The European Union Launches an Investigation into Chinese Tires!

The EU launches an anti-subsidy investigation into Chinese tires, accused of unfairly competing with the European industry.

The European Union (EU) announced on November 6, 2025, the launch of an anti-subsidy investigation concerning imports of tires for passenger cars, light commercial vehicles, and buses from China. The goal is to verify whether these tires benefit from Chinese public subsidies, are sold at artificially low prices, and if they cause or threaten to cause damage to the European tire industry.

This investigation is not the first of its kind. On May 21, 2025, the European Commission had already opened an anti-dumping investigation against Chinese tires for the same type of vehicles, to determine if they were sold “below their normal value” and harmed the European industry. The November 6 investigation thus complements the previous one by targeting subsidies that could distort competition.

A welcome braking before the skid

According to Reuters, Chinese imports have risen sharply since 2021, +51%, with prices up to 65% lower than those of European producers. This situation puts increasing pressure on local companies, which employ around 75,000 people in 14 member states and produce a market valued at €18 billion. The EU thus aims to protect its strategic sectors against practices considered unfair.

If the initial findings confirm the existence of subsidies and damage, the EU could impose provisional duties in the very short term, with a full procedure not exceeding 14 months.

The Chinese reaction, of course, was immediate. The Ministry of Commerce expressed its concern, considering that these measures could constitute trade barriers. The China Rubber Industry Association (CRIA) advised exporters to prepare defense strategies, highlighting rising trade tensions between Europe and China.

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For European consumers and manufacturers, the implications could translate into higher prices but, above all, a strengthening of local production. Ultimately, the best way for European stakeholders to defend themselves and ensure a more balanced market; both for tires and the automotive industry in general.

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