Brazil has introduced a 30% import duty on new passenger-car tyres for 12 months, prompting support from domestic manufacturers and warnings from importers about prices and availability.
ANIP Welcomes Tariff as Importers Raise Concerns
The rate applies from 10 November 2026 to 9 November 2027 under Gecex Resolution 978, dated 6 November and published on 9 November. It covers tyres classified under NCM 4011.10.00, including those for estate cars and racing cars. The tyre provision does not extend the new rate to truck and bus tyres or retreaded tyres.
The Associação Nacional da Indústria de Pneumáticos (ANIP) had requested a 35% duty, or alternatively a further year at 25%. The ordinary tariff is 16%, while the previous temporary 25% measure expired on 16 October 2026, according to the government’s published technical note. Applicable trade preferences and specific tariff exceptions also need to be considered.
In a LinkedIn statement, ANIP described the decision as an important step towards restoring more balanced competition. “This is not about preventing imports, but about ensuring fair competition,” they said.
ANIP said domestically produced tyres accounted for 30% of the Brazilian replacement market in the first nine months of 2026, compared with 66% in 2019. It attributed the decline to growing imports, particularly from China and other Asian markets.
The association also outlined that the government had reinstated non-automatic licensing, known as LNA, for certain tyre imports. It presented the licensing requirement as a way to strengthen checks and tackle irregularities in foreign trade.
“The measure is important to correct distortions and preserve jobs, investment, and the sustainability of the Brazilian tyre industry and its production ecosystem, which involves natural rubber, steel, chemicals, and textiles,” said Rodrigo Navarro, president of ANIP, in a separate statement.
The Associação Brasileira dos Importadores e Distribuidores de Pneus (ABIDIP) challenged the decision, warning that it could increase prices, restrict supply, and encourage illegal trade. The importers’ association called instead for stronger enforcement, tyre traceability, and action against smuggling, tax fraud, and uncertified products.
“Increasing import duty does not resolve the structural competitiveness problems of Brazilian industry,” said Ricardo Alípio, President of ABIDIP, in their statement.
The government’s technical assessment recommended the 30% rate as an intermediate response, below ANIP’s requested 35%. It also called for continued monitoring of import volumes and prices, market supply, domestic production, and consuming industries, alongside separate measures against regulatory breaches, fraud, and unfair trading practices.
