Shandong's tire export increased in Sino-US tire dispute

Shandong's tire exports posted over $ 7.8 billion in 2011, increasing 54% year-on-year. Amongst, tires exported to U.S. reached $ 1.3 billion, yearly up 25%, according to data released by Shandong Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine Bureau.

After more than two years of export restriction, it seems that Shandong’s tire export hasn’t been effected by Sino-US tire dispute.

In recent years, Shangdong Province has claimed half of China’s tire export. During 2004 to 2010, Shangdong’s tire export rose from $ 500 million to $ 5 billion per year. Homegrown brands accounted for 80% of total value.

The U.S. decided to levy as high as 55% of special tariff on imported Chinese tires in September 2009. The stiff tariff lasted three years, which was supposed to cause over $ 380 million of tire export reduction for Shandong Province.

However, tire enterprises in Shangdong Province are guided to explore environment-friendly and high-end products and develop truck tire production which was not restricted by U.S., officials in the bureau introduced.

"So far, 20% of tire manufacture's equipment in Shandong achieves or is approaching the international advanced level. The export enterprises will consolidate the traditional markets in Europe and U.S., and they will explore the new markets in Africa, mid-east, etc. at the same time "Shi Yong, Deputy Director of Shandong Exit and Entry Inspection and Quarantine Bureau said.