EU Slaps Tariffs Up to 45% on Chinese Tire Imports

3%. The move, announced by Brussels officials, follows a 14-month investigation that concluded Chinese imports were being sold at unfairly low prices. The Commission argues these practices have hurt the EU’s tire industry, which employs over 80,000 people across 14 member states.

The investigation, launched in May 2025 after complaints about pricing, found that Chinese tires accounted for roughly 28% of the EU market in 2024-93 million out of 330 million units sold. 5 billion. European officials say the dumping has undermined local manufacturers, who struggle to compete against what they view as state-backed Chinese companies.

This latest tariff escalation highlights ongoing tensions in EU-China trade relations. The bloc has long criticized Beijing for running a large trade surplus, which European leaders attribute to heavy government subsidies for Chinese firms. However, efforts to rebalance the relationship have stalled, partly because some EU countries remain hesitant to push for major reforms or risk an open confrontation.

The decision underscores a cautious but growing willingness in Brussels to protect domestic industries, even as internal divisions persist over how far to go.