Chinese Tyre Makers Anger at US' New Tariff

Anchor: the US decision to impose punitive duty on Chinese-made tires has hit a nerve with China's rubber industry.Angry tire exporters are urging the Chinese government take necessary measures to safeguard their trade rights.Wang Ling has more.

Hangzhou Zhongce Rubber Co. is a major tire exporter that sells about 100 million U.S.-dollars-worth of products to the United States each year.

Shen Jinrong, the company's board chairman, says the increased tariff hurts both the interests of Chinese exporters and dealers in the United States.

"Our dealers in the States started to call me and complain about the new duty as soon as 10 minutes after the news was released that President Obama imposed the tariff. They were angry at the decision and couldn't agree with it in any way.

While back at home, we had to take steps to adjust our marketing strategy overseas and ease the increased worries among our employees."

At the same time, Shen's company and the China Rubber Industry Association jointly submitted a petition to the Ministry of Commerce, demanding the Chinese government take strong countermeasures.
Fan Rende is chairman of the China Rubber Industry Association.

"I think it is time for the government to help tire exporters with tax rebates and lower tariffs on imports of natural rubber. Market and production restructuring are also challenges facing Chinese tire makers. However, the tasks demand an even longer time."

In response to industry's call, China's Commerce Ministry Spokesman Yao Jian says the government will spare no effort to help tire manufacturers affected by the tariff.

"We will continue to offer aid and support to companies affected by the tariff either within the WTO consultations or through bilateral negotiations. We will work with relevant ministries on policy support for tire production and related industries.

In addition, we will encourage tire makers to develop new technologies and improve their quality and service to raise their competitiveness."

Analysts say the new duty will affect the employment of 100,000 tire workers in China and could create an aggregated loss of one billion U.S. dollars for China's tire exporters.

Wang Ling, CRI news.