Chinese tyres now account for 85 percent of demand in Pakistan, up 45 percent from two years ago, according to importers.
Chinese car tyres accounted for 40% of the industry in 2018, but this figure has since risen to 85%. Two years ago, China had a 30-40% market share in light truck tyres, but that has now risen to 65-70 percent.
China also dominates the truck/bus tyre market, with a share of more than 75%, up from 40% two years ago.
The number of dealers constantly flooding the market with Chinese tyres has mushroomed, according to Azim K. Yousufzai, former chairman of the Pakistan Tyre Importers and Dealers Association (PTIDA).
He also stated that the government reduced the regulatory duty (RD) for various categories of imported tyres imported two and a half years ago from 35 percent to 10-20 percent, making legal imports easier.
