ZC Rubber to benefit from tariffs

Although present with its Goodride, Golden Crown and Westlake brands at The Tire Cologne, Richard Li stressed that the main focus for the Zhongce Rubber Group (ZC Rubber) during the show was upon the last of the trio. Westlake is, explained the assistant general manager and marketing director, the tyre maker’s “flagship brand in Europe.”

Li added: “We have decided that we want to focus our energies in Europe upon the Westlake brand.” He also reported that ZC Rubber has transferred its truck tyre production to plants outside of China. “We will not be affected by the introduction of tariffs,” stressed Li. “In fact, as the introduction of anti-dumping duties will probably lead to a truck tyre shortage in Europe in the short-term, we are well placed to benefit from this.”