The global logistics and heavy-duty transport industry is undergoing significant stress, and the commercial vehicle tyre market is no exception. In early November 2025, the Eurasian Economic Commission (EAEU) announced it is launching an anti-dumping investigation into new pneumatic rubber truck and bus tyres imported from Thailand and Vietnam (rim diameters 17.5–24.5 inches). The investigation alleges that these tyres were sold into EAEU markets at prices "below normal value" during April 2024–March 2025, harming the domestic tyre industry. cacs.mofcom.gov.cn+2tyrepress.com+2

The provisional dumping margins cited are approximately 24.17% for tyres from Thailand, and 19.59% for tyres from Vietnam. Retreading Business+2Lexology+2

At the same time, EAEU has launched a review of existing anti-dumping duties on Chinese truck tyres, which are set to expire by June 2026. Given recent export and pricing patterns, the Commission is assessing whether to extend or modify those measures. tyrepress.com+1

What this means is that the global supply chain for commercial truck tyres — especially exporters in Southeast Asia and China — faces mounting uncertainty. Exports to Eurasian markets may encounter trade barriers, and manufacturers, distributors, and fleet purchasers may need to re-evaluate sourcing, inventory, and compliance strategies.

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Background: Why Southeast Asia Became a Tyre Export Hub

In recent years, leading tyre manufacturers — many from China — have relocated or expanded part of their production capacity to Southeast Asian countries, notably Thailand and Vietnam. The strategy aims to lower production costs, avoid trade barriers, and tap into export opportunities. 新浪财经+2linglong.cn+2

Between 2022 and 2024, exports from Thailand and Vietnam to EAEU (and potentially other markets) surged by 2.6 times, and their market share of total commercial tyre consumption in those markets rose by roughly 2.4 times. tyrepress.com+1

This export boom was driven by:

• lower labour and production costs in Southeast Asia compared with countries in Europe or North America;

• strategic “local production + export” approach by tyre groups, enabling cost competitiveness while navigating global trade frictions;

• persistent global demand for commercial tyres — especially for heavy-duty, multi-axle trucks, semi-trailers, buses, and other vehicles requiring high-load tyres.

As a result, Southeast Asia — particularly Thailand and Vietnam — has emerged in the past few years as a major new supply base for heavy-duty truck tyre exports.

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Impact on Manufacturers & Supply Chains: Challenges and Potential Opportunities

With the anti-dumping investigation, exports to EAEU may face high tariffs or outright barriers. For manufacturers and exporters relying heavily on these markets, this represents a significant supply-side shock.

• Inventory build-up and cash-flow pressure — If exports are restricted, tyre producers may accumulate unsold stock, tying up working capital and hurting profitability.

• Price increases and margin compression — Any tariffs could raise import costs, pressuring sale prices or squeezing margins; fleet buyers sensitive to cost may be deterred.

• Supply-chain shift or localization demand — Importers and fleet operators may prefer local suppliers, or demand tyres that meet stricter regulatory and compliance requirements, undermining export-oriented business models.

On the flip side, this upheaval might serve as a catalyst for the industry to transition toward higher-quality, compliance-oriented, value-added tyre products. Suppliers who emphasize quality, traceability, environmental standards, and strong after-sales service could gain advantage.

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Market Demand & Industry Trends — Navigating Export Restrictions

Though export channels are under pressure, demand for commercial tyres remains firm in many regions — Southeast Asia (including Malaysia), Africa, the Middle East, Eastern Europe, and South Asia — where road freight remains essential for goods movement.

For tyre manufacturers and suppliers, adapting to shifting global dynamics will likely involve:

• Diversifying markets — beyond EAEU to emerging markets with high demand;

• Upgrading product quality and compliance — focusing on sustainable materials, supply-chain traceability (e.g., sourcing of natural rubber), and alignment with environmental standards increasingly required by global customers;

• Strengthening brand reputation and service capabilities — relying less on low-cost competition, more on reliability, warranty, service network, and compliance credentials.

For stakeholders in Southeast Asia — including Malaysia — these trends are especially relevant. Even if not directly exporting to EAEU, ripple effects from global supply-chain shifts and pricing adjustments may impact local tyre availability, pricing, and sourcing strategies.

Recommendations for Truck Tire Manufacturers and Distributors—Preparing for a Changing Landscape

Given current developments, companies involved in truck tire production, export, trade, or distribution (including ourselves) should consider the following strategic directions:

Closely Monitor the Progress of EAEU Investigations

• Determine whether the tire specifications under investigation (rim diameter, load index, etc.) are relevant;

• If there are existing orders or plans to export to the EAEU, proactively assess potential tariff and customs clearance risks.

Accelerate Market Diversification Strategy

• Actively expand into new markets in regions such as Southeast Asia, South Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America to reduce reliance on a single export market.

Enhance Product Quality and Compliance Capabilities

• Strengthen efforts in natural rubber procurement, supply chain traceability, and environmental standards to ensure products meet future international requirements for environmental protection and compliance.

Optimize Inventory and Cash Flow Management

• In the face of export uncertainties, manage production pace and inventory levels reasonably to avoid overproduction and excessive inventory buildup.

Strengthen Differentiated Competitiveness Through Branding and Service

• Beyond price competition, build sustainable competitive advantages based on reliability, certification, after-sales service, and compliance.