How to Buy US Union Made Tyres
The US union that kicked off the whole issue surrounding tyres imported from China has taken another step towards boosting its domestic industry.
The United Steelworkers had originally called for quotas to be imposed on Chinese tyres because they feared the flood of imports was harming the domestic industry.
The Obama administration opted for imposing tariffs on the imported tyres, rather than placing restrictions, it is still seen as a victory by the USW.
Now the union bosses are urging American’s to make sure they buy USW-made tyres by checking the DOT code on the sidewall to make sure it is manufactured at a US or Canadian “unionised” plant.
For example tyres manufactured at Bridgestone/Firestone in Des Moines, Iowa will have the double-digit code VE/YE/YU or 8B following on from the letters DOT, while DOT BE identifies a tyre made by BF Goodrich in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.
The union website states: “In addition to company brands, these codes will also appear on “Associate Brand” and “Private Brand” tyres manufactured at the above plants. The key, then, to being sure of getting a USW-made tyre is the DOT code. Be sure and check it with this listing.”
Oliver Hall, Operations Team
Number: Z8037079
Reg: NKF419
