AZE.US
Used tire prices in Azerbaijan have risen sharply in recent months as more drivers turn to the secondhand market amid higher prices for new imported tires.
Akif Nasirli, head of the Center of Liberal Economists, told Bizim.Media that new tires brought from abroad have become 30% to 40% more expensive. He linked the increase to the dollar exchange rate, oil prices as a raw material factor, customs duties and higher transportation costs.
As new tires become less affordable for many drivers, demand is shifting to used tires. That has pushed up prices in the secondhand market as well.
Nasirli said the supply of used tires has also weakened. In previous years, large volumes of secondhand tires were brought from Europe, especially Germany and Poland. But that flow has slowed as environmental regulations in Europe have become stricter and control over the export of old tires has increased.
Higher transportation costs have also made imports less profitable for local businesses. At the same time, fewer usable tires are coming from local dismantling yards, as many drivers now keep their cars longer and use tires until they are almost fully worn out.
Seasonal demand is adding more pressure. In April and May, Azerbaijan enters the main tire-changing period, when drivers switch from winter to summer tires. Taxi drivers, truck drivers and motorists preparing for regional trips all enter the market at roughly the same time, allowing sellers to raise prices.
The growth of taxi and delivery services has become another factor. Cars working on platforms such as Bolt, Uber and Wolt often rely on used tires to keep costs lower. But because these cars may travel 200 to 300 kilometers a day, their tires wear out quickly and often need replacement within six to seven months.
As a result, a used 15-inch tire in decent condition that cost 40-50 manats last year now sells for 70-90 manats. Larger 17- and 18-inch tires have reached 120-150 manats.
Nasirli said prices in the used tire market could rise further if imports of new tires do not become cheaper and the flow of secondhand tires from Europe does not recover.
For drivers, the cheapest strategy is to buy tires before the seasonal rush begins or purchase in bulk together with other motorists to get a discount.
AZE.US