Tyre retailers advised to be flexible on stock during market volatility
Independent tyre retailers are being advised to adopt flexible inventory strategies due to unprecedented global trade volatility and tariff uncertainties.
Point S's global manufacturer intelligence reveals industry-wide stockpiling at nine-year lows as the entire supply chain takes measured approaches to inventory management.
The network recommends collaborative partnership approaches with suppliers rather than speculative stock commitments during this period of rapid cost fluctuations.
Independent tyre retailers are being guided toward strategic inventory flexibility as global trade uncertainties create unprecedented volatility in pricing and supply chains. That’s the message from Point S UK, which is working closely with tyre manufacturers to best advise its members during times of economic and market fragility.
Drawing on intelligence from its collaborative relationships with tyre manufacturers worldwide, Point S reports that the entire supply chain is adapting inventory strategies in response to tariff uncertainties. Recent data shows stockpiling activity at its lowest point in nine years¹, with manufacturers and retailers alike taking measured approaches to inventory levels as they navigate duties on imported automotive components² and ongoing trade tensions between major economies.
"Our global network enables us to share market intelligence between manufacturers and retailers that helps both sides make informed decisions," said Ali Yilmaz, UK Managing Director at Point S Tyre & Autocare. "We're seeing collaborative approaches to inventory management as everyone in the supply chain adapts to an environment where costs can shift rapidly. Even our manufacturing partners are emphasising flexibility over fixed commitments."
The current uncertainty stems from multiple factors: new US tariff policies affecting global supply chains, post-Brexit challenges with Chinese anti-dumping duties, and the World Trade Organisation's forecast that global merchandise trade could decline by up to 1.5% in 2025³. The UK's dependency on imported raw materials makes it particularly vulnerable to these disruptions⁴, with delays at ports and customs regulations creating additional cost pressures.
As a result, Point S is guiding its UK members toward responsive inventory strategies that balance opportunity with prudent risk management. The network recommends maintaining agile inventory policies, leveraging collective buying power to navigate price volatility, and working closely with manufacturing partners to optimise timing of purchases. "This market requires partnership thinking rather than speculation," Yilmaz continued. "We're helping our members collaborate with suppliers to find win-win approaches that protect everyone's interests during this volatile period."