The German rubber industry association (WDK) has called for urgent action to support the local rubber sector following weak 2025 results.

According to key statistical data published by WDK, rubber production fell 6.4% year-on-year to 1.03 million tonnes in 2025, marking the fourth year of manufacturing decline in the industry.

Tire production fell 8.9% year-on-year to 410,000 tonnes while the manufacture of technical rubber goods dropped 4.6% to 620,000 tonnes, reported WDK on 20 Feb.

Overall sales declined 8% year-on-year to Euro 10.5 billion, with tires down 9.8% at €6.2 billion and rubber goods down 5.2% at Euro 4.2 billion.

Capacity utilization rates grew overall by 0.9% to 77.3%, with tire plants reporting a 2.3% decline to an average of 77.5% while average utilization among rubber goods makers grew 4.3% to 77.1%.

Investment in the industry rose by 2.7% to Euro760 million compared to 2024, with tire investment flat at Euro430 million and rubber goods investment up 6.5% to Euro330 million.

Employment levels fell across both segments, with tires reporting a 7.1% decline in employment to 17,100 people and rubber goods falling 2.5% to 43,500 people.