I. Introduction
China tire export volume reached 5.76 million tons in the first seven months of 2026, up 2.4% year-on-year, while export value fell 3% to RMB 96.3 billion. This volume-up, value-down pattern reflects overcapacity and intensifying competition. For overseas buyers, distributors, and industry partners, understanding this shift is essential for procurement planning and supply chain risk control.
II. Volume and Value Divergence in China Tire Export
Export volume continues to rise, but revenue and profit are contracting simultaneously. Manufacturers are lowering quotations to maintain order volumes, causing export value to move opposite to export volume. This is not a short-term market fluctuation but a result of overcapacity and homogeneous competition. For overseas buyers, this means stronger price negotiation leverage, but also requires attention to suppliers’ operational continuity and quality stability.
Key data comparison:
Export volume: 5.76 million tons, +2.4% year-on-year
Export units: over 420 million
Total export value: RMB 96.3 billion, -3% year-on-year
New pneumatic tire export value: -3.2% year-on-year
Automobile tire export value: -5.5% year-on-year
Shandong export value: RMB 50.51 billion, -7.7% year-on-year
| Commodity | Unit | Jul (Qty / Value) | Jan–Jul (Qty / Value) | YoY (Qty / Value) | Cum. YoY (Qty / Value) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rubber tires | 10k tons | 82 / 1,370,396 | 576 / 9,627,030 | -10.1% / -13.1% | +2.4% / -3% |
| New pneumatic tires | 10k tons | 79 / 1,312,903 | 554 / 9,226,576 | -10.5% / -13.5% | +2.2% / -3.2% |
| New pneumatic tires | 10k units | 6,022 / 1,312,903 | 42,262 / 9,226,576 | -9.6% / -13.5% | +1.7% / -3.2% |
| Automobile tires | tons | 686,518 / 1,097,920 | 4,823,789 / 7,743,394 | -13.2% / -17.4% | +0.6% / -5.5% |
III. Limited Access to High-End Markets in Europe and the US
In June 2026, the EU finalized anti-dumping duties on light truck tires and passenger car tires, ranging from 4.3% to 45.3%. In the first half of 2026, China’s semi-steel tire exports to the EU fell 35.2% year-on-year. In the US market, the combined tariff rate on Chinese tires approaches 190%, and China tire export to the US has dropped 98% from its historical peak. Carbon tariffs, technical standards, and retroactive tax policies further raise entry barriers. High-end markets in Europe and the US have effectively closed to Chinese tires. Overseas buyers relying on Chinese high-end tire supply should reassess tariff costs and compliance risks under tire tariff China policies.
Major market restrictions:
EU: anti-dumping duties 4.3%–45.3%; semi-steel tire exports to EU -35.2%
US: combined tariff rate approaching 190%; exports to US -98% from peak
Other measures: carbon tariffs, technical standards, retroactive tax collection
IV. Emerging Markets as the Main Source of Growth
Africa, Asia (excluding West Asia), and Latin America absorbed the majority of China tire export growth. These markets are dominated by mid- and low-end products. Overseas buyers can obtain price advantages in these regions, but should note that trade barriers are gradually extending to emerging markets. A tire industry analysis of regional demand shows shifting supply chains and growing local requirements.
Regional market performance:
Africa: tire import growth 25.48%; South Africa +65.64%; Nigeria, Tanzania and others up over 30%
Asia (excluding West Asia): supported by RCEP tariff reductions and customs facilitation; strong demand in Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam
Latin America: semi-steel tire export growth 22.3%; Brazil imports nearly doubled; Mexico serves as a channel into the North American market
V. Industry Profit and Brand Risks
Overseas tire quotations have generally fallen 10% to 18%. Gross margins for small and medium-sized export enterprises have dropped below 3%, and some rely on export tax rebates to sustain operations. Long-term low-price strategies have reinforced the perception of Chinese tires as low-end and cheap, weakening brand premium capacity. Russia and several South American countries have launched trade investigations or imposed tariffs, and trade barriers in emerging markets are taking shape. When evaluating china tyre price trends, overseas buyers should incorporate supplier profitability, compliance levels, and brand sustainability into their assessment to avoid business disruption from supplier exit or quality fluctuations.
Key risk indicators:
Overseas quotation decline: 10%–18%
Gross margin of small and medium-sized exporters: below 3%
Profit source for some enterprises: reliance on export tax rebates
Emerging market barriers: trade investigations or tariffs in Russia and multiple South American countries
VI. Summary
China tire export faces not weak demand but high-end market closure and mid-to-low-end overcapacity. Volume remains high while profit and brand value stay under pressure. Buyers can leverage short-term price competition, but must monitor tariff changes, supplier financial health, and emerging market barriers. Long-term procurement should favor Chinese tire manufacturer partners with differentiated products, compliance systems, and stable delivery records.
If you are sourcing tires from China, evaluating suppliers for your market, or have questions about the export trends, tariff changes, or regional market shifts covered in this article, Tyre Sourcing can support your procurement process.
