ERJ Survey Feedback: Tire trade protection measures in Europe

Survey feedback:

A late surge saw the "not likely" option take the majority of the vote, with 37.5%, in our first ERJ survey. 

We asked if tire trade protection measures could be introduced in Europe (details below) and received a good range of responses.

Close behind the winner were the choices of "very likely" and "fairly likely" – with 25% each. Last and least was "likely" with 11%. Perhaps the split here was down to the wording of the question.

The survey generated a broad range of comments – but mainly from people who thought trade protection measures were unlikely to happen.

As one respondent said: “Chinese products are being heavily subsidised and also there is no way of showing how they make a profit or loss due to their accounting methods.”

Another viewpoint was that: “The situation for the European industry will further deteriorate because of the absence of anti-dumping initiatives.”

While a late 'arrival' commented: "The Chinese truck tires have reduced [in price] in the last year to be cheaper than remoulds. Taking material cost and shipping into account they can not do this without subsidies. This destroys the objective of recycling as there are more old tires for disposal. Protection should be introduced but Europe is so slow I do not expect any action."

These are interesting opinions and show there is a real concern from some quarters of the industry about China. But do you agree with their sentiments?

The survey closed on 8 August and thank you to all our readers who responded.

We will be running other surveys in the future, but if you have any suggestions or ideas, please contact the editor Patrick Raleigh or reporter Tony Peyton.

ERJ is conducting a survey on trade protection measures in Europe and we would like to hear your opinions.

The US International Trade Commission voted 6-0 to continue an antidumping and countervailing duty investigation against passenger and light truck tire imports from China, sending the case into its next phase.

The United Steelworkers union (USW) previously petitioned for relief to help US industries it says have been hurt by upsurges in Chinese imports.

The USW said Chinese tire imports skyrocketed after tariffs ended and the union said it also discovered dumping margins as high as 92 percent, as well as more than 40 government subsidies – including 12 related directly to imports – available to Chinese tire makers.

The China Rubber Industry Association declined to comment on the anti-dumping investigation.

What are the chances of similar trade protection measures being introduced in Europe?

Related ERJ story here: Shandong would feel full force of US duties on Chinese tires