Stotsenburg said Kenda feels it can compete with fair and equal duty and tariff rates across manufacturing sources.
"Kenda, as many other manufacturers are also doing, has contacts within the government that we share our concerns," Stotsenburg said. "We are thoughtful about the potential impacts, but cannot be certain about actions based on limited details related to the new president's campaign communications."
The Tire Industry Association (TIA) hasn't taken a position on tariffs.
"TIA acknowledges the potential benefits and challenges associated with the proposed tariffs," Roy Littlefield IV, TIA's vice president of government affairs, said.
"On one hand, tariffs can be a valuable tool for addressing unfair trade practices and ensuring a level playing field. On the other hand, they may present short-term challenges for independent tire dealers, including increased costs for imported products and potential disruptions to the supply chain."
The U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association (USTMA) said the group couldn't speculate on specific tariff proposals, but acknowledged that trade policies, including tariffs, directly affect the U.S. tire industry, particularly the cost of raw materials that must be imported because they can't be sourced domestically.
The USTMA said it would keep working with federal and state policymakers on trade issues and remain "focused on advocating for fair trade practices that support domestic tire manufacturing and jobs."
Also, promoting the retreading industry and sustainable materials would reduce reliance on imports and make the supply chain more resilient, the association said.
Klein, the import specialist, said he doesn't expect the Trump Administration to impose tariffs on Day One. The government typically announces a tariff's effective date, the affected countries and products and the process to apply for exceptions.
Until those are known, Klein said, "it's very hard to plan for."