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Scrap tyre export refers to the international trade of used or wornout tires, often to countries where they can be repurposed or recycled. Buyers should know the various types of used tires available and choose accordingly to fulfill their intended purpose.
Some countries import whole tires to sell them again in the secondhand market. In such markets, people use them again on vehicles, particularly if new tires are too expensive. Others may use them in agricultural applications, like strong walls around fields. Some countries also allow whole tires to be dumped, but only in managed landfill sites. Whole tires are sometimes placed in shady areas to repel mosquitoes or similar insects.
Exporting used tires in bales is a good way to manage space and shipping costs. One bale takes up less space than 50 single tires and can still fit on a pallet. Baled tires are often exported to places with a high demand for the raw material in the bales, such as tire shredders. Machines in these markets turn whole baled tires into small pieces, which can then be sold to manufacturers for making new products.
Some buyers prefer to purchase the tires already shredded or chipped to save the hassle of doing it themselves. Tires that have been shredded or chipped into small pieces are often used by companies who need the material for making products. However, suppliers must check that the shredding is complete and consistent with the buyer's guidelines. Suppliers should also make sure that the shredded tires are completely dry before sealing any containers. Wet, shredded tires stuck together will take up space in shipping containers and want to be kept separate from drier batches. This can cause issues at customs in the receiving country.
Crumb rubber is the most processed type of scrap tyre export. It is made by grinding wornout tires into small granules. This even smaller rubber powder is used in so many places that even a small variation in its texture or composition can make a huge difference. Buyers looking for ground rubber usually check that the material is pure rubber without fabric or metal in it. They also want to know the mesh size and other specifications related to the grinding and sifting process.
Buyers should also know the different purposes of scrap tires in distant markets so they can choose the right kind of tires. The junk tires used in each field need to have distinct features.
Treads and sidewalls are the two parts of a tire that usually wear out the most. They contain the most rubber and least steel, so they have the most thermal energy. This makes wornout vehicle tires ideal for fuel. The lighter the tires, the less work the cement plants have to do to burn them, so they favor lowtread tires.
Tires are the second biggest source of fuel for cement plants after used oil. This is because, like oil, they provide lots of energy. As the tires burn, their chemicals help raise the temperature needed to make cement. Cement plants in places where there's no other fuel source, like natural gas or coal, buy tire bales in bulk to use as fuel.
Certain industrial boilers, especially in paper and pulp factories, use tires as an alternative fuel source. These boilers burn the tires to produce steam, which powers their machinery. These manufacturers may also face high energy costs, so they buy baled tires by the shipping container or truckload as a cheaper fuel option.
The metal wires in tires are useful to industries that make steel. Tire wire is mainly exported to markets in Asia because of its high demand there. The wire must be at least 85% steel for it to be worthwhile to steelmakers. If there is any rubber leftover in the wire, it must be burned off first.
The rubber in used tires can be reused in new products. This is good for the planet, as it keeps waste out of landfills. But it's also smart for factories to use old rubber. It costs about half as much as new rubber, so it helps factories save money.
Old tires have two main parts they can recycle:
Ground rubber
Ground rubber, or crumb rubber, is often turned into new products like mats for floors. Factories also use it to make soundproofing insulation. The crumb rubber needs to be finely ground, with 99% of its wires removed, for it to be useful to these manufacturers.
Rubber powder
Some buyers want even finer ground rubber, called rubber powder. They look for leaders in the automotive or building material industries where they can buy this smallbatch material in bulk.
Countries have different laws about importing used tires, so it's important for exporters to know all the rules. Here are some common requirements for exporting used tires:
Cargoe and shipping container sizes must all be reported in the customs forms. Containerized whole tires can take longer to move through border agents' checks compared to tires that have been shredded or ground into smaller pieces. The official customs agency in the country receiving the tires sets the rules about what kinds of documents are needed to ship them.
Many countries only allow certain types of used tires to be imported. For example, they might not let tires with too many cracks or bulges come in. Some places have special rules about the minimum tread depth that should be left on old tires. It's smart for exporters to look at each country's exact standards for tire quality and condition before shipping anything.
Some countries want all imported used tires to help local recycling programs first. That means exporters must sign up with recycling companies or authorities in the nation where the export business is located. Tires can't leave until the local recycling groups are given some of the old tires.
Many nations have strict laws to protect the environment from chemical pollution made by old tires. This is especially true for places in the EU or current EU countries. They carefully check all shipments to make sure no harmful rubber, plastic, or metal stuff leaks out. Exporters should learn about each country's recycling and environmental rules to avoid having any shipments seized or delayed.
To have a successful scrap tyre business, importers must select a reliable supplier who can regularly provide goodquality tires in the amounts required. Importers should consider the following questions when deciding which supplier to work with:
How does the supplier ensure the quality of the used tires they sell? Can they provide proof that the tires meet international standards and customers' specific requests, such as minimal wear and no punctures? How does the supplier check each tire before shipping to make sure it is usable?
Can the supplier provide the required number of tires each month? Will they be able to supply more during busy seasons? How do they deal with unexpected changes in demand or needs? It is vital for the list of scrap tires to contain a homogenous kind in terms of make, model, type and condition. This is because mixed lots are harder and more expensive to ship around the world.
How much are the tires, and what is included in the price? Are there any extra fees for shipping, handling or customs forms? At what dollar amount do payments have to be made? Trusted suppliers take payment by credit card, which offers some security in case problems arise later. Others require full upfront payment by wire transfer, which provides no buyer protection.
How fast does the supplier ship orders, and how do they get the tires transported? What shipping methods do they recommend, and which carriers do they work with? Can they handle special customs forms or other requirements to ensure timely delivery?
How easily could the importer reach the supplier if issues arose? Were emails and calls returned quickly? Were there no language or cultural barriers that impacted understanding? Good communication is required when questions or problems come up. Being responsive and cooperative goes a long way.
A1: The countries that receive the largest shipments of used tires depend partly on their proximity. Thailand and Malaysia get their tires mostly from nearby Southeast Asia nations like Vietnam and Cambodia. The Netherlands, Belgium and Germany import a lot from other EU countries. The US ships some of its used tires to Canada, Mexico and Caribbean islands like Jamaica. Tyre exports from the UK primarily go to EU destinations.
A2: Exporting used tires from the U.S. requires compliance with regulations set by agencies like the EPA and Customs. Tires must be free of hazardous waste, and conservation paperwork is needed. Customs forms must detail the tire type and condition. Adhering to environmental rules is vital.
A3: For used tire exports, customs paperwork is essential. Bills of lading, invoices and other shipping details are needed. Quarantine or inspection certificates may be required to confirm the shipmentis free of pests or disease. Keeping thorough records is important.
A4: Plastic mesh or fabric encases bales to keep pieces from falling out or getting lost during transport. Buyers can't examine individual tires while they remain tightly packed in bale containers. However, reputable suppliers reliably provide bales comprising homogeneous tires in terms of model and size at the buyer's request. Clear, open communication with the supplier about the type of scrap tire products needed is crucial to receiving the correct order. Tyre consignment exporters on Alibaba.com can be contacted to implement this further.
