Asian tire-producing countries hit by Trump tariffs

London – China, Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia, major exporters of low-cost tires, are among 60 countries targeted by new US import duties announced on 2 April.

The tariffs are aimed at countries that, according to the Trump administration, impose high duties on imports from the US and/or enforce non-tariff barriers to US trade.

Set to take effect on 5 April, the new duties include a 54% tariff on goods from China, 46% on Vietnam, 36% on Thailand, and 49% on Cambodia.

The duties are in addition to a sweeping 10% duty on all US imports, the White House stated.

In 2023, Thailand was the top tire exporter to the US, with shipments valued at $3.3 billion, while Vietnam ranked fifth, exporting over $8.5 billion worth of goods.

Chinese tire exports to the US, however, have slowed down in recent years due to existing tariffs.

Over recent years, major Chinese tire makers have invested heavily in establishing production in other southeast Asian countries to circumvent trade tariffs on their products.