For the Quarter Ending March 2025
North America
• The Styrene Butadiene Rubber (SBR) Price Index in North America showed an early rise followed by a decline by the end of Q1 2025. The overall price of SBR declined by 3.19% in Q1 2025.
• Initial price stability in January was supported by consistent demand from the automotive sector, particularly tire manufacturing.
• Demand weakened in February and March due to slower automobile production and increased preference for lower-cost imported tires.
• A drop in butadiene prices contributed to a decrease in the Styrene Butadiene Rubber (SBR) Production Cost Trend, while stable styrene prices limited this benefit.
• Inventory build-up and market softening pushed suppliers to lower prices during the latter half of the quarter.
• Supply chain complexities, including shipping disruptions and new tariffs, further impacted downstream activities like tire retreading.
• Despite these pressures, Styrene Butadiene Rubber (SBR) Demand Outlook remained mildly optimistic due to steady global auto production.
Why did the price of Styrene Butadiene Rubber (SBR) change in April 2025 in the USA?
• SBR prices decreased by 5.5%, driven by high inventories, weakened domestic tire demand, and easing feedstock costs.
• The Styrene Butadiene Rubber (SBR) Price Forecast for Q2 2025 suggests continued pressure unless automotive production rebounds.
Asia Pacific (APAC)
• The Styrene Butadiene Rubber (SBR) Price Index in APAC declined by 3.05% during Q1 2025, reflecting weaker demand across several industries.
• Key consuming sectors—automotive, electronics, and personal care—experienced declining activity due to economic stagnation and tighter credit policies.
• The automotive sector in Asia, particularly for ICE (internal combustion engine) vehicles, showed sluggish sales, though China’s tire exports gained traction internationally.
• Oil-linked styrene and butadiene feedstock prices fluctuated, influencing the Styrene Butadiene Rubber (SBR) Production Cost Trend downward.
• Temporary support came from rising demand in China’s new energy vehicle (NEV) segment, although this was offset by trade-related issues like tariff probes and volatile freight costs.
• Toward the end of March, the market displayed signs of stabilization, but sentiment remained cautious overall.
• Styrene Butadiene Rubber (SBR) Demand Outlook stayed weak in Southeast and Northeast Asia, but was slightly better in export-driven Chinese sectors.
Why did the price of Styrene Butadiene Rubber (SBR) change in April 2025 in Asia?
• Prices decreased by 3.7% due to sustained weak regional demand and easing feedstock-related costs.
• The Styrene Butadiene Rubber (SBR) Price Forecast for Q2 points to continued volatility, hinging on macroeconomic recovery and regulatory clarity.
Europe
• The Styrene Butadiene Rubber (SBR) Price Index in Europe remained largely stable with a slight upward tendency in Q1 2025. The price rose by 1.81% in Q1 2025.
• Modest but consistent demand from tire, automotive, and glove sectors supported prices throughout the quarter.
• Automotive sector challenges in Germany—like regulatory changes (CO2 limits), restructuring, and Chinese competition—restricted stronger price movements.
• Stable styrene and butadiene feedstock pricing ensured no sharp shifts in the Styrene Butadiene Rubber (SBR) Production Cost Trend.
• Falling crude oil prices eased the cost of upstream raw materials (naphtha, benzene), yet this cost relief did not translate into lower SBR prices due to slow demand.
• EV sales declined as government subsidies ended, while hybrid vehicle registrations increased, contributing mixed signals to the demand curve.
• Slight gains were noted in replacement tire sales, though overall market conditions remained tepid.
• Styrene Butadiene Rubber (SBR) Demand Outlook remained moderate, with supply matching subdued demand.
Why did the price of Styrene Butadiene Rubber (SBR) change in April 2025 in Europe?
• The April 2025 increase of 1.4% in SBR Price Index in Europe was driven by a combination of tightened regional supply, firmer feedstock prices, and stronger seasonal demand from automotive and construction sectors.
• The Styrene Butadiene Rubber (SBR) Price Forecast for Q2 suggests continued range-bound pricing unless a demand catalyst emerges.
For the Quarter Ending December 2024
North America
In Q4 2024, the U.S. Styrene-Butadiene Rubber (SBR) market exhibited decreased price trends, influenced by both supply and demand factors. Initially, in October, the market showed stagnancy due to lower feedstock costs and steady demand from downstream industries. Butadiene, a key raw material for SBR production, saw a significant price increase, raising manufacturing costs. However, despite fluctuations in styrene prices, the demand for SBR remained stable, helping to ease some of the cost pressures.
As the quarter progressed, a decline in SBR prices became apparent, mainly driven by lower butadiene prices and stable demand. However, the market remained constrained by limited SBR production, which kept supply tight. The U.S. economy presented a mixed outlook, with economic growth signs offset by consumer caution, which impacted overall demand.
The automotive sector, particularly tire manufacturers, continued to provide consistent demand for SBR. Despite ongoing challenges in leasing and reduced automotive sales growth, SBR prices remained relatively stable in Q4 2024, influenced by the steady demand from key end-use sectors, including tire production and automotive applications.
APAC
In Q4 2024, the Styrene-Butadiene Rubber (SBR) market in the APAC region experienced a decline in prices, influenced by a combination of weaker demand and lower feedstock costs. Butadiene prices, which had previously been high, fell during the quarter, while styrene prices fluctuated, rising initially and then dropping. These price fluctuations, coupled with reduced demand from key end-use industries, led to a decline in SBR prices across the region.
All-steel tire production remained at low levels, resulting in decreased SBR output, which further contributed to the weaker market conditions. Despite a slight increase in SBR supply following the holiday period, overall demand from downstream sectors, particularly the automotive and tire industries, remained sluggish. In South Korea, a major exporter of SBR, weak demand from international markets further pressured prices downward.
Although there was some support from stable raw material costs and limited production, the ongoing challenges in demand, particularly within the automotive sector, caused SBR prices to trend lower throughout Q4 2024. This decline is expected to continue as market conditions remain subdued.
Europe
In Q4 2024, the Styrene-Butadiene Rubber (SBR) market in Europe experienced an upward price trend, driven by a combination of steady demand and rising feedstock costs. The prices of butadiene and styrene saw a moderate increase during the quarter, which placed upward pressure on the overall SBR pricing. The European automotive sector, despite ongoing challenges, showed signs of recovery, particularly with rising demand for electric vehicles (EVs) and tire manufacturing, which positively impacted the consumption of SBR.
The ongoing shift towards EVs, supported by government subsidies in several European countries, led to higher demand for SBR in automotive production, particularly for tires. This trend was further supported by a slight recovery in the overall European economy, which bolstered demand from downstream industries.
While supply remained somewhat constrained due to production limitations, the increasing costs of raw materials and a tight supply chain contributed to the rise in SBR prices. As the demand from tire manufacturers and the automotive industry continued to strengthen, SBR prices in Europe saw a steady increase throughout Q4 2024, with expectations for continued growth moving into 2025.
For the Quarter Ending September 2024
North America
In Q3 2024, the Styrene Butadiene Rubber (SBR) market in North America experienced a notable uptrend in prices, driven by several significant factors. The 14% increase from the same quarter last year can be attributed to a combination of rising demand for SBR in various industries, including automotive and electronics, and fluctuations in feedstock prices such as styrene and butadiene.
The growing popularity of crossover SUVs and pickup trucks has helped U.S. automakers achieve stronger sales in recent years, as consumers valued the versatility these vehicles provided. Several factors have contributed to the increase in both the availability of used electric vehicles (EVs) and the number of interested buyers. SBR demand had risen, along with increasing freight charges.
The industry had also felt the impact of reduced leasing activity from three years prior, resulting in fewer lessees returning to dealerships to purchase or lease new vehicles. While top-line sales figures appeared strong, they were somewhat inflated by transactions that had been delayed from June due to software outages that had prevented many dealers from processing sales the previous month. In the USA, where the most substantial price changes were observed, the SBR pricing environment has been predominantly positive. The overall trends in the USA point towards a resilient SBR market, supported by consistent demand from the automotive sector and other key industries.
APAC
The third quarter of 2024 for Styrene Butadiene Rubber (SBR) in the APAC region has been marked by stability in prices. Various factors have influenced this market equilibrium. The consistent demand from the automotive, tire, and electronics industries has played a crucial role in maintaining stable prices. Additionally, the balance in feedstock costs, particularly styrene and butadiene, has contributed to the overall price stability. Limited SBR production levels have also helped in keeping supply-side pressures in check. Shifting the focus to Japan, the market has experienced the most significant price changes. Demand for the commodity from the automotive and electronics industries was affected when, in June 2024, new vehicle sales in Japan fell by 5% in the same month the previous year, according to the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association. The market had been in decline since the end of the prior year after Daihatsu was ordered to halt all production following an investigation that uncovered decades of falsified safety test results. This scandal also affected sales of models shared with other brands. In early May, Daihatsu was allowed to fully resume production, with expectations that sales would recover in the latter half of the year as the companies addressed their order backlogs.
Europe
In Q3 2024, Styrene Butadiene Rubber (SBR) prices in the European region have experienced a notable increase, driven by several significant factors. The market has seen a consistent upward trend in prices, influenced by a combination of factors such as heightened demand, supply chain disruptions, and rising feedstock costs. This quarter has marked an 8% increase compared to the same period last year, reflecting the overall positive trajectory in SBR pricing. The quarter-on-quarter change of 11% further underscores the notable price adjustments within the market. Additionally, participants in the SBR tire market observed that Europe's competitiveness had been undermined by rising energy and transportation costs, along with increasing wages, which led to the closure of several SBR manufacturing plants in Germany and reduced operations in Poland. Nokian Tyres reported a strong performance in the second quarter of 2024, with net sales increasing by 11.2%, driven by improved tire availability in Central Europe. Notably, the price comparison between the first and second half of the quarter revealed a 3% increase, indicating a steady rise in SBR prices over the period. France, in particular, has witnessed the most significant price changes, with a stable yet positive pricing environment throughout the quarter.
For the Quarter Ending June 2024
North America
In Q2 2024, the North American Styrene Butadiene Rubber (SBR) market experienced a notable increase in prices, influenced by several key factors. A recovery in demand from tire manufacturing and automotive sectors significantly impacted market dynamics. The robust prices of primary feedstocks, styrene and butadiene, further compounded the upward trend, reflecting heightened production costs. Additionally, geopolitical tensions and increased freight charges strained supply chains, contributing to elevated delivery prices. The supply-demand balance in the market leaned towards tighter availability, exacerbating the price surge.
In the USA, SBR prices saw the most pronounced changes. The overall trend for the quarter was one of consistent price escalation, driven by stable yet firm demand from the automotive and tire sectors. Seasonal factors, including increased vehicle production and sales in spring, bolstered demand for SBR, thereby augmenting prices. The correlation between heightened summer vehicle usage and SBR demand was evident, reinforcing the seasonal uptick.
Comparing year-on-year data, SBR prices in Q2 2024 were down by 6% from the same quarter last year, despite a 10% increase from the previous quarter in 2024, underscoring a significant quarterly rebound. Conclusively, the latest quarter-ending price for SBR 1502 CFR USGC in the USA was recorded at USD 2103/MT, indicating a positive pricing environment marked by an overall upward trajectory.
APAC
In Q2 2024, the Styrene Butadiene Rubber (SBR) market in the APAC region experienced a significant upward pricing trend, driven by several critical factors. Primary influences included increased feedstock costs, particularly butadiene and styrene, coupled with stabilizing naphtha prices, which together pushed production expenses higher. Additionally, rising maritime cargo costs due to ongoing supply chain disruptions and elevated shipping rates compounded overall cost structures. The global rebound in the automotive and tire manufacturing sectors further amplified demand, exerting upward pressure on SBR prices across the region. Japan witnessed the most substantial price changes within the APAC region, underscoring a robust upward trend. Seasonal demand fluctuations also played a role, with the first half of the quarter demonstrating a 9% price increase over the second half, attributable to heightened procurement activities and inventory build-ups in anticipation of stronger market performance. By the end of the quarter, the price of Styrene Butadiene Rubber 1502 FOB Tokyo settled at USD 1863/MT, epitomizing the consistent upward pricing sentiment. Despite varied economic challenges, the SBR market maintained a positive pricing environment, driven by synergistic factors of increased production costs, strong market demand, and persistent supply chain constraints. This confluence of elements highlighted the resilience and robust demand profiles characterizing the APAC SBR market in Q2 2024.
Europe
In Q2 2024, the Styrene Butadiene Rubber (SBR) market in Europe experienced substantial fluctuations, primarily driven by escalating production costs and shipping expenses. The increasing prices of key feedstocks, styrene and butadiene significantly impacted overall SBR pricing dynamics. The strategic location of production facilities in Serbia and the considerable rise in shipping costs from China and Southeast Asia to Europe exacerbated these price changes. Additionally, supply chain disruptions, including strikes at major European ports, contributed to higher costs and prolonged delivery times. Germany witnessed the most pronounced price changes in the region. The German market showed a bullish trend in SBR pricing due to strong demand from the automotive and tire manufacturing sectors. Seasonal factors also played a role, with increased tire production during peak summer months driving up demand. Additionally, a 4% price increase was noted between the first and second halves of the quarter, underscoring the upward momentum. The latest quarter-ending price for SBR 1502 FD Wuppertal in Germany stood at USD 1820/MT, reflecting the overall positive pricing environment. The market sentiment for Q2 2024 was increasingly positive, with a consistent rise in prices driven by heightened production costs, robust demand, and constrained supply chains. This quarter underscored the resilience of the SBR market amidst economic pressures, highlighting the supply-demand dynamics that continued to shape the pricing landscape in Europe.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
1. What is the current price of Styrene Butadiene Rubber (SBR)?
As of end-Q1 2025, the Styrene Butadiene Rubber (SBR) Spot Price declined in APAC and North America, while Europe saw stable to mildly positive trends. In April 2025, the price of SBR settled at USD 2015/MT (CFR USGC), USD 2028/MT (FD Wuppertal), USD 1905/MT (CFR Qingdao).
2. Why did Styrene Butadiene Rubber (SBR) prices decrease in April 2025?
Prices fell in North America and APAC due to reduced demand and easing feedstock costs.
3. Who are the top Styrene Butadiene Rubber (SBR) producers in the United States, Europe, and APAC?
o United States: Trinseo, Goodyear, Lion Elastomers
o Europe: Synthos, Arlanxeo, Versalis
o APAC: LG Chem, TSRC Corporation, Sinopec
4. What is the Styrene Butadiene Rubber (SBR) Demand Outlook for Q2 2025?
The Styrene Butadiene Rubber (SBR) Demand Outlook is expected to stay subdued globally, with modest recovery possible in automotive and tire replacement sectors depending on macroeconomic trends and policy shifts.
