The tire industry is simultaneously experiencing the dual impacts of rising trade protectionism and rapid technological innovation, with companies seeking new opportunities amidst challenges.

The Colombian Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Tourism issued an announcement last week, formally initiating an anti-dumping investigation into new rubber tires for trucks and buses originating from China. This is the latest development in recent changes in the global tire trade landscape, and the investigation will affect the trade flow of related tire products between China and Colombia.

Almost simultaneously, several international tire companies announced a new round of price increase plans. Starting November 1, Sumitomo Rubber North America raised prices for some Falken brand passenger car and light truck tires, with increases of up to 6%. The domestic market is no exception, with companies like Wanli Tire and Zhongyi Rubber also successively announcing TBR product price adjustments.

While the trade environment is becoming increasingly complex, the tire technology sector is showing active innovation trends. International manufacturers such as Continental Tire, Bridgestone, and Yokohama Tire have launched groundbreaking new products, from retreaded tires to ultra-high mileage tires. Technological innovation is bringing new growth momentum to the industry.

Trade Barriers: Global Tire Market Faces New Challenges

The Colombian Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Tourism issued Announcement No. 287 in the official gazette on October 21, 2025. In response to an application filed by the Colombian Entrepreneurs Association on behalf of Goodyear Colombia, it decided to initiate an anti-dumping investigation into new rubber tires for trucks and buses originating from China.

This investigation application was submitted by local Colombian enterprises and supported by the local subsidiary of the international tire giant Goodyear, reflecting the protectionist tendency of the Latin American market for its domestic tire manufacturing industry.

Trade protectionist measures are showing an upward trend, bringing more uncertainty to the global tire market.

Almost simultaneously, new US tariffs on medium and heavy-duty vehicles and key components officially took effect on November 1. These measures will further alter the global tire trade pattern.

In China, A-share tire sector companies have shown resilience in the complex international environment. Wind data shows that, so far, the tire industry overall presents a development trend of "revenue growth, profit differentiation".

Ji Xuehong, Director of the Automotive Industry Innovation Research Center at North China University of Technology, analyzed that this year, the domestic tire industry has demonstrated strong revenue resilience in a complex market environment, with most companies achieving revenue growth.

Price Fluctuations: Cost Pressures Drive Price Increases Across Product Lines

Entering November, the tire industry ushered in a wave of price increases. Multiple factors, from raw material cost pressures to changes in market supply and demand, jointly drove this round of price adjustments.

Guangzhou Wanli Tire announced a 2%-4% price increase for TBR products effective November 15. The company's price adjustment statement clearly pointed out that rising prices of major raw materials like rubber have led to a significant increase in production costs.

Zhongyi Rubber Co., Ltd. also raised TBR product prices by 1%-2% starting November 1 for similar reasons. Qirun Tire (Dezhou) Co., Ltd. similarly announced a 2%-3% price increase for all TBR brand series products in the domestic replacement market, effective November 1.

The international market is equally unsettled. Sumitomo Rubber North America raised prices for some Falken brand tires in the US and Canada on November 1, with increases of up to 6%.

Dunlop also announced a 3% price increase for passenger car tires (including winter tires) effective November 1.

This series of price increase actions reflects the overall cost pressure facing the tire industry and also indicates potential price transmission to the end market.

Technological Breakthroughs: Product Innovation Drives Industry Upgrading

Facing a complex trade environment and cost pressures, tire companies are seeking breakthroughs through technological innovation. Recently, several companies have launched new products with market competitiveness.

Continental Tire launched the ContiTread HTR retreaded tire, specifically designed for trailer service in regional and long-distance transportation. This product uses lightweight composite materials and a round shoulder design to improve durability and resist wear under high abrasion conditions.

Shaun Uys, Vice President of Continental Tire's US Commercial Vehicle Tire Business, stated: "This represents a major advancement in retreading technology. We designed it to outperform its predecessor, the HTL."

Bridgestone launched the DOT-approved VHS3 crane tire for mobile and all-terrain cranes. This high-speed radial tire provides stability and control when lifting heavy loads and moving between on-road and off-road environments.

Rob Seibert, President of Bridgestone Americas Off-the-Road, pointed out: "Mobile and all-terrain cranes handle some of the most challenging and high-risk jobs. The new Bridgestone VHS3 tire is designed to give crane operators the confidence they need."

Yokohama Tire's commercial vehicle tires are setting new standards for long-distance transport. The company's 124R steering axle tire can achieve mileage exceeding 285,000 kilometers even when facing the challenge of transporting liquid cargo that shifts during braking and cornering.

Mat Wilkinson, Sales Director at Yokohama Tire, said: "G&J Shuttleworth's fleet operates around the clock, transporting sensitive liquid cargo over long distances. Durability and reliability are crucial."

Technological innovation not only enhances product performance but also reduces the total cost of ownership. Yokohama Tire's 704R drive axle tire also features multiple design elements that help improve mileage and traction.

Market Trends: Diversified Demand Drives Product Segmentation

With the continuous development of the global transportation industry, the tire market is showing an increasingly obvious segmentation trend. Specialized tire products for different application scenarios are continuously emerging.

Retreaded tire technology plays an important role in sustainable development. Continental Tire's ContiTread HTR uses a heat-reducing composite material that helps protect casing integrity, allows additional retreading, and extends the overall tire life cycle.

This retreaded product offers widths ranging from 200mm (approx. 8 inches) to 240mm (approx. 9 inches). Each feature focuses on extending tire life while maintaining fuel efficiency performance on regional routes.

Specialized tire products target specific application scenarios. Yokohama Tire's 124R steering pattern features tread characteristics that enhance life and traction, including specially designed grooves and sipes to reduce early shoulder wear and irregular wear, stone ejectors, and rigid shoulder ribs to aid straight-line stability.

Similarly, Yokohama Tire's 704R drive axle tire features a wide directional tread, high rigidity blocks, and newly developed composite materials, all contributing to even wear, long tread life, and improved traction, especially in wet and cold conditions.

Bridgestone is also actively showcasing its latest tire innovations. At the Transport CH exhibition in Bern from November 5-8, Bridgestone will display its latest products including the M-series 002 and Duravis Van Winter.

Industry Outlook: New Opportunities Emerge from Challenges

Facing the dual pressures of trade barriers and rising costs, the tire industry is actively adjusting its strategies, seeking new growth paths through product innovation and market diversification.

Signals of performance recovery in multiple companies in the third quarter have injected confidence into the industry's subsequent development. As some companies optimized product structures, overseas bases reached production capacity, and raw material prices fell, several companies saw improved quarterly performance.

Bridgestone will showcase its M-series 002, designed for demanding on-road and off-road applications, and the Duravis Van Winter, developed for daily use of commercial vans, at the Transport CH exhibition.

Both models represent efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and enhanced safety. Visitors will have the opportunity to experience the M-series 002 and Duravis Van Winter firsthand and receive detailed advice at stand A022 in Hall 1.2.

In addition to displaying its latest products, Bridgestone will also showcase sustainable solutions and services for modern fleet management—from retreading to efficiency optimization.

Yokohama Tire's trial with G&J Shuttleworth also involved cooperation with TRS Tires to provide tire assembly services. This cooperation model reflects the tire industry's shift from mere product sales to comprehensive service provision.

With the development of the global logistics industry and increasing emphasis on sustainability, the tire industry is moving towards a more environmentally friendly, efficient, and specialized direction.

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The global tire industry is at a critical juncture of transformation and upgrading. On one hand, rising trade protectionism and raw material price fluctuations bring uncertainty; on the other hand, technological innovation and market segmentation create new opportunities for enterprises.

Those companies that can quickly adapt to changes, continuously innovate, and accurately grasp market demand will gain a competitive advantage in the complex global market. The future competition in the tire industry will no longer be solely about price but a comprehensive contest of technology, service, and sustainability.