New tariffs on tire imports may be introduced, according to officials from the Ministry of Industry and Trade
The Russian Ministry of Industry and Trade has confirmed that, following an investigation currently being conducted by the Eurasian Economic Commission (EEC), increased import duties on tires may be introduced, reports Autonews.ru.
“An investigation has currently been initiated regarding imported passenger and light commercial vehicle tires to assess the feasibility of introducing special protective measures. If the investigation confirms that the growing imports have negatively affected the tire market, increased import duties may be imposed,” the ministry stated.
The investigation was launched after appeals from tire manufacturers in Russia, Belarus, and Kazakhstan, who claim that competitors are undercutting prices, leading to declining sales for local companies—particularly due to low-cost tires from China.
The Ministry notes a steady growth in tire imports over the past five years, primarily from China, and this trend continues. According to the ministry, this situation “creates serious economic risks,” including reduced capacity utilization at Russian tire plants, lower tax revenues, job losses in the sector, and worsening conditions for related enterprises in the chemical industry.
According to ministry data, the situation is driven by three main factors. First, in 2022–2023, a temporary shortage emerged on the Russian market after several foreign companies exited, which was quickly filled by Chinese importers offering products at lower prices than domestic producers. Second, the growing popularity of Chinese vehicles in Russia—often originally equipped with Chinese tires—has impacted the replacement tire market. Third, there has been a general decline in demand in the Russian automotive market.
“The Russian Ministry of Industry and Trade, together with the industry, is systematically working to enhance the competitiveness of Russian tire manufacturers and protect their interests in the domestic market,” the ministry emphasized.
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