Chinese tire export hindered from lifted EU-US standard

Export of Chinese tires may face backlash from lifted EU and US standards, according to Tire Sub-association's China Rubber Industry Association's branch

On Jun. 1st, the US FMVSS139 Tire Testing Standard will come into force, which stipulates stricter safety requirement for automotive tires.

On the same day, the EU's REACH chemicals bill officially goes in effect, forcing companies to register safety information and setting specification on the content of chemicals. Both rules will hitch the path of the export of China-made tires.

Overseas sales comprise 40 percent of the overall tire production in China, with and annual growth rate of 20%. America, the largest foreign market for Chinese tires, witnesses almost half of the total export, according to the association. China overran Japan as the largest tire exporter to America in 2004.

The unqualified Chinese tire-makers will face the challenge from improving the safety standard and product quality. Which ever way, it is difficult to predict how the export volume will be affected.