Colombia considers 83% tariff on Chinese truck and bus tires

The Colombian Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Tourism has recommended imposing an 83% tariff on radial tire imports for buses and trucks originating from China. This proposal follows an investigation into alleged dumping practices under tariff subheading 4011.20.10.00.

The investigation found an absolute dumping margin of $1.95 per kilogram, representing a relative margin of 88.64%. During the analyzed period, import volumes grew by 17.20%, while the market share of Chinese tires among imports rose from 72.91% to 80.73%. Additionally, average FOB prices dropped by 19.81%.

Acoplásticos, the Colombian Association of Plastic Industries, has urged the government to implement anti-dumping measures, warning that low-cost imports threaten the viability of the retreading industry, manufacturing employment, and circular economy models. Some imported tires may also fail to meet quality standards required for retreading.

In response to the Ministry's recommendation, local producers and the multinational Goodyear have requested a higher tariff of 167% to fully neutralize the impact on national production. Conversely, importing firms and Chinese brand representatives plan to contest the measure, citing potential increases in operating costs for land transport of cargo and passengers.