Goodyear does import tires from China, but the number of tires imported from China is relatively small compared to the total number of tires sold by Goodyear in North America. In fact, less than 2 percent of the more than 71 million tires Goodyear sold in North America last year came from China.
Importing tires from China is not unique to Goodyear; many other tire manufacturers also import tires from China to meet consumer demand and to take advantage of cost savings. China is one of the largest tire manufacturing countries in the world and has a competitive advantage in terms of lower labor and production costs.
However, it is important to note that the majority of tires sold by Goodyear in North America are still produced in their own manufacturing plants located within the region. Goodyear has several manufacturing facilities in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, where they produce a wide range of tires for various vehicles.
The decision to import tires from China or any other country is typically based on a combination of factors such as cost, manufacturing capabilities, and market demand. Importing tires from China allows Goodyear to offer a competitive range of products at different price points to cater to a wider range of customer needs and preferences.
It is worth mentioning that Goodyear, like other tire manufacturers, has to meet stringent quality and safety standards for all the tires they sell, regardless of where they are produced. These standards ensure that the tires meet the required performance, durability, and safety requirements set by regulatory bodies and industry standards.
In my personal experience, I have owned Goodyear tires that were manufactured in different countries, including the United States and China. I have found that the quality and performance of these tires were comparable, and I did not notice any significant difference based on their country of origin.
While Goodyear does import tires from China, the number of tires imported from China is relatively small compared to the total number of tires sold in North America. The decision to import tires from China or any other country is based on various factors, including cost and market demand. Regardless of where the tires are produced, Goodyear ensures that they meet the required quality and safety standards.