Chinese tire makers welcome lower US duties on Thai passenger car tires

Washington – Two major Chinese tire makers with operations in Thailand have welcomed a decision by the US Department of Commerce to lower anti-dumping rates on passenger car tires originating from Thailand.

In separate stock exchange filings 25 Jan, Linglong and Jiangsu General Technology Co. Ltd (General Science) said a recent move by Commerce had seen anti-dumping rates lowered to 4.52%, from the initial 21.09% and 17.06% announced in 2022.

According to the tire makers, the Commerce decision – following a review concluded in July 2023 – sharply reduced antidumping rates against all Thai-based tire makers and in particular Sentury Tire (Thailand).

Sentury Tire’s initial tax rate was lowered from 17.06% to 1.24% while Sumitomo Rubber (Thailand) saw its rates cut from 14.59% to 6.16%.

Rates for all other Thai-based passenger car tire manufacturers went down from 17.06% to 4.52%, according to the two tire makers.

Linglong’s stock exchange filing welcomed the tax cuts, stating that it was the company with the highest decrease at 16.57%.

“The significant reduction in tax rates will greatly improve Thailand Linglong's operating capabilities and order acquisition,” the company added.

At the same time, Linglong went on to say, the move “will quickly improve product competitiveness and help quickly seize market-share.”

With a similar tone, General Science said its Thai subsidiary was “an important overseas base” for the company.

“This tax rate adjustment will help the company further seize market share and enhance its competitiveness and profitability in the international market,” it concluded.