From fresh anti-dumping scrutiny on truck tyres to a new European plant green-lit by Kumho, the week delivered meaningful signals for sourcing, OE, and safety compliance. UK distribution changes, Latin American retreading recognition and a British Safety Council honour rounded out a mix that affects procurement plans, sales conversations and operational risk management across the tyre value chain.
The Eurasian Economic Commission opened a new anti-dumping investigation into truck tyres from Thailand and Vietnam, while beginning an expiry review of existing duties on Chinese truck tyres ahead of their 28 June 2026 sunset. Importers into the Eurasian Economic Union face potential timetable pressure for data submissions and possible provisional measures. Tyre News previously set out the core scope and early margin indicators, including coverage of 17.5–24.5-inch heavy-duty fitments and mounted assemblies.
Kumho confirmed a £443 million tyre plant in Opole, Poland, with first-phase capacity of around 6 million PCR and light commercial tyres from August 2028. The company positions local production to reduce lead times and support high-value OE relationships in Europe. This strengthens the region’s already dense manufacturing corridor in Central and Eastern Europe.
Yokohama secured original equipment supply on Nissan’s new Roox, fitting BluEarth-FE AE30 in 155/65R14 75S on selected trims. The fitment supports low rolling resistance and everyday comfort in Japan’s kei-class urban segment; Yokohama’s announcement underscores a continued push for OE placements in fuel-efficient categories.
GSF Car Parts relocated its Slough branch to a 5,966-sq-ft site on Slough Trading Estate, adding staff and delivery capacity to address rising regional demand. For tyre retailers and garages, the move indicates steady parts logistics investment around London’s west corridor.
BKT’s Bhuj plant earned the British Safety Council’s Sword of Honour for 2025 following a Five Star audit rating. The award places the site among a select group recognised for rigorous health and safety management systems this year. “Sword of Honour” recipients are listed by the Council and celebrated at a London ceremony.
Vipal Rubber won a major Brazilian transport industry award for tyre retreading, reinforcing the role of high-quality retread systems in fleet cost control and sustainability outcomes in Latin America. The company’s recognition is a useful reference point for operators comparing lifetime cost per kilometre beyond new-tyre purchase price.
Linglong brought top-performing dealers to the UK for a five-day recognition event that mixed strategy sessions with hospitality. For European wholesalers, the activity highlights ongoing channel development behind the brand’s growth, including associated labels Atlas and Benchmark.
Sailun’s North American localisation continues, with JV construction and production progress at its Mexico facility reported by sector outlets and the company’s regional operations; watch near-term updates on initial ramp-up and product mix.
Mitas confirmed OE for the 2026 Aprilia SR GT 400 with ENDURO TRAIL-ADV 2, in 120/70-16 front and 150/70-14 rear, signalling continued scooter-ADV crossover demand.
Titan International announced executive transitions including a new transformation role, pointing to a pipeline of operational change across off-highway tyre and wheel supply.
Evonik named Elias Lacerda President, Americas from 1 February 2026 - relevant to tyre additives supply and silica availability in the region. “The Americas region is crucial for Evonik’s success,” said board member Lauren Kjeldsen.
In the UK aftermarket, LKQ urged manufacturers to adopt SERMI (the secure access scheme for security-related repair data) to safeguard independent access in Great Britain where adoption is currently voluntary. For workshop tyre programmes that include TPMS and key-related tasks, SERMI processes will be increasingly relevant.
Procurement teams will want scenario plans for EAEU truck-tyre flows if provisional measures arrive, while EU anti-subsidy and anti-dumping actions on Chinese tyres continue to reshape supply options. New OE wins such as Yokohama’s Roox fitment and Kumho’s European capacity decision speak to divergent yet complementary demands, compact-city efficiency at one end, localised premium-segment supply at the other. Health-and-safety accreditation and retreading awards provide additional due-diligence markers for tenders where lifetime cost and risk are weighted alongside unit price.
Tagged with: anti-dumping truck tyres, Eurasian Economic Commission, European tyre manufacturing, OE fitments, British Safety Council Sword of Honour, tyre retreading awards, SERMI data access, UK aftermarket, Yokohama BluEarth-FE AE30, Kumho Poland plant
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