On 29 May 2025, SARS implemented provisional anti-dumping duties on new pneumatic tyres imported from Vietnam, Thailand and Cambodia. This follows an anti-circumvention investigation initiated by ITAC into allegations of “country hopping” by Chinese tyre producers seeking to avoid existing duties by selling tyres from their factories in Cambodia, Thailand and Vietnam. A dumping duty of 41.47% now applies to all exporters not explicitly named in the Government Gazette. These provisional measures will be in force for six months from 29 May to 29 November 2025 and cover tyres under the following tariff subheadings:
• Motor car tyres: 4011.10.01, 4011.10.03, 4011.10.05, 4011.10.07, and 4011.10.09
• Bus and lorry tyres: 4011.20.16, 4011.20.18, and 4011.20.26
Background
In 2022, ITAC initiated an anti-dumping investigation into tyres imported from China, based on an application lodged by the South African Tyre Manufacturers Conference (SATMC). The Commission found that dumped imports were causing material injury to the domestic manufacturing industry. As a result, final anti-dumping duties up to 41% for non-cooperating exporters were imposed on Chinese-origin tyres. Producers that responded and were selected as part of the sample received dumping duties ranging between 7% and 15%.
However, after the imposition of these duties, import volumes from Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia increased. SATMC alleged that Chinese exporters were circumventing the duties by routing products through related entities in these countries; a practice referred to as “country hopping.”
In response, ITAC launched an anti-circumvention investigation, backed by evidence of ownership and operational ties between Chinese manufacturers and affiliated companies in Southeast Asia. ITAC’s preliminary finding was that circumvention was taking place and that provisional measures were necessary pending the final outcome of the investigation.
Who is Affected?
The following companies were found to be both dumping and circumventing the original anti-dumping duties on Chinese-origin tyres: Sentury Tire (Thailand), Huayi Group (Thailand), Prinx Chengshan (Thailand), Linglong (Thailand), General Rubber (Thailand) and Sailun (Vietnam). On the other hand, the following exporters were not found to be dumping or circumventing: Vietnam Cofo, Firemax (Cambodia) and Haohua (Vietnam).
Provisional Duties in Effect
| Producer | Country of Origin | Provisional AD duty |
|---|---|---|
| Firemax (Cambodia) | Cambodia | Zero |
| Sentury Tire (Thailand) Co. Ltd | Thailand | 7.72% |
| General Rubber (Thailand) Co. Ltd | Thailand | 5.37% |
| Huayi Group (Thailand) Co. Ltd | Thailand | 6.88% |
| Prinx Chengshan (Thailand) Co. Ltd | Thailand | 6.45% |
| LLIT (Thailand) Co. Ltd | Thailand | 7.88% |
| Vietnam Cofo | Vietnam | Zero |
| Haohua (Vietnam) | Vietnam | Zero |
| Sailun (Vietnam) Co. Ltd | Vietnam | 8.78 |
| All other exporters | Cambodia, Thailand, and Vietnam | 41.47% |
Next Steps and Compliance Risks
The provisional duties will remain in place for six months while ITAC completes the investigation. The final outcome may result in definitive duties that could remain in force for five years.
Importers should assess their exposure particularly those sourcing from Southeast Asia. SARS has previously issued significant penalties to importers misinterpreting the scope and application of anti-dumping duties on China especially concerning whether named exporters and producers are covered by the gazetted measures.
In addition:
• Interested parties have until 12 June 2025 to respond to ITAC’s preliminary determination.
• Requests for oral hearings must be submitted by 25 July 2025 for those who wish to make direct representations to the Commission.