AZE.US
A shortage has emerged in Azerbaijan’s automotive tire market, with sellers saying several popular tire sizes have become difficult to find.
The problem is especially visible among Asian-made tires, including products from Thailand, Taiwan, China and South Korea. Sellers say deliveries have become more complicated because of logistics problems and restrictions along transport routes.
As a result, some tire sizes have been almost unavailable for months, while warehouse stocks are shrinking quickly. Where buyers previously had several options by brand, price and size, many shops can now offer only what remains in stock.
“Some sizes are available, some are not. Sellers are offering whatever they still have in stock. New supplies are not coming in,” market participants said.
The shortage has also affected sales. Sellers say buyer activity has weakened as some customers delay purchases, others search for cheaper alternatives, and many simply cannot find the size they need.
Prices have moved higher as well. According to sellers, the increase depends on the size and model, but one tire has become about 5 to 15 manats more expensive in some cases.
Market participants estimate that prices for some positions have risen by an average of 10–15%. The main reason is the increase in transport costs, as goods are being brought in through alternative and longer routes.
The price pressure did not begin today. Earlier monitoring by Vesti Baku of online listings already showed increases in several tire models. For example, Fortune 205/55 R16 tires were listed at 70 manats in one advertisement dated November 25, 2025, while another listing from March 12, 2026 showed the same model at 87.50 manats. That is an increase of about 25%.
The trend was also visible in the more expensive segment. Kumho 225/45 R17 tires were listed at 135 manats in late November 2025, while by April 2026 they were being offered at 150 manats – an increase of about 11%.
The market, however, is not moving uniformly. In mid-April, listings for the same 205/55 R16 size showed prices of 89, 100, 104, 109 and 116 manats, depending on the brand and seller. In other words, the rise has not followed one flat line. It has moved in waves, depending on brand, availability and the specific sales point.
A similar picture was seen for 225/45 R17 tires. Recent listings included Roadstone N 5000 PLUS 91H at 135 manats, Nankang NS-25 94V M+S XL at 135 manats, Continental at 140 manats, Kumho at 150 manats and Bridgestone Turanza 6 at 210 manats.
Now the earlier price pressure has been joined by another factor: reduced supply and shortages of specific sizes in warehouses. This is no longer only about several brands becoming more expensive. It is a wider market disruption in which logistics costs are rising, choice is narrowing and buyer activity is weakening.
If supply problems continue, the range of available tires may shrink further. For car owners, the practical result is clear: finding the right tire size may take longer, and the price is likely to be higher.
AZE.US