10/26/2009
Syracuse, N.Y. - A recent import tax on Chinese-made tires could have some people noticing higher tire prices this winter. It’s all part of the government’s plan to encourage people to “buy American.”
Winter Tire Prices = Huge Impact on Consumers
Although the tariff is expected to raise the cost of Chinese tires, Store Manager of Monro Muffler and Brake in Syracuse, Henry Tefft , said people might see more of a price increase when it comes to winter tires in general. According to Tefft, ever since Canada required its vehicles to have snow tires, it’s been hard to get them; and since they are in higher demand, the cost has gone up.
“[We’re] seeing the tires go up $20-$30 per tire, per year,” said Tefft. “10-15 years ago [prices] didn’t go up a lot; In the last two to three years they’ve gone up 20% per year.”
Not the End of the World
Tire prices keep going up, but with 88-million tires sold in the U.S. last year, Tefft isn’t too worried about his sales figures.
“People are going to need tires. They’re going to keep buying them,” said Tefft. “Tires are like gas, it’s a gotta-have,” he continued.
According to Tefft, his most popular tires are the ones that are made in China; they're the most affordable.
Tariffs Could Mean Trouble
Syracuse University Economics Professor, Donald Dutkowsky, said many tariffs are well-intentioned but counterproductive.
“[It] protects our own internal industry. During this time of recession that’s a nice thing to have. But it’s counterproductive [because it] limits trade [which could dangerously affect the economy],” said Dutkowsky.
But in the end, tariff or no tariff, Chinese-made tires are still among the least expensive in the market.
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