Winter tires may become more expensive this season due to new taxes and restrictions being introduced in the European Union. Tire expert Gundars Lieknis discussed this in the program "Auto ziņas" ([TV3](https://tv3.lv/raidijumi/auto-zinas/jaunu-nodoklu-del-ziemas-riepas-klus-dargakas-bet-ne-visas/)). According to him, the EU imposed anti-dumping duties on tires produced in China last summer. As a result, some manufacturers have already begun relocating production to other countries. "We have tires from one manufacturer coming from China, while another is already coming from Cambodia. The relocation of production may lead to delays in deliveries, and the biggest downside is the shortage of Scandinavian and studded tires," noted Lieknis. The industry representative stated that this could affect not only prices but also the availability of certain models in the peak of the winter season. Additionally, starting from December 9, the EU plans to introduce an anti-subsidy duty on tires produced outside the European Union. Although the main focus is on products from China, the new measures may also affect manufacturers from the USA and South Korea. The final amount of the duty has not yet been determined. Market participants do not rule out that it may be applied retroactively — covering supplies imported 90 days before the decision comes into effect. This is why experts advise not to postpone the purchase of winter tires until November or December. Further changes are expected in the market next year. The EU Regulation on preventing deforestation will come into force, requiring confirmation of the origin of natural rubber used in tire production. "This means that it will be necessary to specify from which tree the rubber was obtained. If the tire supplier cannot provide the corresponding certificate, such tires will not be allowed to be sold in the European Union," explained Lieknis. While the new rules have not yet fully come into effect, experts already recommend considering the potential price increase and not delaying the purchase of winter tires until the last weeks before the season.
