Chinese tires have flooded the Russian market to such an extent that local manufacturers are asking the state for protection. Over the past year, the number of Chinese brands on store shelves has increased from 200 to 250, and this expansion shows no signs of slowing.
Last year, China accounted for 55.5% of all tire imports to Russia. Belarus, which until recently was considered a reliable “allied” supplier, is no longer even in second place — with a 9% share, it has been overtaken by Vietnam (10%). The top five is rounded out by manufacturers from South Korea (7%) and Thailand (6.6%).
At the same time, domestic production has also collapsed. In 2025, tire production in Russia fell by 21% — from 44.7 million to 35.1 million units. The share of Russian companies in the domestic market dropped to 51.5%.
The reasons are clear: Chinese products enter at dumping prices that local manufacturers simply cannot match. Foreign tires often reach the market at artificially low prices thanks to state export support programs in China and other countries. In addition, the lack of regulatory barriers opens the door to products of questionable quality and safety.
The industry’s confusion has resulted in a collective appeal to the Eurasian Economic Commission: Cordiant, Kama, Ikon Tyres, and Belarusian Belshina are asking for a special safeguard investigation into the growing imports of passenger and light truck tires. How this appeal will end remains an open question: China is Moscow’s main economic partner, and the Kremlin is unlikely to bite the hand that feeds it.
