Tires: Chinese Tire Exports to the EU Drop Sharply

A report commissioned by the European Tyre and Rubber Manufacturers' Association (ETRMA) and released by research firm Astutus on August 6 reveals a significant decline in Chinese tire exports to the European Union. In the first five months of 2026, Chinese tires accounted for 58.1% of total passenger car and light truck tire imports to the EU 27 plus the UK, down from 71.8% in the same period last year — essentially reverting to 2019 levels of 59.9%.

Overall passenger car and light truck tire imports to the EU 27 and the UK declined 6% year-on-year, totaling 67 million units. Chinese shipments fell 24% to 39 million units. ASEAN suppliers filled most of the market gap, with their import share surging from 7.6% last year to 19.9% — nearly tripling. Thailand recorded the highest export growth, with tire exports surging 156% from 2 million to 6 million units; Vietnam's export volume rose 130%, exceeding 3 million units. Cambodia also emerged as a significant supplier, exporting 2.3 million tires this year despite minimal exports in 2025.

The report indicates that most of the new ASEAN export supply comes from overseas factories established by Chinese tire manufacturers. South Korea and Japan maintained a combined import share of 14.6%.

Looking specifically at the EU 27 market (excluding the UK), the decline in Chinese tire import share was even more dramatic. Fearing retroactive tariff application, European importers stockpiled heavily throughout the first three quarters of 2025, when Chinese tires held approximately 70% of the EU import share. As inventories were gradually consumed, Chinese tire imports plummeted 57% year-on-year in Q1 2026, with market share in the EU 27 dropping to 42%. Imports from other countries to the EU in both Q1 and Q2 rose approximately 40%, but this growth was insufficient to offset the Chinese tire import gap, resulting in an 11% year-on-year decline in total EU 27 tire imports for the first five months.

The European Commission completed its anti-dumping investigation into Chinese passenger car and light truck tires in early July, imposing definitive anti-dumping duties ranging from 4.3% to 45.3% for five years, effective July 18. The tariffs are not retroactive. The report noted that the UK, operating outside the EU tariff system, maintained a stable 75% Chinese tire import market share, which also elevated China's overall share in the EU 27 plus UK market.

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