Styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) prices in the United States rose in January, evidence of a tightening in market fundamentals at the start of 2026, as tire manufacturers sought to increase their orders while maintaining controlled levels of inventory. There was a continued demand for SBR as tire manufacturers maintained their production and offered replacement cycles, while the overall output of chemicals continued to struggle amid slower construction and automotive sentiment. Additionally, supply pressure exerted itself because producers continued to operate at a level that had little room for error, given that the availability of feedstocks to produce product had increased and was disrupted by winter weather along the Gulf Coast. The imports continued to show signs of a reduction in late 2025, making it difficult for any spot buyers to be able to find enough product to purchase. Leading tire manufacturers also continued to advise an improving operational performance, thus boosting confidence in raw material demand in the near term. In addition, while sales for the automotive sector are projected to slow, the continued strong demand for replacement tires and premium tire segments supports SBR usage.
