The European Commission has once again extended anti-dumping and anti-subsidy tariffs on truck and bus tyres imported from China. While this move is intended to support European manufacturers, its ripple effects are already being felt across the supply chain—from tyre importers to fleet operators struggling with rising costs. First enforced in January 2025, these tariffs are now shaping market dynamics as businesses across the industry adjust to the new reality. The full impact is becoming clearer as we approach the end of the first quarter, with companies navigating changing cost structures and supply chain disruptions. The extension of tariffs continues to reshape the market, influencing pricing, supply chains, and competition among tyre manufacturers.
Why Are These Tariffs in Place?
The EU first introduced tariffs on Chinese truck tyres back in 2018 to counteract what it deemed unfair pricing practices. Over the years, these tariffs have been challenged, overturned, and reinstated, with the most recent extension confirming the EU’s stance on protecting local industry.
The newly extended tariffs are outlined in Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/58 and Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/61. These impose duties ranging from €21.12 to €78.90 per tyre, based on extensive investigations into pricing structures and industry impact.
How Were These Tariffs Decided?
To justify the decision, the European Commission conducted an in-depth review in collaboration with five EU-based tyre retread companies, including:
- Lapin Kumi Oy (Finland)
- RuLa-BRW GmbH (Germany)
- Marangoni S.P.A (Italy)
- Two additional companies that opted to remain confidential
The investigation also examined two major Chinese tyre manufacturers, Giti Group and Hankook Group, to determine pricing strategies and potential market distortions. These findings were detailed in the European Commission’s official reports, including Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/58 and 2025/61.
Breakdown of Tariffs for Key Chinese Manufacturers
- Giti Group (which operates production facilities in Anhui and Fujian, China) faces a €11.07 countervailing duty and a €35.74 anti-dumping duty, totaling €46.81 per tyre. In response to past tariffs, Giti had already shifted a significant portion of its production for the EU market to its Indonesian facilities.
- Hankook Group, with production sites in Chongqing and Jiangsu, is subject to a €3.75 countervailing duty and a €17.37 anti-dumping duty, resulting in a total of €21.12 per tyre.
- Other Chinese manufacturers are also affected, with varying duty rates applied based on the Commission’s findings.
A Look Back: The History of EU Tariffs on Chinese Tyres
The EU has been addressing Chinese tyre imports for several years:
- 2018 – Provisional anti-dumping duties were imposed on Chinese truck tyres under Regulation (EU) 2018/683.
- October & November 2018 – The EU formalized both anti-dumping and countervailing duties.
- May 4, 2022 – The General Court of the EU annulled these duties after challenges from the China Rubber Industry Association (CRIA) and China Chamber of Commerce of Metals, Minerals & Chemicals Importers & Exporters (CCCMC).
- April 4, 2023 – The EU reinstated the tariffs under Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2023/737 (anti-dumping duties) and 2023/738 (countervailing duties).
- The latest tariff extension, enforced in January 2025, is now creating significant market shifts as its effects ripple across the industry by the end of the first quarter.
How Have These Tariffs Impacted the Market?
Since the original tariffs were implemented, Chinese truck tyre imports into the EU have dropped significantly—from 21.3% of the total market share in 2018 to just 5.4% today. This suggests that the measures have been effective in curbing low-cost imports while encouraging demand for European-produced tyres.
However, the impact is being felt differently across the industry. Fleet operators, shipping agents, and distributors are facing shifting costs and logistical challenges.
“Prices for truck tyres have noticeably increased since the start of the year,” says Marco Lenz, a logistics manager in Germany. “We used to have more budget-friendly options from China, but now we’re either paying higher prices or looking for alternative brands.”
“We’ve had to adjust our inventory planning,” explains Sofia Martinez, a distributor based in Spain. “Customers are more cautious about bulk orders, and we’re seeing increased demand for retreaded tyres as a cost-effective solution.”
Chinese manufacturers, facing increased costs, have swiftly adapted by shifting production to alternative locations such as Indonesia and Thailand. This has allowed them to continue supplying the European market while minimizing the financial impact of tariffs. Despite this, the EU remains firm on its stance, ensuring that unfair pricing practices do not disrupt the European market.
“There’s always a way around tariffs,” notes an anonymous shipping agent in Rotterdam. “We’re now handling more shipments from Southeast Asia instead of direct imports from China. It’s clear that manufacturers are adapting quickly.”
Since the original tariffs were implemented, Chinese truck tyre imports into the EU have dropped significantly—from 21.3% of the total market share in 2018 to just 5.4% today. This suggests that the measures have been effective in curbing low-cost imports while encouraging demand for European-produced tyres.
Meanwhile, manufacturers in China have responded by shifting production to alternative locations such as Indonesia and Thailand, allowing them to bypass some of these duties. Despite this, the EU remains firm on its stance, ensuring that unfair pricing practices do not disrupt the European market.
What’s Next for the Industry?
With the latest extension in place, European tyre manufacturers can continue to compete on more equal terms, while Chinese manufacturers will need to reassess their export strategies. The EU’s decision also signals a continued commitment to protecting local jobs, ensuring quality standards, and stabilizing the market for the long term.
For businesses that rely on truck and bus tyres, these developments translate into higher prices, longer lead times, and an urgent need to reconsider sourcing strategies. Many are now weighing the benefits of European-made tyres against alternative imports from countries that are not subject to these tariffs.
Final Thoughts
The extension of these tariffs is a clear statement by the EU: fair competition is a priority, and domestic industries need protection from artificially low-priced imports. While Chinese manufacturers are expected to continue adapting, European businesses face an evolving landscape—one where pricing, supply chains, and sourcing decisions will be key factors in staying competitive.
If you’re in the EU and looking for reliable Chinese tyres despite the tariffs, we can help. Our team specializes in navigating the changing trade landscape, ensuring you get quality tyres at competitive rates. Contact us today to explore your options!
