N.S. premier calls on feds to investigate cheap tire imports

N.S. Premier Tim Houston is concerned other countries could be dumping tires into the market, hurting local producers.

Rubber tires are Nova Scotia’s largest export to the United States, generating $1.3 billion in annual trade.

However, with trade uncertainty and potential Trump-era tariffs returning, there’s growing concern about protecting that export business and local jobs.

Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston is calling on the federal government and the Canada Border Services Agency to investigate imports of rubber tires from Asian markets like China, Cambodia, and Vietnam.

“The concern would lie in other countries, particularly China,” said Houston. “Dumping products into our markets, which could hurt local producers.”

Michelin Canada, a major employer in Nova Scotia with nearly 4,000 employees, has operated in the province for more than 50 years. While the company hasn’t filed any anti-dumping complaints, it’s the premier who is stepping up.

“When something needs to be said, we’ll say it. We’ll do it proactively, and in the moment, but we’ll stand up for Nova Scotians,” said Houston.

Houston said the issue of rubber imports was flagged during a recent trade with U.S. lawmakers last week in Washington, D.C.

In a letter to the federal government and the Canadian Border Service Agency, Houston asked them to consider opening an anti-dumping investigation to ensure a level playing field, noting that rubber tire imports from Asian countries have increased by 30 per cent over the past two years.

“We just don’t want anyone to unfairly dump products here and influence prices, which could hurt manufacturers anywhere in the country,” said Houston.

Coast Tire knows a thing or two about rubber tires and says many customers are drawn to the lower price point of imported Asian tires.

“Asian tires fill a void in the marketplace for inexpensive options, an entry-level choice of some sort,” said Peter Studley, Coast Tire Auto Service branch manager. “That’s basically all we bring them in for – the price-savvy customer.”

A flood of tires drives the cost of products down across the board, but Studley still recommends buying local, believing it pays off in the long run.

“For the price, it’s not that much more, and they last twice as long,” he said.

Michelin Canada declined an interview with CTV News.

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