Tire firms urge government to fight US action

The tire industry has urged the government to take decisive measures against the anti-dumping and countervailing duties imposed on tires imported from China after the United States Department of Commerce claimed on Monday that Chinese manufacturers benefited from government subsidies.

The US government said tires for passenger cars and light trucks produced in China were unfairly subsidized and should be subject to punitive tariffs ranging from 17.7 percent to 81.3 percent, depending on the manufacturer.

Fan Rende, honorary chairman of the Beijing-based China Rubber Industry Association, said US tire makers are aware that high labor and material costs are the biggest obstacles to generate profit. The move shows that the US is adopting a tough stance on China's tire industry.