As the winter tire season approaches, Quebec repair shops and tire retailers may have to contend with additional pressure on their purchasing costs.
Several major tire brands have reportedly announced price increases of approximately 3% to 4%. According to Daniel Proteau, co-owner of Pneus Loubier in Longueuil, however, the increase could exceed 10% on some tires entering inventory this winter when higher transportation costs and other expenses are taken into account.
Brands reportedly affected include Michelin, BFGoodrich, Goodyear, Continental, General Tire, Falken, Cooper, Dunlop and Kelly.
Transportation Costs Under Pressure
Tensions in the Middle East are currently adding pressure to transportation costs and the price of certain raw materials used in tire manufacturing.
Groupe Touchette is also seeing the impact. Tony Mougios, Vice-President of Merchandising and Manufacturer Relations, noted that distributors have so far absorbed part of the increase in transportation costs. However, there are limits to how much they can absorb, and if costs continue to rise, some of those increases could eventually be passed on to consumers.
Customer Buying Decisions Could Be Affected
For repair shops, the issue therefore extends beyond the price paid to build inventory. Higher tire prices could also influence customer purchasing decisions.
Some motorists may keep their existing tires longer, look for less expensive products or spend more time comparing available options. Price pressure could also increase interest in entry-level brands or used tires.
With the fall tire rush only weeks away, managers should therefore pay close attention to acquisition costs, margins and inventory mix, while being prepared to clearly explain the differences between the options available to customers.
In a market where price may play a greater role in purchasing decisions, offering products at different price points while maintaining appropriate safety standards could become particularly important this season.
Source: Francis Halin, Journal de Montréal/TVA Nouvelles, September 15, 2026.
Photo by fr0ggy5
