The European Union is imposing anti-dumping duties of up to 45.3% on Chinese tires, following a complaint by European manufacturers.
The tariffs aim to protect local producers like Michelin and Pirelli.
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Chinese tire imports have surged in recent years, with market share climbing from 18% in 2021 to 28% in 2024.
Approximately 93 million Chinese tires were imported into the EU in 2024.
The European Commission opened an investigation in May 2025 after the Coalition Against Unfair Tyre Imports alleged dumping margins of 41% to 104%.
European manufacturers claimed Chinese producers undercut prices by 30% to 65%.
Tariff Details
Producers such as Shandong Yongsheng and others not receiving an individual rate face a 45.3% levy.
Companies that cooperated with the investigation will pay a reduced 24.4% tariff.
The duties apply to the import value of each tire, not the retail price.
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In 2024, the average import value of a Chinese tire was €30.30 ($34.60).
A 45.3% tariff adds about €13.70 ($15.60) per tire, while the 24.4% rate adds roughly €7.40 ($8.40).
With VAT included, the extra cost ranges from €9 ($10) to €16 ($18) per tire before retailer margins.
The budget tire segment is expected to be most affected.
Korean brand Hankook, which operates plants in China, received a reduced rate of 4.3%.
Investigators found its dumping caused little harm to European industry, as its tires are in the upper-middle segment with higher average prices.
China and European importers rejected the allegations, warning the duties could raise prices and cause shortages in the lower-priced tire segment.
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The Commission dismissed these arguments, stating European manufacturers lost production volume, sales, and market share despite a growing market.
