The European Union has raised tariffs on Chinese-made tires, saying the move will protect European manufacturers from unfair competition.

But importers warn the new duties could push up prices for drivers.

Hungary is a major tire producer and an important tire hub, as well as home to companies that import tires from China.

At Super Gumi, Chinese-made tires fill the warehouse. The company is one of Hungary's largest tire importers, serving customers looking for lower-cost options. But the new tariffs are forcing it to change its business.

"It's a huge blow for a competitive market. We don't work with European brands, only with Chinese brands. We had to find new solutions, different brands who have factories outside of China," said Pawel Zujev, CEO of Super Gumi.

Zujev said his family has imported Chinese tires for more than 30 years. Before the tariffs were announced in July, Super Gumi carried eight Chinese brands. It has since dropped two manufacturers because, Zujev said, the higher costs would make their tires too expensive for consumers.

The European Union's tariffs on Chinese-made tires range from 4.3% to 45.3%.

The EU says the duties will help ensure fair competition, but experts say they could reshape the tire industry across Europe.

Zujev said some Chinese manufacturers will struggle to compete because their tires are produced exclusively in China, leaving them subject to the new tariffs.

"I think both Europeans and Chinese had their own space in the market," Zujev said.

Industry experts say Chinese tire makers have become strong competitors in Europe, with improvements in quality putting increasing pressure on European manufacturers.

"European manufacturers cannot make major developments because they simply do not have the money anymore. In China, there is money and investment. We saw it with electric cars. Look at where they started and where they are now. I see the same thing happening in the tire market. They have developed tremendously," said Gabor File, a tire industry expert.

File said Chinese investment has helped transform the tire market, while European companies face limits on investment and development.

The tariffs could give European manufacturers more room to compete. They could also encourage Chinese companies to move production into EU countries.

For importers, however, the duties mean higher costs that could ultimately be passed on to consumers.

"Whenever it's about tariffs, it's always the customer, the final person who pays the tariffs. An importer will always put the tariffs price on the tire. Doesn't matter how much it is," Zujev said.

The EU says the tariffs are intended to protect European industry. But for Hungarian importers, the policy is already reshaping their businesses.

Chinese tires still fill warehouses across the country, while importers are looking for brands that manufacture outside China.

For drivers, the result could be higher prices and fewer low-cost options.