For the Quarter Ending March 2026
Styrene Butadiene Rubber Prices in North America
- In the USA, the Styrene Butadiene Rubber Price Index rose 9.74% quarter-over-quarter, driven by freight surcharges.
- The average Styrene Butadiene Rubber price for the quarter was approximately USD 1825.00/MT, CFR USGC assessment
- Styrene Butadiene Rubber Spot Price firmed as Asian allocations tightened and domestic maintenance constrained immediate availability.
- Styrene Butadiene Rubber Price Forecast shows near-term upside risk amid sustained feedstock inflation and freight volatility.
- Styrene Butadiene Rubber Production Cost Trend reflects higher styrene and butadiene costs linked to crude volatility.
- Styrene Butadiene Rubber Demand Outlook stays robust from the tyre sector restocking and stronger asphalt consumption.
- Elevated Styrene Butadiene Rubber Price Index was reinforced by vessel rerouting and war-risk insurance premiums.
- Export demand diversions and port terminal stock patterns intermittently pressured offers while supporting seller discipline.
Why did the price of Styrene Butadiene Rubber change in March 2026 in North America?
- Scheduled maintenance and diverted exports tightened prompt supply, reducing availability and lifting landed import costs.
- Freight surcharges and longer vessel rerouting raised transportation premiums, increasing CFR-USGC delivered SBR cost basis.
- Robust tyre restocking and early-season asphalt demand absorbed prompt tonnes, supporting sellers in maintaining firmer quotations.
Styrene Butadiene Rubber Prices in APAC
- In Japan, the Styrene Butadiene Rubber Price Index fell by 8.46% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting weak tyre and automotive demand.
- The average Styrene Butadiene Rubber price for the quarter was approximately USD 2166.33/MT, reflecting subdued regional procurement patterns.
- Styrene Butadiene Rubber Spot Price rose in March as shipping disruptions tightened available import cargoes.
- Short-term Styrene Butadiene Rubber Price Forecast signals firmness as freight surcharges and geopolitical risk persist.
- Naphtha cracker tightness lifted the Styrene Butadiene Rubber Production Cost Trend via higher butadiene and styrene expenses.
- Styrene Butadiene Rubber Demand Outlook is cautious as replacement-tyre volumes soften despite pockets of EV and premium tyre strength.
- The Domestic Styrene Butadiene Rubber Price Index showed constrained merchant availability alongside steady contractual liftings at major complexes.
- Elevated freight and insurance pushed exporters to firm offers, reducing Styrene Butadiene Rubber spot liquidity and merchant availability.
Why did the price of Styrene Butadiene Rubber change in March 2026 in APAC?
- Shipping disruptions and rerouting raised freight and insurance, increasing import landed costs and tightening supply.
- Reduced butadiene availability from crackers elevated production costs, incentivising sellers to lift offers and firm FOB prices.
- Soft domestic replacement-tyre demand limited consumption, yet robust export enquiries supported higher SBR call-offs and prices.
Styrene Butadiene Rubber Prices in Europe
- In Spain, the Styrene Butadiene Rubber Price Index fell by 1.95% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting weak demand.
- The average Styrene Butadiene Rubber price for the quarter was approximately USD 1775.33/MT, plus logistics.
- Styrene Butadiene Rubber Spot Price tightened after Tarragona maintenance, while Price Index showed limited liquidity.
- The Styrene Butadiene Rubber Price Forecast suggests gains driven by elevated feedstock and energy costs.
- Styrene Butadiene Rubber Production Cost Trend rose as electricity and butadiene increases compressed producer margins.
- Styrene Butadiene Rubber Demand Outlook remained subdued, with tyre procurement cautious and export enquiries softening.
- Elevated distributor inventories and weak demand pressured the Price Index, and sellers conceded FOB volumes.
- Major Spanish plants operated steadily, limiting disruptions and keeping spot availability balanced, supporting seller discipline.
Why did the price of Styrene Butadiene Rubber change in March 2026 in Europe?
- Maintenance at Tarragona tightened prompt supply, elevating replacement-cost expectations and pressuring FOB offers upward marginally.
- Sharp electricity tariff increases raised conversion costs, worsening the production cost trend and supporting supplier pricing.
- Middle-East conflict elevated freight, insurance, and feedstock uncertainty, reducing import flexibility and strengthening the Price Index.
For the Quarter Ending December 2025
APAC
• In Japan, the Styrene Butadiene Rubber Price Index rose by 1.75% quarter-over-quarter, supported by resilient export demand.
• The average Styrene Butadiene Rubber price for the quarter was approximately USD 1759.33/MT on FOB Tokyo basis.
• Domestic Styrene Butadiene Rubber Spot Price softened amid ample feedstock availability and elevated inventories at producers.
• Analysts expect the Styrene Butadiene Rubber Price Forecast to reflect modest upside as export restocking gradually resumes.
• Improved cracker runs lowered variable costs, shaping the Styrene Butadiene Rubber Production Cost Trend toward moderation.
• Regional automotive cycles influence the Styrene Butadiene Rubber Demand Outlook, with replacement tyres showing uneven seasonal uptake.
• The Styrene Butadiene Rubber Price Index reflects persistent downward momentum late in the quarter despite intermittent weekly recoveries.
• Inventory build in destination markets and substitution toward ABS and SBS pressured Styrene Butadiene Rubber spot realizations.
Why did the price of Styrene Butadiene Rubber change in December 2025 in APAC?
• Feedstock abundance from increased LPG and naphtha cracker runs eased input costs and pressured offers.
• Weak export demand and subdued replacement tyre procurement reduced offtake, amplifying selling pressure across exporters.
• Elevated inventories and converter substitution towards ABS and SBS limited new bookings, constraining recovery momentum.
Europe
• In Spain, the Styrene Butadiene Rubber Price Index fell by 8.26% quarter-over-quarter in Q4 2025, weaker demand.
• The average Styrene Butadiene Rubber price for the quarter was approximately USD 1810.67/MT, reflecting subdued year-end procurement.
• Styrene Butadiene Rubber Spot Price remained muted amid comfortable inventories and steady domestic output, limiting upward pressure.
• Styrene Butadiene Rubber Price Forecast indicates modest recovery into early 2026, contingent on distributor restocking and automotive demand.
• Styrene Butadiene Rubber Production Cost Trend softened as styrene and butadiene eased, supporting marginally healthier margin cushions.
• Styrene Butadiene Rubber Demand Outlook remains mixed with robust automotive segments offset by import pressure and cautious converters.
• Inventory levels stable; the Styrene Butadiene Rubber Price Index weakness tied to improved local plant availability and import competition.
• Export enquiries subdued while spot negotiations experienced pressure amid hand-to-mouth buyer behaviour and comfortable inventories.
Why did the price of Styrene Butadiene Rubber change in December 2025 in Europe?
• Improved domestic plant availability increased supply, reducing spot buying urgency and easing upward pricing pressure.
• Lower styrene and butadiene feedstock costs eased production cost pressures, supporting margins despite weak demand.
• Seasonal year-end slowdown, cautious distributor restocking, and import competition constrained demand and weighted the Price Index lower.
North America
• In USA, the Styrene Butadiene Rubber Price Index fell by 4.8% quarter-over-quarter, driven by ample feedstock and softer demand.
• The average Styrene Butadiene Rubber price for the quarter was approximately USD 1663.00/MT, reflecting import availability.
• Styrene Butadiene Rubber Spot Price showed easing during quarter as abundant butadiene and styrene pressured offers and margins.
• Styrene Butadiene Rubber Price Forecast remains cautious with downside risk amid inventory overhang and muted OEM queries.
• Styrene Butadiene Rubber Production Cost Trend improved as lower crude and cracker operations reduced feedstock-driven cost bases.
• Styrene Butadiene Rubber Demand Outlook indicates steady tire consumption but softer OEM and export orders constrained uplift.
• Inventory accumulation and Gulf Coast logistics weighed on the Styrene Butadiene Rubber Price Index and suppressed spot premiums.
• Import flows from South Korea and Europe sustained availability with port operations unconstrained, moderating price volatility.
Why did the price of Styrene Butadiene Rubber change in December 2025 in North America?
• Lengthening feedstock availability and steady cracker operations increased imports and pressured spot offers, elevating surplus inventories.
• Year-end OEM and distributor destocking reduced immediate offtake, weakening short term procurement and spot demand.
• Lower crude benchmarks and eased energy costs reduced production cost pressure, translating to softer import offers.
For the Quarter Ending September 2025
North America
• In the USA, the Styrene Butadiene Rubber Price Index fell by 8.0% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting weaker OE automotive demand and ample supply.
• The average Styrene Butadiene Rubber price for the quarter was approximately USD 1747.33/MT on a CFR basis.
• Balanced inventories and steady imports kept the Styrene Butadiene Rubber Spot Price subdued despite the firm tire-sector offtake.
• Styrene Butadiene Rubber Production Cost Trend remained flat as stable butadiene and styrene feedstock prices balanced manufacturing economics.
• Modest restocking and automotive recovery underpin the Styrene Butadiene Rubber Price Forecast for gradual, measured upside through year-end.
• Styrene Butadiene Rubber Demand Outlook highlights replacement tires and EV adoption as primary support to domestic consumption.
• Upward weekly momentum in September lifted the Styrene Butadiene Rubber Price Index, driven by resilient tire producer offtake.
• Elevated import parity and a strong dollar pressured domestic offers, constraining margin recovery for producers and traders.
Why did the price of Styrene Butadiene Rubber change in September 2025 in North America?
• Robust replacement and EV-driven tire demand increased offtake, partially offsetting weaker OE automotive deliveries and export softness.
• Uninterrupted feedstock inflows and steady domestic production kept supply ample, restraining significant upward price pressure across the market.
• Smooth port operations and manageable logistics reduced freight disruption risk, while tariffs and import competition shaped seller offers.
APAC
• In Japan, the Styrene Butadiene Rubber Price Index fell by 3.43% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting subdued demand.
• The average Styrene Butadiene Rubber price for the quarter was approximately USD 1729.00/MT, reported figure.
• Styrene Butadiene Rubber Spot Price is firm as export orders absorb available cargoes from Japanese producers.
• The Styrene Butadiene Rubber Price Index shows resilience despite weak domestic demand and export pull.
• Market models and factors embedded in the Styrene Butadiene Rubber Price Forecast indicate a range-bound.
• Upstream cost moves shaped the Styrene Butadiene Rubber Production Cost Trend, pressuring margins for manufacturers.
• Styrene Butadiene Rubber Demand Outlook tied to tyre recovery and NEV replacement demand in Asia.
• Stable operating rates at major plants limited supply shocks, supporting the Styrene Butadiene Rubber Price Index.
Why did the price of Styrene Butadiene Rubber change in September 2025 in APAC?
• Stronger export orders tightened spot availability, translating into upward pressure on Japan's SBR Price Index.
• Elevated butadiene and natural rubber futures increased production costs, tightening margins and pressuring supply economics.
• Higher freight surcharges and logistics delays constrained export flows, amplifying upward pressure on spot offers.
Europe
• In Spain, the Styrene Butadiene Rubber Price Index rose by 7.42% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting tyre-sector strength.
• The average Styrene Butadiene Rubber price for the quarter was approximately USD 1973.67/MT. Reported.
• Styrene Butadiene Rubber Spot Price tightened after redirected Asian cargoes reduced arrivals, lifting FOB offers.
• Styrene Butadiene Rubber Price Forecast indicates near-term firmness, but material gains are constrained by abundant inventories.
• Styrene Butadiene Rubber Production Cost Trend rose as C4 and styrene windows exerted upward pressure.
• Styrene Butadiene Rubber Demand Outlook remains mixed with firm OEM tyre pull but softer replacement.
• Styrene Butadiene Rubber Price Index remained range-bound as port congestion and currency swings offset restocking.
• Export demand and balanced port inventories, combined with Dynasol capacity, keep Spanish SBR offers measured.
Why did the price of Styrene Butadiene Rubber change in September 2025 in Europe?
• Balanced domestic supply and sustained tyre-sector off-take supported prices despite automotive weakness and cautious buyers.
• Feedstock volatility, notably C4 and styrene spikes, lifted production costs and firmed offers from producers.
• Port congestion and redirected Asian cargoes tightened spot availability, slightly amplifying short-term Spanish FOB firmness.
For the Quarter Ending June 2025
North America
• The U.S. Styrene Butadiene Rubber (SBR) Price Index fell by around 1.9% during Q2 2025, influenced by soft demand from the auto and tire industries and economic uncertainty triggered by tariffs.
• The U.S. SBR Spot Price varied between USD 1,730–1,770/MT FOB Texas, indicating lackluster offtake and firm butadiene and styrene feedstock prices.
• The Q2 price decline was mainly brought about by lower procurement from tire manufacturers, conservative automotive production schedules, and zero momentum from seasonal demand.
• The Styrene Butadiene Rubber Production Cost Trend was stable as a result of flat feedstock prices but tariff implications created operational prudence among local producers.
• Local production was steady, with no major disruptions. Yet, poor export prospects and overhang in inventories restricted price support.
• Styrene Butadiene Rubber Demand Outlook was still bearish, as U.S. tire manufacturing eased back after Q2's pre-tariff rush, and the motor vehicle industry readjusted production in response to edgy consumer sentiment.
• Buyers across the supply chain adopted conservative inventory management strategies, further pressuring SBR pricing.
• The Styrene Butadiene Rubber Price Forecast for Q3 2025 suggests continued weakness unless auto production stabilizes or feedstock prices recover.
Asia-Pacific
• The Styrene Butadiene Rubber Price Index in South Korea fell by about 1.5% in early Q2 2025, reflecting lower cost support and weak downstream performance.
• The SBR Spot Price in South Korea was assessed at USD 1,680–1,720/MT FOB Busan, down from June due to subdued tire sector demand.
• Q2’s price dip was primarily driven by weakening automotive production, reduced tire orders, and declining styrene and butadiene prices.
• The Styrene Butadiene Rubber Production Cost Trend eased, helped by soft feedstock values and stable operating rates, despite elevated freight rates on key China-Korea routes.
• SBR supply stayed adequate across domestic and regional sources. No major outages or capacity cuts occurred through Q2.
• The Styrene Butadiene Rubber Demand Outlook remained underwhelming due to soft auto exports, slowing EV-driven tire demand, and policy uncertainty related to U.S. tariffs.
• South Korean manufacturers remained cautious, adjusting output and minimizing excess inventory amid uncertain regional trade dynamics.
• The Styrene Butadiene Rubber Price Forecast for Q3 2025 indicates slight downside potential unless global trade stabilizes and automotive sales rebound.
Europe
• The Styrene Butadiene Rubber Price Index in Europe remained weak-to-stable in Q2 2025, pressured by low feedstock costs and stagnant downstream activity.
• The SBR Spot Price across Europe ranged between EUR 1,550–1,600/MT FD NWE, reflecting sluggish demand from tire and OEM segments.
• Q2’s price stagnation stemmed from continued declines in styrene and butadiene prices and high inventories in the tire and automotive supply chains.
• The Styrene Butadiene Rubber Production Cost Trend declined moderately, linked to lower oil-derived feedstocks (naphtha, benzene) and sufficient material availability.
• SBR supply remained uninterrupted, but producer margins were squeezed due to flat pricing and cautious procurement from end users.
• The Styrene Butadiene Rubber Demand Outlook across Europe was muted, with OEMs and tire makers reducing production volumes amidst poor consumer sentiment.
• Investment optimism was fueled by Kumho Tire’s planned European facility, but short-term fundamentals continued to point toward oversupply and underutilization.
• The Styrene Butadiene Rubber Price Forecast for Q3 2025 suggests further stagnation or marginal dips unless raw material costs rebound or auto-sector activity increases.
