Tape covers on component reels breaking

I have several reels of components I purchased from Chinese source. During pick and place, the tapes keep breaking (they tear diagonally along the reel). I notice the tape is very tight if I try to pull through manually.

I tried several over 12mm feeders (machine is Samsung CP40LV) and same issue.

Has anyone else experience this and understand the problem before I blame the supplier? Could it be related to storage or more likely the way the tape cover is adhered to the tape?

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