South African motorists have been warned about the rapid adoption of cheap tyres imported from overseas, which often do not provide the same level of quality and after-sales support as locally-produced rubber.
Research conducted by the South African Tyre Manufacturers Conference (SATMC) found that more than 50% of tyres in local circulation in 2021 were foreign-made, usually in China, and this figure is expected to reach 70% within the next five years.
Cheaper tyres are tempting, but tread lightly
The widespread adoption of imported tyres is attributed to South Africans becoming increasingly price-sensitive, leading to greater market traction for foreign brands that retail at a cheaper margin.
Most customers view tyres as a “grudge purchase”, even though they are a must-have. Accordingly, they try to buy as cheaply as they can without necessarily thinking of lifespan and backup, said Werner du Preez, general manager of the Eastern Cape-based Kelston Tyres.
While the quality of imported tyres has improved in the last decade, they still carry a number of uncertainties and do not have the same advantages as locally produced tyres from established brands like Continental and Dunlop.
“The fact is we don’t know where exactly these tyres are being manufactured, whereas we know where our locally-manufactured products come from,” said Du Preez.
“If you sustain damage to a locally-produced tyre or a factory defect is detected, the matter can be addressed immediately with the respective OEM (original equipment manufacturer).”
Imported tyres are also not tailored for South Africa’s road and weather conditions, but are instead manufactured according to a standard, fixed design, resulting in a much shorter lifespan.
Locally-made wheels typically last 15,000 to 20,000km more than foreign ones, though it should be emphasized that road conditions and the person’s driving style also play a major role in any tyre’s longevity.
Another consideration is that the sidewalls in overseas products have been found to give in to pressure sooner than local tyres, indicating reduced quality.
In 2023, the SATMC successfully applied to the International Trade Administration Commission of South Africa to crack down on the dumping of tyres from China.
The SATMC argued that the rate at which these products were being imported to the country was unsustainable and impacting local manufacturers, putting in excess of 6,000 jobs in jeopardy.
A new anti-dumping tariff was enacted on Chinese tyres, which now have an additional duty ranging anywhere from 7.18% to 43.6%, and this policy will be in effect until July 2028.
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