Web design e-Logic.be

Their market is fragmented with more than 4100 companies whose majority is SMEs, employing 160 000 people. They realised in 2007 an estimated turnover of € 23 b.

75 % of the wide range of articles produced is destined to the automobile sector. The remaining share is composed of a wide range of products manufactured for the construction or pharmaceutical industry for instance.

European rubber manufacturers have been facing increasing competition with products from emerging markets such as China, which has incited the Sector to focus its production on high-tech and sophisticated products.

Today 5 European companies are amongst the worldwide top 10 leaders 4 being ranked in the top 5 leaders including from 1 to top 3 leaders.

GRG production in 4 major EU countries, in 000 tones

Germany, France, Italy and Spain remain the largest EU GRG producers. They are followed by UK and Poland.

EU General Rubber Goods trade balance

In 2007, the trade balance continued being positive with imports up to € 3.5 b while exports reached € 4 b.

   Sources: Eurostat

Update 24 July 2008