In 2025, the global trade landscape underwent dramatic changes, and China’s tire industry demonstrated remarkable resilience amidst numerous challenges. From escalating trade barriers to deepening globalization, from breakthroughs in capital markets to leading technological innovation, the industry is experiencing profound transformation. The following is a comprehensive overview of the ten key events of the year.
01. The US Imposes “Reciprocal Tariffs,” Raising Export Barriers Again
On May 3, 2025, the US government officially implemented the “reciprocal tariff” policy, imposing a uniform 25% tariff on imported auto parts, including passenger car and light truck tires. Previously, Chinese tires already faced tariff barriers as high as 245%. After the new policy was implemented, the overall tariff rate further increased to 270%, meaning that the traditional channels for Chinese tire exports to the US were essentially closed. This policy not only directly affects domestic Chinese tire companies but also significantly impacts Chinese-funded companies’ overseas production bases in Southeast Asia and other regions.
02. EU Launches Anti-dumping and Countervailing Duties Investigations, Increasing Trade Environment Uncertainty
After launching anti-dumping investigations into Chinese passenger car and light truck tires in May of this year, the EU formally added a countervailing duty investigation on November 6, creating a complex situation of overlapping anti-dumping and countervailing duties. Although the EU decided on December 18 not to implement provisional anti-dumping duties, the continued progress of the investigation process means that the final tariff rate remains highly uncertain, posing new challenges to Chinese tire exports to the EU.
03. Zhongce Rubber Successfully Listed, Significantly Enhancing its Capital Strength
On June 5th, Zhongce Rubber Group, a leading Chinese tire manufacturer, officially listed on the Shanghai Stock Exchange Main Board (stock code: 603049.SH), becoming one of the largest IPOs in the A-share market this year. This listing not only injected ample capital momentum into the company’s development but also marked a significant step forward for the Chinese tire industry in capital market operations and modern corporate governance.
04. Sailun’s Mexican Factory Commences Production, Achieving a Breakthrough in Globalization Strategy
On May 29th, Sailun Group’s first intelligent production base in Mexico officially commenced operation, with the first high-performance semi-steel radial tire successfully rolling off the production line. The commencement of production at this factory is not only a key step in Sailun Group’s globalization strategy but also provides an important model for Chinese tire companies to get closer to the North American market and optimize their supply chain layout.
05. Linglong Tire Launches Brazil Project, Achieving Breakthrough in South American Expansion
In May of this year, Linglong Tire officially announced the launch of its Brazilian production base construction project, with a planned investment of US$1.19 billion (approximately RMB 8.71 billion). This project marks the first production capacity layout of a Chinese tire manufacturer in South America, and is of milestone significance for expanding into emerging markets and improving the global supply chain.
06. Haian Group Plans to Build a Factory in Russia, Expanding into New Eurasian Markets
On December 26, Haian Group announced its plan to build an all-steel giant tire factory in Omsk Oblast, Russian Federation, with a total investment of approximately RMB 4.319 billion. This is the first time a Chinese-funded tire company has directly invested in and built a factory in Russia, demonstrating the company’s strategic vision in expanding into emerging markets.
07. Sailun Acquires Bridgestone Shenyang Plant, Optimizing Domestic Production Capacity Layout
On July 14, Sailun Group, through its wholly-owned subsidiary, successfully acquired 100% equity of Bridgestone (Shenyang) Tire Co., Ltd. for RMB 265 million. After the acquisition, Sailun plans to invest an additional RMB 2 billion to build it into an intelligent production base with an annual output of 3.3 million all-steel radial tires and 20,000 tons of off-road tires.
08. Zhongce Launches Dedicated Tire for Electric Commercial Vehicles, Leading Technological Innovation
On July 27, Zhongce Rubber officially launched the world’s first dedicated tire for electric commercial vehicles and its “X Technology System” in Chengdu, successfully solving the industry problems of “high wear, high failure rate, and high uneven wear” faced by electric commercial vehicle tires. This innovative achievement not only reflects the technological strength of Chinese tire companies but also makes an important contribution to the improvement of the global new energy vehicle industry chain.
09. Junyue Group Acquires Zhongchuang Tire, Continuing to Expand its Industrial Footprint
On September 5th, Junyue Group successfully acquired the core assets of Zhongchuang Tire through a statutory auction process, officially entering the tire manufacturing field. The company plans to add 2 million sets of TBR and PCR capacity within two years, building upon its existing 1 million sets of TBR capacity, demonstrating the development ambition of this new entrant.
10. Huafeng Rubber Acquires US Factory, Achieving Breakthrough in Localized Production
In October, Huafeng Rubber reached an agreement with Sumitomo Rubber to successfully acquire its factory located in Tonawanda, New York, USA. This marks the first time a Chinese tire company has established a production base in the United States, achieving a historic leap from “product export” to “capacity export.”
Summary and Outlook
The development trajectory of China’s tire industry in 2025 clearly demonstrates that, facing an increasingly complex international trade environment, the industry is shifting from passive response to proactive strategic planning. By acquiring development resources through capital market operations, mitigating trade risks through globalized production capacity layout, and enhancing core competitiveness through technological innovation, Chinese tire companies are building a more robust and resilient new development model. Looking ahead, with the rapid development of the global new energy vehicle industry and the deepening of green transformation, China’s tire industry is expected to achieve new breakthroughs in technological innovation, intelligent manufacturing, and sustainable development, contributing more Chinese wisdom and solutions to the development of the global tire industry.
