The European Union (EU) has announced its final decision concerning the introduction of anti-dumping tariffs on truck and bus tires -- along with retreaded tires -- that are specifically produced in China.
The EU had previously imposed fixed rate anti-dumping duties on these products. What is surprising is Regulation 2018/1579 has revised tariff levels up almost across the board, which means retroactive tariffs that could have been applied earlier this year have been completely scrapped.
The only manufacturer to see its definitive anti-dumping rate reduced was Hankook Tire Co. Ltd., whose TBR products will carry duties of 42.73 euros per tire (or $48.67 per tire in dollars based on today's exchange rate), while Giti Tire and Aeolus Tire will pay 47.96 euros ($54.63) and 49.44 euros ($56.32), respectively.
Companies listed as "Cooperating Chinese exporting producers," including Guizhou Tyres, Prinx Chengshan (Shandong) Hengfeng Rubber, Shandong Huasheng Rubber, Shandong Jinyu Tire, Shandong Linglong, Triangle Tyre and Zhongce Rubber, have been imposed a duty of 49.31 euros ($56.17) per tire. The Chinese manufacturing facilities of global brands, including Michelin (Shenyang Tire), Bridgestone (Huizhou) and Goodyear (Dalian Tire) are also listed and will pay the same duty.
Also mentioned in the EU statement are Xingyuan Tire Group and Guangrao Xinhongyuan Tyre, who will will each pay a duty of 55.96 euros ($63.74) per tire.
The EU confirms it has now concluded its anti-subsidy investigation, which has been running alongside its anti-dumping duties implementation procedure. This new regulation repeals all previous anti-dumping regulations. -- John Stone
(For more information on the EU decision, click on the Tire Retread & Repair Information Bureau's report at retread/ustr-tariff-list.)
