For the Quarter Ending September 2025
North America
• In the USA, the Isoprene Rubber Price Index fell by 1.07% quarter-over-quarter in Q3 2025, reflecting balanced supply.
• The average Isoprene Rubber price for the quarter was approximately USD 3390.33/MT, reflecting stable FOB Texas trading.
• Isoprene Rubber Spot Price remained range bound amid neutral demand and steady Gulf Coast logistics.
• Isoprene Rubber Production Cost Trend rose modestly on intermittent naphtha and crude movements affecting margins.
• Isoprene Rubber Demand Outlook remained mixed with export support to Latin America offsetting softer Asian offtake.
• Isoprene Rubber Price Forecast suggests modest volatility as feedstock costs and seasonal automotive cycles influence pricing.
• Isoprene Rubber Price Index stability was supported by balanced inventories and consistent plant operating rates, keeping prices muted.
Why did the price of Isoprene Rubber change in September 2025 in North America?
• Balanced domestic supply and comfortable inventories limited upward pressure despite intermittent naphtha cost upticks recently.
• Export demand variability saw stronger Latin American orders offset weaker European and Asian buying, softening net momentum.
• Stable Gulf logistics and muted spot transactions kept market liquidity low, preserving range bound prices in September.
APAC
• In Japan, the Isoprene Rubber Price Index fell by 0.82% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting weaker export demand.
• The average Isoprene Rubber price for the quarter was approximately USD 3404/MT FOB Tokyo July–September.
• Japan Isoprene Rubber Spot Price remained range-bound, supported by balanced inventories and domestic production rates.
• Isoprene Rubber Production Cost Trend was pressured by naphtha and crude, prompting upstream pass-through pricing.
• Isoprene Rubber Demand Outlook shows automotive weakness offset by restocking, keeping offtake muted but stable.
• Isoprene Rubber Price Forecast anticipates modest volatility from seasonal restocking and potential typhoon logistics disruptions.
• Producers maintained high utilisation, keeping the Isoprene Rubber Price Index largely unchanged despite demand softness.
• Inventory accumulation and subdued export enquiries constrained upward momentum in the Isoprene Rubber Spot Price.
Why did the price of Isoprene Rubber change in September 2025 in APAC?
• Balanced domestic supply and ample inventories limited upside, keeping September prices stable despite external uncertainties.
• Mild production cost relief from naphtha declines was offset by crude-driven feedstock volatility and currency effects.
• Weak export demand from Southeast Asia and reduced automotive orders compressed transactional activity and softened buyer interest.
Europe
• In France, the Isoprene Rubber Price Index fell by 0.28% quarter-over-quarter, Q3 2025, amid balanced supply.
• The average Isoprene Rubber price for the quarter was approximately USD 2244.00/MT, reflecting stable supply conditions.
• Isoprene Rubber Spot Price remained range-bound as balanced imports and steady inventories limited volatility across FD Le Havre deliveries.
• Isoprene Rubber Price Forecast anticipates mild seasonal pressure, with logistics normalisation and automotive restocking influencing near-term movements.
• Isoprene Rubber Production Cost Trend showed limited upside as naphtha eased, moderating feedstock-driven cost pressures for producers.
• Isoprene Rubber Demand Outlook remains uneven; weak automotive volumes offset by civil engineering procurement and seasonal tire activity.
• Isoprene Rubber Price Index stability reflected balanced inventories, normal plant run rates and uninterrupted Le Havre import flows.
Why did the price of Isoprene Rubber change in September 2025 in Europe?
• Steady imports and normal plant operations maintained supply, preventing upward price pressure despite weak consumption.
• Moderate naphtha cost fluctuations limited production cost escalation, tempering feedstock-driven Isoprene Rubber upward pressure significantly.
• Logistics remained smooth at Le Havre, sustaining import flows and preventing short-term spot price spikes.
South America
• In Argentina, the Isoprene Rubber Price Index rose by 0.88% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting imports, automotive demand.
• The average Isoprene Rubber price for the quarter was approximately USD 1794.00/MT, reflecting balanced supply-demand.
• Isoprene Rubber Spot Price movements were muted as port delays and inventories limited short-term volatility.
• Isoprene Rubber Price Forecast indicates limited upside near-term due to balanced imports, seasonal demand normalization.
• Isoprene Rubber Production Cost Trend reflected pressure from firmer naphtha and weaker peso raising costs.
• Isoprene Rubber Demand Outlook remains driven by automotive recovery and construction activity boosting tire offtake.
• Isoprene Rubber Price Index remained range-bound reflecting neutral inventories, steady imports, export demand from neighbours.
• Operational status at major producers showed cutbacks, tempering supply growth and supporting Isoprene Rubber equilibrium.
Why did the price of Isoprene Rubber change in September 2025 in South America?
• Steady imports and comfortable inventories limited upward pressure despite landed cost increases from weaker peso.
• Firm automotive production and construction activity sustained offtake, supporting demand and preventing deeper price declines.
• Logistics disruptions, blank sailings and Chinese port congestion created short-term shipping constraints affecting supply flows.
For the Quarter Ending June 2025
North America
• The Isoprene Rubber Price Index in North America declined 2.5% quarter-over-quarter in Q2 2025.
• Domestic production remained largely stable, but inventory accumulation and weak downstream offtake created bearish pressure across the market.
• Demand from the automotive sector remained soft due to sluggish vehicle sales and delayed restocking. The construction and footwear segments also showed restrained buying behavior amid uncertain economic indicators.
• Imports from Asia, particularly from Russia and China, offered competitive alternatives, further weighing on local pricing.
• The overall trend in Q2 2025 reflected a bearish Isoprene Rubber Price Index across the U.S. market.
Why did the Isoprene rubber price change in July 2025 in North America?
• The Isoprene Rubber Price Index declined due to ongoing demand stagnation in key sectors and consistent inflow of low-cost imports, limiting any price rebound momentum.
Europe
• The Isoprene Rubber Price Index in Europe registered a quarter-over-quarter drop of 3.1% in Q2 2025.
• Local production remained moderate, but elevated input costs and weak end-user demand, especially from the tire and adhesives industries, led to reduced operating rates at multiple plants.
• Demand across the eurozone remained weak, with automotive production facing multiple disruptions due to parts shortages and soft consumer sentiment. Export volumes also dropped.
• Market participants in Germany and France reported inventory overhangs and scaled-down procurement in anticipation of seasonal production slowdowns.
• The overall Isoprene Rubber Price Index in Q2 trended downward across Europe, with minimal signs of recovery.
Why did the Isoprene rubber price change in July 2025 in Europe?
In July, the Isoprene Rubber Price Index continued to decline due to persistently weak downstream demand, high stocks, and reduced operating rates, particularly in tire manufacturing.
Asia Pacific (APAC)
• The Isoprene Rubber Price Index in APAC fell by 4.6% quarter-over-quarter in Q2 2025.
• Chinese production remained elevated due to overcapacity, with manufacturers offering competitive exports, while Japan and South Korea operated at reduced capacities due to margin pressures.
• Demand from the automotive and industrial sectors across APAC showed minimal recovery. Southeast Asian markets reported lower tire and footwear consumption due to weak retail and export performance.
• Rising freight availability post-Lunar New Year reduced costs but did little to spark stronger market sentiment.
• The Isoprene Rubber Price Index followed a bearish trend throughout Q2 in the APAC region.
Why did the Isoprene rubber price change in July 2025 in APAC?
• In July, the Isoprene Rubber Price Index declined further due to sluggish demand, oversupply from Chinese exporters, and limited restocking activity from downstream consumers.
South America
• In Argentina, the Isoprene Rubber Price Index rose 1.6% quarter-over-quarter in Q2 2025.
• Early Q2 saw prices hold steady due to balanced supply from Russia and Brazil and moderate local inventories. However, prices briefly increased in early May amid a spike in demand from the domestic automotive sector.
• Despite falling global naphtha prices reducing import costs, local CFR prices remained firm due to resilient demand and currency stabilization, especially in late Q2.
• Automotive production in Argentina rose 9.4% in April, supporting market strength. Construction activity remained moderate, adding to baseline consumption.
• The Isoprene Rubber Price Index in South America displayed a stable to slightly bullish trend through Q2 2025.
Why did the Isoprene rubber price change in July 2025 in South America?
• In July, the Isoprene Rubber Price Index remained stable, supported by consistent supply and healthy automotive sector demand, despite no major changes in upstream or import dynamics.
For the Quarter Ending March 2025
North America
• The Isoprene Rubber Price Index in January 2025 was largely stable, but the sentiment was bearish due to muted demand from key downstream industries like automotive and construction, despite steady Isoprene Rubber production cost trend.
• In February, extreme weather impacted logistics but did not significantly disrupt the Isoprene Rubber Price Index. Adequate inventory and stagnant demand kept the market balanced.
• By March, there was a slight recovery in the Isoprene Rubber Price Index as demand from the automotive sector began improving, leading to a mild bullish shift in sentiment.
Why did the price of Isoprene Rubber change in April 2025 in the US?
• Prices began to show a marginal increase by 0.4% driven by rebounding demand and better alignment between supply and procurement strategies.
• The Isoprene Rubber Demand Outlook improved toward the end of Q1, although concerns over tariffs and policy changes kept the bullish trend in check.
• Isoprene Rubber Spot Price movement reflected cautious optimism as trading activities normalized.
APAC
• In January 2025, the Isoprene Rubber Price Index remained stable with a bearish tone due to weak downstream demand and stagnant import costs from China.
• February saw no significant changes in Isoprene Rubber Spot Price due to post-holiday demand lulls, especially in Indonesia, and steady inventory levels.
• In March, a bullish trend emerged in the Isoprene Rubber Price Index due to increased procurement activity and higher import costs from China and Russia.
Why did the price of Isoprene rubber change in April 2025 in Asia?
• After a bullish March driven by expectations of demand recovery, many downstream buyers in countries like China, India, and Indonesia engaged in aggressive procurement.
• By early April, inventories were saturated, leading to reduced fresh orders and contributing to a 1.9% drop in the Isoprene Rubber Price Index.
• The Isoprene Rubber Production Cost Trend showed slight upward pressure due to rising import prices and logistical inefficiencies.
• Optimism grew in the Isoprene Rubber Demand Outlook as recovery signals became more evident across Southeast Asia.
Europe
• January 2025 started with a bearish Isoprene Rubber Price Index in Europe as automotive and construction sectors remained weak. Inventory sufficiency kept prices flat despite mild port congestion.
• February maintained a neutral trend in the Isoprene Rubber Spot Price, with no major changes in upstream costs or demand patterns. The market awaited potential economic policy reforms.
• March reflected a cautious bullish sentiment as the Isoprene Rubber Demand Outlook showed minor recovery signs in automotive and construction sectors, leading to slightly higher price quotations.
Why did the price of Isoprene Rubber change in April 2025 in Europe?
• Prices rose marginally by 0.7% due to gradual demand recovery, despite continued logistical issues and geopolitical uncertainties.
• The Isoprene Rubber Production Cost Trend remained relatively stable, supporting incremental price adjustments.
For the Quarter Ending December 2024
North America
The North American Isoprene Rubber market displayed mixed performance in Q4 2024, driven by fluctuations in demand, production costs, and macroeconomic factors. Market sentiment improved gradually, supported by a rise in supplier activity. Despite these gains, the market faced headwinds from downstream sectors like automotive, which experienced inventory surpluses and subdued consumer demand due to tighter credit conditions and elevated borrowing costs.
Compared to previous quarters, the market showed modest resilience, with pricing trends stabilizing despite external challenges, such as disruptions from port strikes along the East Coast and Gulf Coast. Additionally, the Federal Reserve's interest rate cut, aimed at stabilizing the economy, had minimal impact on the market dynamics. These logistical bottlenecks constrained the supply chain, adding upward pressure on prices while sustaining supplier interest. Seasonal impacts, including reduced trading activity in December, further influenced market dynamics.
Throughout Q4, prices for Isoprene Rubber MV (60-80) exhibited a slight downward trend. The fourth quarter ended with USD 3618/MT (FOB-Texas). Market participants face challenges, including policy uncertainties, muted downstream demand, and logistical disruptions, which have tempered optimism despite gradual recovery signs.
APAC
The Isoprene Rubber MV 60-80 market in the APAC region faced a challenging environment throughout Q4 2024, marked by subdued trading activity and weak downstream demand. In Japan, the automotive sector, a major consumer, continued to underperform, reflecting declining vehicle sales and reduced purchasing activity. Market participants exhibited caution amid broader economic uncertainties, inflationary pressures, and low consumer confidence, further dampening demand. Amid the declining production costs, market conditions remained largely bearish. Adequate inventory levels and intense competition prevented significant price adjustments, while logistical challenges stemming from supply chain disruptions, including infrastructure damage caused by earthquakes, added pressure. The disruption impacted manufacturing, transportation, and export activities, creating longer lead times and operational inefficiencies. Throughout the quarter, cautious market sentiment prevailed as suppliers focused on maintaining inventory levels and balancing supply and demand. This approach offset declining new orders and the weak economic environment, helping to stabilize market conditions. However, persistent challenges, including sluggish demand from the automotive sector, inflation, and concerns about future economic policies, continued to influence market behavior. These factors underscore the ongoing difficulties for participants navigating Japan's Isoprene Rubber market in a turbulent economic landscape.
Europe
In recent months, the Isoprene Rubber MV 60-80 market in Germany has shown persistent bearish trends amid various challenges. Initially, the market maintained stability, driven by a subdued trading environment and limited downstream activity. Despite occasional bullish momentum from the automotive and tire sectors, overall demand remained weak which continued to maintain the bearishness. The construction sector's underperformance further dampened market sentiments, offsetting any gains from the automotive sector. Logistical disruptions due to rail freight issues and weather conditions in Hamburg added to supply chain challenges, contributing to the cautious market behavior. Market participants remained hesitant, reflecting political and economic uncertainties, and maintained their quotations amidst an uncertain environment. As the quarter progressed, bearish sentiments dominated due to the continued subdued demand from the automotive and construction sectors. Sufficient inventory levels met downstream needs, keeping supply and demand balanced but preventing any significant price movements. Business confidence stayed muted, influenced by ongoing economic challenges, leading to a bearish market outlook. The overall sentiment in the Isoprene Rubber market in Germany was marked by cautiousness and limited optimism, reflecting the broader economic pressures and supply chain disruptions impacting the industry.
