On March 6, under a sunny sky and gentle spring breeze, as reporters entered the production area of Yanchang Rubber, they were greeted by rows of trucks waiting to be loaded at the warehouse. Workers neatly stacked tires into the vehicles, and though these tires had yet to depart, one could almost envision them traversing the routes of the Belt and Road.  

Just two weeks earlier, on February 25, Shaanxi Yanchang Petroleum Group Rubber Co., Ltd. officially launched its English-language website (http://en.ycrubber.com/), marking a critical step in the company’s globalization strategy. This move signals Yanchang Rubber’s commitment to expanding its international network and further penetrating global markets.  

Reflecting on 2024, Yanchang Rubber delivered impressive results: annual tire production reached 7.24 million units, a 21.88% year-on-year increase, while sales hit 7.22 million units, up 17.87%, setting a new historical record.  

As one of the few foreign trade enterprises under its parent group and a top performer in Shaanxi Province’s export sector, Yanchang Rubber has intensified efforts in international trade in recent years. By deeply integrating into the Belt and Road Initiative and advancing the group’s westward expansion strategy, the company successfully launched Yanchang Petroleum’s first dedicated China-Europe Railway Express train in 2024. This initiative doubled its sales in Central Asian markets, earning the company the group’s Special Contribution Award for Efficiency.  

Extending Reach to the African Continent

On February 14, as the Lunar New Year festivities lingered, Yanchang Rubber welcomed a special delegation from Ethiopia. After a thorough inspection of production processes, product quality, and after-sales services, the Ethiopian clients signed an initial order for over 6,000 tires. They also negotiated agency agreements for markets in the Horn of Africa, finalizing a two-year contract totaling more than 20,000 tires.  

“We have full confidence in Yanchang Rubber’s product quality and services,” praised the client’s representative after a technical training session for their sales team. The client also shared strategies for promoting Yanchang’s products in Africa and expressed optimism about long-term collaboration.  

Securing this order was no easy feat. “The Ethiopian client visited our factory four times,” recalled Li Dan, Overseas Sales Manager. “We persistently addressed their needs and outperformed competitors through technical exchanges. Their highly educated, young, and dynamic sales team will help us deepen our foothold in Africa.”  

Currently, Yanchang’s foreign trade focuses on Asia, South America, and Europe, with Africa accounting for less than 1% of sales. However, the continent’s untapped potential is vast. In 2025, the company plans to establish offices in the Middle East, Africa, ASEAN, and South America to stabilize existing clients and develop new ones.  

“For Africa, we’ll partner with COSCO Shipping to leverage their port networks and provide localized technical support,” said Wang Guoqiang, Assistant General Manager.  

Cultivating the Central Asian Market

While Africa represents a new frontier, Central Asia has become fertile ground for Yanchang Rubber. In May 2024, the company established a Central Asian office and dispatched its first China-Europe Railway Express train, securing three terminal clients in the region. Annual sales surged 124% to 216,500 tires, generating ¥55.04 million in revenue.  

Behind this success lies relentless effort. From exhibitions in Russia, Germany, Panama, to Dubai, Yanchang’s sales team crisscrossed the globe in 2024, attracting 11 new clients and ¥11.77 million in orders.  

“Earlier, our Central Asian presence was small and unstable,” admitted Tian Li, Central Asia Business Manager. “But aligning with the Belt and Road Initiative and proactively engaging the market transformed our prospects.”  

The 2023 China-Central Asia Summit in Xi’an further catalyzed collaboration. Yanchang’s participation in provincial trade missions to Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Kazakhstan solidified its role in advancing regional partnerships.  

“This year, we aim to sell 300,000 tires and focus on Samarkand while using Uzbekistan as a hub to penetrate neighboring markets,” Tian Li stated confidently.  

From Markets to Products

Market expansion relies on product innovation. Yanchang Rubber has continuously optimized tire performance to meet global demands.  

In 2025, tailored for Uzbekistan’s rugged terrain, the company will launch 19 specifications across two tread patterns emphasizing durability and comfort. A new generation of winter tires, featuring symmetric treads and advanced rubber compounds, will target Central Asia, Russia, and domestic markets. With 32 planned specifications, 11 have already completed trials for an April release.  

“Our winter tires use 3D steel belt technology for superior snow traction and upgraded EU label ratings,” explained Du Fan, Deputy Manager of PCR Technology.  

Additionally, 22 high-performance (HP) tires and 17-20 inch SUV/electric vehicle tires are under development for Europe’s booming EV sector.  

On the production floor, automated machinery hums tirelessly. New wire ring winding machines and tire molding systems—producing a tire every 34 seconds—boost annual capacity from 5 million to 8 million units. Further investments in 32 vulcanizers and 2 UB testing machines will enhance efficiency and quality.  

From Central Asia to Africa, through market grit and innovation, Yanchang Rubber strides confidently on the Belt and Road stage. In the coming year, the company remains committed to “prioritizing action, reform, compliance, and balanced growth,” pursuing high-end, differentiated, intelligent, and sustainable development.  As spring heralds new beginnings, Yanchang Rubber’s journey of excellence continues.