For the Quarter Ending December 2025
North America
• In USA, the Polybutadiene Rubber Price Index fell by 0.97% quarter-over-quarter, pressured by weak demand and rising inventories.
• The average Polybutadiene Rubber price for the quarter was approximately USD 1733.33/MT, reflecting balanced supply conditions.
• Polybutadiene Rubber Spot Price remained subdued as sellers offered volumes to reduce inventories amid muted buyer interest.
• Polybutadiene Rubber Price Forecast indicates limited near-term upside owing to ample stocks and conservative procurement strategies.
• Polybutadiene Rubber Production Cost Trend appears stable, supported by steady butadiene feedstock availability and efficient cracker operations.
• Polybutadiene Rubber Demand Outlook remains cautious as tire and industrial buyers prioritize contractual purchases over speculative spot procurement.
• Polybutadiene Rubber Price Index signals mild weakening driven by lower spot enquiries and distributors increasing spot offerings.
• Export demand variances and holiday logistics influenced availability, prompting suppliers to manage allocations and stagger deliveries.
Why did the price of Polybutadiene Rubber change in December 2025 in North America?
• Surplus inventories and subdued tire manufacturing curtailed purchasing power, pressuring quarterly price momentum and margins.
• Stable feedstock costs and efficient cracker operations restrained production cost pressures, supporting seller willingness to maintain offers.
• Holiday logistics and mixed export demand reduced spot inquiries, prompting sellers to discount offers to stimulate offtake.
APAC
• In Japan, the Polybutadiene Rubber Price Index fell by 3.8264% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting ample feedstock supply.
• The average Polybutadiene Rubber price for the quarter was approximately USD 2186.67/MT, according to sellers.
• Polybutadiene Rubber Spot Price remained pressured amid steady production, thin liquidity, and competitive reseller discounting.
• Polybutadiene Rubber Price Forecast suggests limited upside while disciplined inventory releases moderate near-term volatility overall.
• Polybutadiene Rubber Production Cost Trend stayed stable due to ample butadiene and steady cracker operating.
• Polybutadiene Rubber Demand Outlook is muted as automotive and tire procurement remained cautious and selective.
• Inventories and mixed export flows weighed on the Polybutadiene Rubber Price Index, encouraging seller discounting.
• Major domestic producers ran steadily, aligning output with demand, supporting balanced supply and calm pricing.
Why did the price of Polybutadiene Rubber change in December 2025 in APAC?
• Ample butadiene availability and steady cracker runs maintained production, creating surplus supply and price weakness.
• Cautious automotive and tire procurement curtailed offtake, elevating inventories, pressuring sellers to offer discounts thereby.
• Thin spot liquidity and competitive reseller bids widened spreads, reducing activity and hindering price firming.
Europe
• In France, the Polybutadiene Rubber Price Index rose by 0.82% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting disciplined supplier allocations.
• The average Polybutadiene Rubber price for the quarter was approximately USD 1731.33/MT, FD Le Havre.
• Observed Polybutadiene Rubber Spot Price stability matched the regional Price Index, reflecting disciplined inventory management.
• Near-term Polybutadiene Rubber Price Forecast indicates modest upside as scheduled maintenance tightens short-term material availability.
• Polybutadiene Rubber Production Cost Trend remained subdued as abundant butadiene feedstock limited variable cost inflation.
• Polybutadiene Rubber Demand Outlook steady, with automotive replacement demand offsetting weaker OEM procurement across Europe.
• Measured inventory drawdowns and exports kept the Polybutadiene Rubber Price Index anchored despite port disruptions.
• Major producer maintenance and Arlanxeo closure news had limited market impact due to ample inventories.
Why did the price of Polybutadiene Rubber change in December 2025 in Europe?
• Ample domestic output and butadiene feedstock limited supply tightening, keeping December Polybutadiene Rubber prices stable.
• EU energy tariffs and ETS charges pressured costs, but winter contracts mitigated short-term cost increases.
• Port delays were largely mitigated by supplier allocation strategies, while automotive replacement demand supported offtake.
For the Quarter Ending September 2025
North America
• In USA, the Polybutadiene Rubber Price Index rose by 0.34% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting stable supply and modest demand.
• The average Polybutadiene Rubber price for the quarter was approximately 1750.33 USD/MT DEL-Texas, reflecting steady market conditions.
• Polybutadiene Rubber Spot Price remained within a narrow range, signaling balanced market dynamics and sustained muted volatility overall.
• Polybutadiene Rubber Price Forecast suggests modest gains as demand outlook improves on steady automotive activity conditions.
• Polybutadiene Rubber Production Cost Trend remains stable with feedstock costs under control, supporting margins and Price Index today.
• Polybutadiene Rubber Demand Outlook remains favorable for tire and automotive sectors, reinforcing Price Index resilience notably.
• Polybutadiene Rubber Spot Price volatility stays low despite mixed export cues, implying cautious inventory management currently.
• Polybutadiene Rubber Price Index movements continue to reflect stable supply chains and tempered tariff risk, limiting aggressive pricing broadly.
Why did the price of Polybutadiene Rubber change in September 2025 in USA?
• Balanced supply and steady feedstock flows mitigated volatility, tempering sharp price movements in September 2025.
• Moderate demand from automotive and tire sectors limited upside while tariff concerns kept buyers cautious.
• Logistics stability and adequate inventory levels reduced urgency for restocking, stabilizing the Price Index overall.
APAC
• In Japan, the Polybutadiene Rubber Price Index fell 10.40% quarter-over-quarter in Q3 2025 due to oversupply.
• The average Polybutadiene Rubber price for the quarter was USD 2273.67/MT FOB-Tokyo, reflecting moderate volatility overall.
• Polybutadiene Rubber Spot Price movements aligned with the Price Index, showing limited trades under inventories.
• Polybutadiene Rubber Price Forecast indicates cautious firmness, as downstream demand stabilizes and exports stay modest.
• Polybutadiene Rubber Production Cost Trend remained steady due to capex discipline and stable feedstock costs.
• Polybutadiene Rubber Demand Outlook remains mixed but supported by automotive and tire expectations in APAC.
• Price Index signals indicate risk of consolidation as inventory drawdown resumes amid autumn seasonality pressures.
• Regional logistical constraints have limited export velocity, reinforcing steady pricing despite drift in APAC markets.
Why did the price of Polybutadiene Rubber change in September 2025 in APAC?
• Soft demand from automotive and tire sectors tempered purchasing, offsetting supply tightness and preventing aggressive price movements in September 2025.
• Stable feedstock availability and adequate inventories reduced urgency to elevate prices, while logistics disruptions were minimal across Asian hubs recently.
• Export demand dynamics in Asia remained modest, constraining upside despite steady local production and ongoing industrial activity in key markets.
Europe
• In France, the Polybutadiene Rubber Price Index rose by 0.23% quarter-over-quarter, in Q3 2025, reflecting modest demand recovery.
• The average Polybutadiene Rubber price for the quarter was approximately USD 1717.33/MT FD-Le Havre, reflecting tempered activity.
• Polybutadiene Rubber Spot Price remained broadly stable amid balanced supply and steady imports, supporting a narrow Price Index.
• Polybutadiene Rubber Price Forecast across Europe suggests limited upside with ongoing logistics headwinds and controlled procurement.
• Polybutadiene Rubber Production Cost Trend remains stable as feedstock costs ease, supporting marginal price resilience.
• Polybutadiene Rubber Demand Outlook in Europe shows cautious improvement from automotive and Tire sectors amid steady orders.
• Inventory levels remained ample with steady imports, limiting aggressive pricing and supporting a disciplined supplier response.
• European port and inland logistics challenges continued to shape cost dynamics, constraining accelerated price moves despite firm demand.
Why did the price of Polybutadiene Rubber change in September 2025 in Europe?
• Supply bottlenecks at European ports constrained imports, delaying shipments and pricing logistics.
• Moderate demand from automotive and aerospace sectors kept buy-side activity cautious throughout.
• Costs remained stable with steady feedstock input, supporting Price Index resilience overall.
For the Quarter Ending June 2025
North America
• The Polybutadiene Rubber (PBR) Price Index in North America declined by 2.4% Q-o-Q in Q2 2025, amid persistent demand weakness from the automotive and OE tire sectors.
• Domestic supply remained balanced, with steady production from key manufacturers and stable feedstock availability (Butadiene), enabling consistent throughput.
• Demand outlook was subdued, with June vehicle sales down 14.27% M-o-M, and tire makers limiting restocking due to policy uncertainty and cost sensitivity.
• Spot prices held steady in July as suppliers leveraged moderate export traction to Canada and Brazil while limiting low-cost offers to manage margins.
• Although production cost trends remained flat, cautious procurement and oversupply conditions weighed on price dynamics throughout the quarter.
Why did the price of PBR change in July 2025 in the US?
• PBR prices remained flat in July, following a slight rebound in export demand and supplier inventory realignment.
• Domestic consumption stayed soft due to weaker automotive production, but overseas shipments, especially to Brazil and Canada, helped cushion downside risk.
• Suppliers avoided deep discounts and opted for strategic stock positioning, with spot price stability emerging from risk-mitigated procurement trends.
• Continued geopolitical and tariff-related uncertainty kept demand restrained, despite easing port and inland logistics pressures.
Europe
• The PBR Price Index in Europe registered a 3.6% Q-o-Q decline in Q2 2025, largely due to weak domestic automotive and tire sector pull.
• Production cost trends remained moderate, supported by steady Butadiene prices, while producers held output rates in check to align with low order volumes.
• Demand outlook continued to disappoint, with a 13.8% Y-o-Y drop in June car registrations in Germany and pressure from cheaper Asian tire imports limiting procurement.
• In July, prices edged slightly higher as suppliers-built risk premiums into offers amid temporary rail disruptions and cautious restocking among downstream buyers.
• Spot pricing resilience was further reinforced by stable export flows, particularly to China, where strong automotive sales underpinned consistent offtake.
Why did the price of PBR change in July 2025 in Europe?
• PBR prices in Europe rose marginally in July 2025 due to controlled supply, selective restocking, and improved export sentiment.
• Domestic market remained soft, but global demand pockets, especially in China, encouraged sellers to adopt a more disciplined pricing stance.
• Temporary rail access suspension at Hamburg terminals added logistical cost pressure, prompting minor price firming to offset delivery disruptions.
• Export competitiveness remained a key focus, as producers held back on excess volumes while carefully managing price floors.
Asia Pacific
• The PBR Price Index in APAC dropped sharply by 19.4% Q-o-Q in Q2 2025, driven by sluggish tire production and cautious inventory strategies.
• Supply remained ample, supported by consistent imports from Japan and South Korea, with sellers facing little urgency to adjust prices amid weak downstream pull.
• Production cost trends remained low, with regional Butadiene prices stable and favorable currency movements lowering the landed cost of imports.
• However, spot prices showed a marginal recovery in July as tire and footwear manufacturers resumed seasonal restocking and inquiry volume picked up.
• The demand outlook hinted at stabilization, with buyers shifting from passive to scheduled procurement patterns, although large-scale offtake was still lacking.
Why did the price of PBR change in July 2025 in APAC?
• PBR prices increased slightly in July, marking a tentative reversal after months of decline.
• Small but steady restocking activity from tire and footwear sectors, combined with leaner inventories, contributed to price index stabilization.
• Suppliers responded to firmer buyer intent by raising offers modestly, maintaining pricing discipline without triggering volatility.
• Import flows continued smoothly, but the market tone suggested quiet confidence returning as stakeholders positioned for a potential Q3 recovery.
For the Quarter Ending March 2025
North America
• The Polybutadiene Rubber (PBR) Price Index in North America experienced a modest decline of 2.44% in Q1 2025 compared to the previous quarter.
• Polybutadiene Rubber (PBR) Spot Price remained relatively stable month-on-month, despite the average quarterly drop due to lower Butadiene feedstock prices in March.
• The decrease in the PBR Price Index was primarily driven by a sharp fall in Butadiene prices and soft downstream demand, especially during March.
• Supply remained stable throughout the quarter, supported by consistent domestic production and sufficient inventory, though disrupted intermittently by port congestion, freight delays, and adverse weather.
• Polybutadiene Rubber (PBR) Demand Outlook was mixed: the automotive sector showed fluctuations but rebounded in March, while the tire sector demonstrated resilience despite economic headwinds.
• Polybutadiene Rubber (PBR) Production Cost Trend softened due to lower raw material costs and better feedstock availability.
Why did the price of Polybutadiene Rubber (PBR) change in April 2025 in the US?
• The PBR Price Index continued to decline by 1% as tariff pressures and elevated shipping costs sustained downward pressure on demand and raw material values.
• Polybutadiene Rubber (PBR) Price Forecast suggests continued cautious sentiment into Q2, with potential price stabilization depending on raw material trends and automotive sector performance.
APAC
• The Polybutadiene Rubber (PBR) Price Index in Japan decreased slightly by 2.16% in Q1 2025.
• Polybutadiene Rubber (PBR) Spot Price remained largely stable across the quarter, even as Butadiene costs fell by 5.5% in March.
• The decline in the PBR Price Index was moderate, as steady supply and healthy automotive and tire sector demand helped cushion the impact of falling feedstock costs.
• Polybutadiene Rubber (PBR) Demand Outlook was strong due to robust vehicle sales and infrastructure development, particularly in the electric vehicle segment.
• Polybutadiene Rubber (PBR) Production Cost Trend eased in March with the fall in Butadiene prices, offsetting pressure from rising operational costs earlier in the quarter.
• Supply levels were stable as manufacturers adjusted export volumes and managed inventories in response to fluctuating domestic demand.
Why did the price of Polybutadiene Rubber (PBR) change in April 2025 in APAC?
• The PBR Price Index declined sharply in Japan by 7% due to the carryover effect of lower feedstock costs and subdued global sentiment in downstream markets.
• Polybutadiene Rubber (PBR) Price Forecast for Q2 2025 remains cautiously optimistic, depending on NEV production momentum and feedstock pricing recovery.
Europe
• The Polybutadiene Rubber (PBR) Price Index in Europe registered a marginal quarter-on-quarter decline of 1.00% in Q1 2025.
• Polybutadiene Rubber (PBR) Spot Price remained mostly stable, with minimal volatility due to effective inventory and production management by suppliers.
• The price decline stemmed from softened Butadiene prices, themselves influenced by reduced energy and naphtha costs, though the downstream effect on PBR was limited.
• Polybutadiene Rubber (PBR) Demand Outlook was supported by the tire sector, especially in winter and all-season replacement segments, while the automobile sector showed weak performance in early Q1 but signs of recovery in March.
• Polybutadiene Rubber (PBR) Production Cost Trend decreased mildly, aligned with lower feedstock and energy inputs.
• Persistent logistical issues such as labor strikes and port congestion affected deliveries, but did not substantially impact availability due to proactive stockpiling.
Why did the price of Polybutadiene Rubber (PBR) change in April 2025 in Europe?
• The PBR Price Index in April edged lower due to continued subdued automotive demand and residual logistical constraints, despite improved new vehicle registrations.
• Polybutadiene Rubber (PBR) Price Forecast suggests stable to slightly weaker prices in Q2, pending clearer demand signals from the automobile sector and sustained logistical improvements.
