JK Tyre says India can tap new markets to offset US, Mexico tariff challenges
JK Tyre & Industries Ltd is confident that Indian exporters can diversify and find new global markets even as trade tariffs from the United States and Mexico reshape global demand. Raghupati Singhania, Chairman and Managing Director of JK Tyre, told BusinessLine in an interview that India does not have to depend solely on traditional markets such as the US or Mexico, and that alternative destinations can provide long-term opportunities for growth.
Singhania acknowledged that the tariff environment in North America presents a challenge, but he emphasised that it is not insurmountable. He said that while it may take a few years to fully pivot, Indian companies could progressively reduce reliance on any one market by expanding their footprints in other regions.
JK Tyre has already been adjusting its export strategy in recent months. The company has shifted some production and export flows through its Mexico facility to maintain access to the American market despite high duties, while also strengthening its presence in Latin America and Brazil. JK Tyre continues to leverage its position in Europe, the Middle East, and African markets to broaden its global sales base and reduce exposure to concentrated risks.
Industry analysts note that the broader Indian tyre sector has been actively exploring new destinations for its products, given rising protectionist policies in major economies. According to recent data, Indian tyre makers export to more than 100 countries, and expanding into under-penetrated regions could help offset tariff headwinds while supporting export revenue growth.
Despite the challenging trade landscape, JK Tyre and other Indian tyre manufacturers have shown resilience by investing in capacity expansions, product development, and market diversification. These moves reflect a broader belief among industry leaders that Indian companies can remain competitive internationally by adapting to shifting trade dynamics and pursuing a diversified export approach.
Editor’s View
The JK Tyre India markets diversification outlook is a strategic response to a changing global trade environment. As tariffs rise in established destinations such as the US and Mexico, Indian manufacturers are learning that relying on a narrow set of export markets is no longer viable.
For the tyre industry, where export demand has been a meaningful part of growth, diversification is not just about protecting volumes but about gaining resilience and competitiveness. By focusing on Europe, Latin America, Africa, and the Middle East, JK Tyre is aligning its global strategy with broader trends in Indian manufacturing, where reaching new customers and spreading risk is vital.
This shift also underscores a larger lesson for Indian exporters: geopolitical pressures and tariff volatility mean companies must build flexible export frameworks that can absorb shocks and unlock fresh demand avenues. It’s a positive indicator for the industry when leaders speak of finding “new markets” with confidence and commitment.
