Tire factories work (but not all)
Today eight major tire manufacturers maintain production facilities in Russia. These are Bridgestone, Continental, Cordiant, Kama, Michelin, Nokian, Pirelli, and Yokohama.
To some extent, Cordiant, Kama, Nokian, and Pirelli factories are operating. With some logistical hurdles, they continue to function.
The remaining four brands paused production for periods of time. The status was SUSPENDED rather than permanently exited, leaving the market open to change.
Nonetheless, all tire brands are making efforts to meet existing demand by drawing from on-site stocks and by adhering to Russian labor regulations and employment requirements.
All stamps remain (for now)
As of today, no company has formally exited the Russian market. Even brands without local manufacturing—Goodyear, Dunlop, Hankook, Nexen, Kumho, and others—continue to supply goods from their regional inventories. The primary concern remains logistics: securing imported components for production and delivering products with specific specifications.
Chinese tire brands such as Delinte, Landsail, Triangle, and others are showing growing interest and are seeking profitable routes to bring their products into Russia.
How prices change
Over the course of a month, tires in a popular size like 205/55 R16 have risen in price by more than 30 percent on average. Availability remains uneven, and consumers should not count on today’s stock lasting. If a purchase is planned, it may be wise to act soon as prices can shift tomorrow or the day after.
For example, monthly price changes for summer tires in the 205/55 R16 size
|
Tire model and brand |
Price February 25, ruble |
Price March 25, ruble |
increase, % |
|
Viatti Strada 2V 134 |
4100 |
6300 |
53 |
|
Hankook Ventus Prime3 K125 |
5700 |
8200 |
43 |
|
Yokohama BlueEarth GT AE51 |
5500 |
6400 |
34 |
|
Tiger High Performance |
5000 |
6700 |
34 |
|
Pirelli Cinturato P7 C2 |
7400 |
9800 |
33 |
|
Bridgestone Turanza T005 |
6600 |
8600 |
31 |
|
Nordman SZ2 |
5100 |
6400 |
26 |
|
Kumho Ecsta HS51 |
5000 |
6200 |
25 |
|
Nexen Nblue HD Plus |
4800 |
6000 |
25 |
|
Nokian Hakka Blue 3 |
6100 |
7600 |
25 |
|
Continental PremiumContact 6 |
7500 |
9200 |
23 |
|
Cordiant Comfort 2 |
4500 |
5300 |
twenty |
The bolded font indicates brands with local production facilities in Russia.
Prices for tires of the same size can vary widely, influenced by a seller’s pricing policy and by the make and model. Price tags shift daily, sometimes up, sometimes down. Michelin tires are among the most expensive, while Nordman and Nokian tend to be the most affordable in many cases.
Prices for tires by common car sizes in rubles
For cars
|
Model |
Price range, rubles |
|
185/60 R14 |
from 3700 to 6800 |
|
185/65 R15 |
from 3500 to 10000 |
|
195/65 R15 |
from 3500 to 11700 |
|
205/55R16 |
from 3800 to 12000 |
|
225/45R17 |
from 5500 to 22000 |
For crossovers
|
Model |
Price range, rubles |
|
215/65 R16 |
from 5600 to 16000 |
|
235/65 R17 |
from 8500 to 30000 |
|
235/60R18 |
from 10000 to 30000 |
|
255/45 R20 |
from 15000 to 44000 |
What can you expect tomorrow?
Supply constraints in the Russian tire market have not peaked yet, but a shortage is anticipated. The deficit could reach roughly one third, meaning two out of three buyers may find it difficult to obtain the right tires.
Smaller tire sizes are easier to source. In the R14 and R15 categories, there is ample selection. Availability narrows as the wheel diameter grows beyond R16, and the challenge increases with larger sizes and premium brands.
In the near term, within six months, logistical hurdles are expected to ease and market volumes should return to prior levels. One brand may exit, but others are likely to fill the gap because the Russian market remains highly attractive. Grey market products are also likely to appear, though not for long, as scarcity tends to self-correct.
Currently there is no shortage of tires. A buyer can find tires in any size and compare models by their characteristics and price. Prices do not strictly depend on whether a brand has a local plant or is operating. The market appears overheated, and buyers should expect higher prices if they want tires immediately.
Note to Buyer:
When purchasing, check the production date. Buying tires from 2019 today could void warranties in two years, and winter tires may dry out and lose performance by 2024.
Prefer the latest 2022 releases. If a future purchase is planned, consider buying five wheels rather than four so there is a spare in case a supplier exits the market tomorrow. This guidance is particularly relevant for brands without Russian production facilities.
Also, some buyers may consider gray market options to secure supply in the short term, though the risk and legality vary by circumstance.
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