The US tire manufacturer Goodyear reported on the 25th that the company achieved profitability in the first quarter of this year by focusing on the development of high value-added products and strong support from the international market. In the quarter ended March 31, Goodyear made a profit of US$147 million (60 cents per share) compared to a loss of US$174 million (96 cents per share) in the same period of the previous year. Quarterly sales increased from $4.5 billion in the same period last year to $4.94 billion. Excluding non-recurring items, Goodyear's earnings per share were 67 cents in the first quarter, which was higher than analysts expected 47 cents. Due to higher-than-expected results, the New York Stock Exchange's Goodyear stock price rose on the 25th. It is reported that the main reason for the company's profitability is the increase in product prices and improved product mix. According to the company’s financial report, strong growth was achieved in several major markets outside of North America in the first quarter, including European and Middle East African market sales growth of 16%, Latin America market growth of 29% and Asia Pacific market growth of 21%. Currently, 60% of Goodyear's sales come from markets outside North America. Due to the decline in the North American market, Goodyear said it will reduce North American inventory and cut tire production in the region. In the first quarter, sales of tires in North America fell by 1%, but operating profit was realized, which was better than the operating loss of the same period of last year.