Chinese Tyres Have Strangled the russian Market

Chinese tyres have flooded the russian market to such an extent that local manufacturers are asking the government for protection. Over the past year, the number of Chinese brands on store shelves has risen from 200 to 250, and this expansion shows no signs of slowing down.

Last year, China accounted for 55.5% of all tyre imports to russia. belarus, which until recently was considered a reliable “allied” supplier, is no longer even in second place – with a 9% share, it has been overtaken by Vietnam (10%). Rounding out the top five are manufacturers from South Korea (7%) and Thailand (6.6%).

Domestic production has also plummeted. In 2025, tyre production in russia fell by 21% – from 44.7 million to 35.1 million units. The share of russian companies in the domestic market dropped to 51.5%.

The reasons are clear: Chinese products are flooding the market at dumping prices that local manufacturers simply cannot match. Foreign tyres often enter the market at artificially low prices thanks to state export support programs in China and other countries. Moreover, the absence of regulatory barriers opens the door to products of questionable quality and safety.

The industry’s confusion has resulted in a collective appeal to the Eurasian Economic Commission: “kordiant”, “kama”, “ikon tyres”, and the belarusian “belshina” are requesting a special safeguard investigation into the growing imports of passenger and light-truck tyres. What the outcome of this appeal will be remains to be seen: China is moscow’s main economic partner, and the kremlin is unlikely to bite the hand that feeds it.