Production of tires falls every year with more imported input

Facing the increasingly fierce competition of imported tires, coming mainly from China, has been a major challenge for manufacturers installed in Brazil. The lack of competitiveness is the main problem pointed out by local industry. According to the National Association of the tyre Industry (Anip), domestic production has been falling since 2010. "The difference between the expansion of the automotive market and the fall of tyre manufacturing corresponds to the loss of position of the domestic industry. The import grows continuously because of unequal competition ", says the President of Anip, Albert Mayer.
According to the entity, the importation of tires (except two wheels) increased by 25.5% from January to April compared to the same period in 2012, rising from 7.7 million units to 9.73 million units. According to Anip, the principal source of these imported is Asia, specifically China.
In the first four months of 2013, the Brazilian production of tyres presented 4% expansion, totaling 22.3 million units, according to Anip. The automotive industry grew 17 percent on the same basis of comparison, according to the National Association of Automotive vehicle manufacturers (Anfavea).
The French Michelin asserts that the lack of competitiveness, resulting from cost Brazil, contributes to the increase in imports. "We are severely affected by a variety of costs, as high taxes, for example. In addition, inflation added to the imported entry does not allow us to pass on costs, "said the INN the President of Michelin South America, Jean-Philippe Ollier.
The Executive points out that the company has struggled with the Anip to play for some applications with the federal Government. "On the agenda, we have included the acceleration of the exemption processosantidumpinge analysis of tax burden on the recycling", says Ollier. It highlights the work together with Inmetro to ensure quality stamps. "We have to ensure that the products marketed in the country have a minimum standard of quality. Currently, there is no control and monitoring ideal, "he says.
Mayer explains that much of the imported enters the Country irregularly or has low quality. "If these products were submitted for verification, would not receive approval from Inmetro", ensures the Executive.
The President of Anip poses as crucial the issue of recycling. The piece is one of the greatest villains of reverse logistics and, according to Mayer, this process has a high cost to the Brazilian industry, which is not shared with those imported.
"Only in 2013, the investment of domestic manufacturers for the disposal of used tires will be of r $ 80 million. The imported do not enter in this account, "says Mayer. In 2007, the Anip created the Reciclanip, focused on the collection and disposal of scrap tires in the country within the national program for collection and disposal of scrap tires (1999). The Reciclanip has about 800 points collects and performs all the reverse logistics tire brands that manufacture in the country.
"We are forced to recycle, not importers. Thus, these companies don't shoulder the cost we pay for it, "says Mayer.
According to data from Reciclanip, in the first quarter of 2013, were collected by 90 thousand tons of old tires, up 1.5% on the same period in 2012. "The destination is environmentally correct, approved by Ibama. However, many importers fail to make this collection, that collaborates to the unequal contest, in addition to burdening the national chain, "says Mayer.
One of the largest manufacturers, the Pirelli asserts that the domestic market was very affected, in early 2013, the strong presence of imported. "The Brazilian scenario did not help local producers, despite the investments that have been made by the industry in the country, in recent years," the company said in a statement.
Mayer points out that about 31% of tires produced in the country are for automakers (original market) and the rest for replacement (after market). "Most automakers consumes tires manufactured locally. Part of the problem is to replace, "he says.
For the President of Michelin, it is very important that consumers can choose products that have quality and do not compromise safety. "Our concern is that the competition is fair," says Ollier.
The export of Brazilian had tires fall in the first quarter to 10.6% as compared to the same period in 2012. "We are doing exactly the opposite of what the country needs to avoid de-industrialisation," says Mayer.