Continental AG, one of the world’s leading tyre manufacturers, has confirmed it will exit the agricultural tyre business by December 2025.
The decision, announced in April 2025, marks a significant shift in the company’s strategy and will have ripple effects across global farming markets.
Why Continental is Exiting Agricultural Tyres
The company explained that the move is part of a broader strategic repositioning of its Commercial Specialty Tires (CST) division.
Rather than continue competing in the highly competitive and cost-intensive agricultural tyre market, Continental will redirect its resources toward sectors where it sees stronger growth opportunities, including:
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Material handling tyres for forklifts and logistics equipment
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Earthmoving tyres used in construction and mining
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Port operations tyres for heavy-duty cargo handling
This strategic focus, according to Continental, will allow it to improve profitability and strengthen its market share in areas with higher demand and lower price pressure.
Which Tyres Will Be Discontinued
Continental confirmed that several well-known agricultural tyre lines will be phased out, including:
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TractorMaster
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Tractor70
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Tractor85
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CombineMaster
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CompactMaster
Meanwhile, some multi-purpose tyres (MPT) will remain in production since they serve multiple sectors beyond agriculture.
What Happens to Farmers and Dealers Until 2025
Although Continental is winding down its agricultural tyre division, the company assured customers that it will:
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Fulfil all existing contracts and delivery obligations until the end of 2025
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Continue to provide support and warranty coverage for its agricultural tyres already in use
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Work with dealers and distributors to ensure an orderly transition
This means farmers, contractors, and equipment dealers relying on Continental’s tractor and combine tyres will still have supply continuity through the next harvest cycles.
Industry Implications
Continental’s exit highlights the growing challenges in the agricultural tyre sector, including:
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Rising raw material and energy costs
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Intense price competition from established players such as Michelin, Trelleborg, and BKT
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Increasing demand for specialised tyres with advanced technology
For farmers, this development may encourage diversification of suppliers and more careful evaluation of long-term tyre support when purchasing machinery.
Global and Regional Impact
The impact will vary by region. In Europe, where Continental had built a notable presence with OEM partnerships, equipment manufacturers may shift more orders to competitors.
In markets like Africa, where access to durable and affordable tyres is critical, dealers may face supply chain adjustments as they replace Continental lines with alternatives.
Looking Ahead
Continental’s decision underscores the pressures facing manufacturers in balancing innovation, cost, and global demand in agriculture.
While the exit may reduce choice in the short term, it could also open opportunities for other brands to expand their footprint in farming communities worldwide.
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