China tire manufacturers are accelerating investments across the Africa tire market, establishing production hubs in Morocco, Egypt, Algeria, and Angola. This strategic expansion leverages local advantages to serve regional and global demand, reshaping the industry’s supply chain and competitive landscape.
I. Introduction
In a global tire industry reshaped by trade barriers and supply chain shifts, Africa has emerged as a strategic new frontier for China tire manufacturer. With its geographic advantages, growing market demand, and cost benefits, the Africa tire market is attracting significant investment. Since 2025, leading and emerging China tire manufacturer have accelerated their presence across the continent—from a flagship plant in Morocco to multi-country expansions in Egypt, Algeria, and Angola. This “hub-and-spoke” strategy is not only helping companies tap new markets but also reshaping the global footprint of China’s tire industry.
II. Flagship Project in Operation
1. Sentury Tire (Morocco Tire Factory)
Investment & Capacity: Total investment ≈ RMB 3.458 billion, with an annual output of 12 million high-performance passenger tires. By 2025, 6–8 million tires will be produced.
Launch Date: Production began on September 30, 2025—just 11 months from groundbreaking to first tire.
Strategic Role: First smart tire China tire factory in Africa, located near the Strait of Gibraltar. Enables 2–3-day shipping to Southern Europe, enjoys EU zero-tariff access, and serves Europe, Africa, and the Americas.
Key Advantages: Full automation and AI integration, EU Emark certified. Orders already exceed planned 2026 output, setting a benchmark for overseas expansion.
III. North African Tire Factory (Morocco)
2. Yongsheng Rubber (Morocco)
Investment & Capacity: Total investment ≈ RMB 4.8 billion, annual output of 6 million semi-steel radial tires.
Progress: Approved in May 2025, construction started in October in Betoya Free Zone, Driouch Province.
Rationale: Leverages Morocco’s EU free-trade access and logistics hub status to bypass trade barriers and reduce intercontinental costs.
3. Guizhou Tire (Morocco)
Investment & Capacity: Undisclosed amount; planned as a second overseas base, replicating the “four modernizations” (international, smart, green, premium) strategy of its Vietnam plant.
Progress: Announced in 2025, currently in early planning.
Rationale: Uses Morocco as a pivot to serve Europe, Africa, and the Americas while optimizing global supply chains.
IV. Egypt China Tire Manufacture
4. Sailun Group Tire (Egypt)
Investment & Capacity: USD 291 million for 3.6 million radial tires annually (3 million semi-steel + 600,000 all-steel).
Progress: Signed in August 2025, foundation laid in the Suez Canal Economic Zone.
Key Advantages: Proximity to Suez Canal—a key Asia-Europe shipping route—and Africa’s third-largest auto market, meeting both local and export demand.
5. Chaoyang Long March Tire (Egypt)
Investment & Capacity: USD 190 million for its second overseas base; capacity undisclosed.
Progress: Announced in May 2025, launched in July, focusing on Egypt and North African aftermarkets.
Rationale: Utilizes Egypt’s free-trade policies and low logistics costs to avoid anti-dumping tariffs on Chinese tires in Europe and the US.
V. Algeria & Angola China Tire Factory: Regional Coverage & Emerging Markets
6. Double Star Tire (Algeria)
Investment & Capacity: Joint venture with Algeria’s Haji Rubber; Phase I investment USD 250 million for 3 million tires annually (including 1 million heavy-duty tires).
Progress: Groundbreaking on July 20, 2025; mixing workshop delivered to local contractor.
Key Advantages: Equipped with Industry 4.0 technology, targeting West Mediterranean, Central Africa, and Europe.
7. Fujian Liansen Group (Angola)
Investment & Capacity: USD 100 million total; Phase I for motorcycle tires, Phase II for auto tires.
Progress: Announced in June 2025, currently in preparatory stage.
Rationale: Targets Southern Africa’s emerging market, fills local manufacturing gaps, and leverages land and labor cost advantages.
VI. Why China’s Factory into Africa Tire Market
1. Geographic & Trade Benefits
Countries like Morocco serve as hubs linking Europe, Africa, and the Americas, helping bypass trade barriers and cut logistics costs.
2. Growing Market Potential
Africa’s young population, rising vehicle ownership, and underdeveloped manufacturing base offer new growth opportunities for China tire brand.
3. Policy & Cost Advantages
Favorable investment policies, plus lower land and labor costs than in mature markets, support profitable capacity expansion.
4. Proven Feasibility
Sentury’s rapid success in Morocco has demonstrated viability, boosting confidence across the industry.
VIII. Conclusion
Success in the Africa tyre sector requires a long-term vision, integrating smart manufacturing, localized operations, and global strategy. As more projects come online, Chinese tire enterprises will not only unlock Africa’s growth potential but also use the continent as a springboard to connect European, African, and American markets—reshaping the global tire landscape and strengthening the competitiveness of China tire brand worldwide. This expansion also builds new bridges for China-Africa industrial cooperation, fostering mutual benefits and injecting fresh vitality into bilateral economic ties.
Frico is a professional tire manufacturer with production facilities in Thailand and Cambodia. We specialize in a full range of PCR, TBR, OTR tires, available in diverse sizes and tread patterns to meet various driving needs.
Should you have any tire requirements or technical questions, please feel free to reach out to us—we are always ready to assist.
