|
|
Article: Stagnant economy hits rubber firms.(Emphasis)
- Article from:
- Rubber & Plastics News
- Article date:
- July 14, 2003
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2003 Crain Communications, Inc. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
|
Byline: Bruce Davis
The rubber product industry in North America in 2002 performed as might be expected, considering the stagnant economy.
Noteworthy statistics of 2002 included:
* Tire production in the U.S. rose a meager 0.5 percent while imports-especially those from Asia-recorded double-digit growth in all categories.
* The U.S. trade deficit in rubber goods ballooned nearly 30 percent over 2001 to $3.65 billion.
* Rubber consumption by North American processors showed no change from 2001.
* U.S. rubber industry employment declined 3.4 percent during the year to 231,800.