Russia’s Winter Tire Stock and Market Dynamics
At the outset of the season, Russia’s stock of winter tires stands at about 33 million units, a rise of roughly 43% compared with the start of last winter. The overall tire reserve across all seasons exceeded 80 million units in September, which is about 30% higher than a year earlier, according to data from Chestny Znak cited by Kommersant. On average, Russians purchase between 30 and 40 million tires annually.
Recent stability in tire availability has followed a period of concern in spring when a shortage loomed. Several foreign tire manufacturers halted production or exited the Russian market, creating an anxious supply situation. Since then, stock levels have been increasingly replenished through imports from China, Korea, and Turkey. Shipments from these nations surged notably in July and August, marking the first substantial uptick since the crisis began. Today, roughly 35% of tires in circulation are imported, with the remainder being domestically produced. Experts suggest that current reserves could cover more than nine months of demand, providing a notable buffer as the market adapts to new supply chain realities.
Analysts highlight that the winter tire stock is linked to the vehicle market’s scale. The stock formed from the sale of about 1.6 million new cars in the period, while projections indicate that around 0.6 million new cars may be sold domestically by year’s end. Tire prices have risen by about 46.5% year over year, pushing the average price to around 6,800 rubles per tire. This price movement reflects broader inflationary pressures and shifts in the cost of raw materials, logistics, and foreign supply chains. [Citation: Chestny Znak data; [Source: Avtostat]]
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The evolving landscape mirrors how consumer demand, import policies, and domestic production respond to seasonal cycles. With imports stepping in to fill gaps left by earlier market withdrawals, the market has rebuilt a cushion that supports the seasonal transition. This dynamic is significant not only for drivers and retailers but also for manufacturers assessing capacity, pricing, and regional distribution. Market participants continue to monitor exchange rates, tariff changes, and shipping timelines, all of which can influence availability and affordability in the months ahead. [Citation: Market data; [Source: industry reports]]