Chinese Tires: EU Introduces Tariffs of Up to 45.3% After Dumping Investigation

The European Commission has introduced definitive anti-dumping duties on imports of tires for passenger cars and light commercial vehicles from China. The new measures, which came into effect on July 8 and are valid for a period of five years, include rates ranging from 4.3% to 45.3% and represent the outcome of an investigation initiated last November, which concluded that numerous Chinese manufacturers exported to the European market at prices deemed artificially low compared to those practiced in the Union.

According to Brussels, such dumping practices have caused damage to the European industry in the sector, which employs over 80,000 people across 14 member states. The new tariffs are not retroactive and apply to a wide range of rubber tires intended for passenger cars and light commercial vehicles, with a load index of less than 121, a parameter that identifies the maximum weight supported by each wheel.

Data collected by the Commission show that in 2024, European consumption of tires affected by the investigation reached about 330 million units, with a value exceeding 18 billion euros. During the same period, imports from China hit 93 million tires, equivalent to over 2.5 billion euros and a market share of 28%.

The adopted tariff system distinguishes manufacturers based on the level of cooperation provided during the inquiry. The minimum rate of 4.3% is applied to Hankook for its facilities located in Chongqing and Jiangsu. About sixty manufacturers who collaborated with the Commission, including international groups like Continental, Goodyear, Pirelli, Kumho, and Sumitomo, will instead be subject to a duty of 24.4%. All other producers and exporters who did not cooperate in the investigation will face the maximum rate of 45.3%.

Regarding Pirelli, the Commission specifies that the effects of the measure should be limited since the group’s facilities in China primarily produce tires for Asian markets and only marginally for the European one.

In parallel with the anti-dumping action, the European Commission is also conducting a separate investigation into possible subsidies received by Chinese tire manufacturers. This procedure, distinct from the current decision, is expected to conclude by December and could lead to the adoption of further trade measures if public aid incompatible with European market rules is established.