China's tire industry develops rapidly.(SPECIAL REPORT: Tire)

With strenuous efforts over many years, the tire industry in China has developed rapidly. Both the output and the exported quantity of tires already hold the leading position in the world. China has quickly become a major player in the international tire industry and is making significant impacts.

[1] Rapid development of the tire industry in China

The tire industry in China started rather late, but has developed rapidly. Since reform and opening up, in particular, the growth of the automobile, communication/transportation and mining machinery sectors and new development in rural areas have not only attracted foreign tire companies to make investments in China but also promoted rapid development of the domestic tire industry.

1.1 A complete tire industry system has been formed

China can already produce more than 2 000 tire varieties in 5 main series including sedan tires, heavy-duty tires, agricultural tires, industrial vehicle tires and engineering machinery tires. According to data from China Petroleum and Chemical Industry Association, the total output of tries was 318 million pieces in 2005, an increase of 28.3% over 2004. The output of tires reached 203 million pieces in the first half of 2006, being 14% higher than the same period of 2005. The output of radial tires was 79.07 million pieces, an increase of 22.4%. Statistics from China Rubber Industry Association show that the output of tires in 44 member companies was 86.53 million pieces in the first half of 2006, an increase of 14.42% over the same period of 2005. Of the total, the output of radial tires was 61.12 million pieces, an increase of 23.55%. The output of all-steel heavy-duty …