In 2025, China truck tire exports remained significant in the global commercial vehicle tire market. In the first half of the year, China exported 63.015 million TBR tires, totaling $4.932 billion, with increases of 2.01% and 2.92%, respectively. The Russian market grew by 210% year-over-year, while steady demand emerged in the Middle East and Africa. Challenges like Brazil's anti-dumping duties prompted manufacturers to adopt regionalization and develop sustainable tire solutions. Moving forward, Chinese TBR tire exporters must focus on innovation, local production, and compliance with trade regulations to maintain competitiveness.
I. Introduction
The global commercial vehicle tire market has witnessed significant shifts in 2025, with China maintaining its position as the world's important  exporter of TBR tire.Total exports in the first half of 2025: the number is 63.015 million (an increase of 2.01% over the same period in 2024), and the amount is US$4.932 billion (an increase of 2.92% over the same period in 2024).
China TBR Tire Export Data (Jan-Jun 2025) | ||||
Month | Volume (10k units) | Value ($100M) | Compared with the same period in 2024 | Compared with the same period in 2024 |
JAN | 1020.37 | 7.8 | -1.36% | -3.11% |
FEB | 772.05 | 6 | 0.34% | 1.69% |
MAR | 1178.75 | 9.15 | 9.12% | 9.32% |
APR | 1089.04 | 8.64 | 4.96% | 7.87% |
MAY | 1156.31 | 9.18 | 8.46% | 10.07% |
JUN | 1084.98 | 8.55 | 8.78% | 7.57% |
TOTAL | 6301.5 | 49.32 | 2.01% | 2.92% |
II. Regional Tyre Market Breakdown
(1) Russia Tyre Market: The Fastest-Growing Market
Export Volume: ~1.5 million units (+210% YoY)
Key Drivers:
Western brands' exit post-sanctions created a supply gap.
Chinese brands (e.g., Linglong, Double Coin) now dominate 35%+ market share.
Â
(2) Middle East Tyre Market: Steady Demand for Premium Tires
Top Importers: Saudi Arabia (+17.1% YoY), UAE (+14.3% YoY).
Product Preference: 18.00R25 mining tires and long-haul radial tires.
Â
(3) Africa Tyre Market: Emerging Opportunity
Growth: +37.1% YoY (Nigeria, Ethiopia leading).
Policy Boost: Zero-tariff access under China-Africa trade agreements.
Â
(4) Latin America Tyre Market: Mixed Performance
Mexico: +8.4% YoY due to "nearshoring" trends.
Brazil: -11.4% YoY amid lingering anti-dumping concerns.
III.Challenges and Opportunities for China Truck Tire Exporters in 2025
China's truck and bus tire (TBR) exports faced significant headwinds in the first half of 2025, with Brazil's anti-dumping duties ($0.82/kg) slashing exports to the region by 11.4% YoY. Concurrently, Red Sea shipping disruptions inflated logistics costs by 20%, squeezing profit margins for exporters reliant on traditional trade routes.
However, strategic adaptations are unlocking new opportunities. Regionalization has emerged as a key countermeasure, with Chinese manufacturers like Linglong establishing production in Mexico to circumvent U.S. tariffs and serve the North American market. Meanwhile, the global push for sustainability is driving demand for retreadable TBR tires, a segment projected to grow at 15% CAGR. Brands such as Double Coin are capitalizing on this trend by expanding eco-friendly radial tire lines compliant with EU REACH standards.
To navigate this complex landscape, Chinese exporters must balance risk diversification (e.g., reducing dependence on volatile markets like Brazil) with innovation in high-value segments like smart and green tires. The second half of 2025 will test the industry's agility in turning geopolitical and regulatory challenges into growth avenues.
IV. Competitive Landscape
Top Chinese Exporters | ||
| Brand | Market Focus | Key Strategy |
| Zhongce Tire | Russia, Middle East | Price competitiveness |
| Linglong Tire | Latin America, EU | OEM partnerships |
| KUNLUN Tire | Africa, Australia | Mining tire specialization |
As part of one of the largest tire manufacturers Double Coin Tires, KunLun Tire has the production capacity to produce over 217 specifications, over 688 varieties of tires. It annually produces 2.2 million all-metal radial tires and 1.5 million engineering and large-size agricultural tires, machinery and industrial vehicles. such as：
KUNLUN Medium & Long Distance Truck TireÂ
KT810:Â Suitable for highways and Class I highways.
Product specifications and features——1. Deformed pattern design, with reasonable pattern block arrangement can reduce abnormal wear, ensure uniform wear, and prolong the service life; 2. Special tread formula design can reduce the rolling resistance; 3. Directed pattern design can reduce the noise of tires; 4. The use of variable angle pattern groove, the driving process can automatically pop up stones;
KUNLUN Medium & Long Distance Heavy Duty Truck Tires
KT971： Suitable for paved pavements and non-paved pavements.
Product specifications and features——1. Special tread formula, novel crown design, deepened pattern, and combined with stone rows and heat dissipation grooves under the shoulders, effectively improve heat dissipation and reduce crown failures; 2. Novel bead design, increased with u-shaped nylon wrap effectively strengthens the bearing capacity of the toe opening; 3. The tire body is made of super-strong steel wire.
KUNLUN Mining Tyres
KT855++： Suitable for paved pavements and non-paved pavements.
Product specifications and features——1. The novel deep groove butterfly pattern design provides the guidance quality and drainage for the tire at high speed; 2.The transverse pattern design has an excellent road holding, driving force and anti-slide performances; 3. Special tread formula and reasonable block ratio to guarantee excellent wear resistance; 4. Higher traction and lateral force thanks to varying groove angles; 5. The novel tire body structure design improves impact resistance and fatigue resistance.
V.Conclusion
Looking ahead, Chinese manufacturers must continue their strategic pivot toward emerging markets while addressing structural challenges. The successful expansion in Russia and Africa highlights the importance of market diversification, while the growing demand for premium, smart, and eco-friendly tires presents opportunities to move up the value chain. Regional production strategies, particularly in Mexico, offer promising avenues to circumvent trade barriers and optimize logistics costs.
To maintain their global competitiveness, Chinese exporters should focus on three key areas: technological innovation in green and smart tire solutions, strategic localization of production to mitigate geopolitical risks, and enhanced compliance with evolving international trade regulations. As the industry navigates the complex second half of 2025, its ability to balance short-term challenges with long-term strategic positioning will determine China's continued dominance in the global TBR market.
