dominate demand, commercial vehicle segments are also showing strong growth, with the heavy truck market expanding due to increased logistics activities globally. The superior strength‑to‑weight ratio of steel cords makes them indispensable in modern radial tyre construction, ensuring improved durability and safety standards.

📈 Key Trends Shaping the Market:

• Growth in automotive production to emerge as a key market driver
• Technological advancements in cord manufacturing, including micro‑alloyed steels and optimized geometries
• Sustainability initiatives reshaping material selection, such as electric arc furnace technology and corrosion‑resistant coatings
• Integration of smart tyre technologies requiring advanced reinforcement materials
• Increasing demand for high‑tensile and ultra‑tensile cords in electric and commercial vehicle segments