manufactured · input
High-carbon steel wire drawn to 0.15-0.35mm filaments, twisted into strands and cords; primary reinforcement for radial belt package and bead bundle; Bekaert (Belgium) supplies ~25-30% of global tire steel cord
5
Source countries
5
Companies
1
Goods affected
0
Claims on record
What depends on it
1 essential American goods rely on steel cord and bead wire somewhere upstream in their supply chain.
Where it comes from
Share of global supply, by country.
| Country | Share of supply |
|---|---|
| CNChina | 50% |
| KRSouth Korea | 12% |
| BEBelgium | 10% |
| JPJapan | 8% |
| DEGermany | 5% |
Who makes it
5 companies produce steel cord and bead wire.
World's largest steel wire transformation and coating company; produces ~25-30% of global tire steel cord, supplying Bridgestone, Michelin, Goodyear, and Continental; began as a fence wire maker in 1880 and evolved into the dominant supplier of the most critical structural element in radial tires.
Major South Korean steel cord and wire rope producer; one of the world's largest tire steel cord manufacturers (~10-12% global share). Also produces wire rope for offshore oil and gas, elevator cables, and suspension bridge wire. Competes directly with Bekaert across tire OEM and replacement markets. Operations in South Korea, China, Malaysia, and other countries.
Hong Kong-listed Chinese tire steel cord and bead wire producer; one of the largest in China. Produces high-carbon steel cord for radial tires and bead wire for tire bead bundle. Supplies Chinese tire manufacturers (Giti, Linglong, Sailun, Triangle) and exports. ~8-10% estimated global steel cord market share. HKEX: 1899.
Listed Chinese tire steel cord producer (Shanghai Stock Exchange: 603201); ~5% estimated global steel cord market share. Supplies Chinese domestic tire manufacturers. Part of the wave of Chinese steel cord capacity expansion that has pushed China to ~50%+ of global production.
Japanese tire steel cord producer; close ties to Sumitomo Rubber Industries (Dunlop brand). ~5% estimated global steel cord market share. Also produces Tokusen-brand saw wire and specialty fine wires. Supplies Japanese tire OEMs and has production in Japan and overseas.
