Styrene Butadiene Rubber Price Trend and Forecast

Styrene Butadiene Rubber Regional Price Overview

Get the latest insights on price movement and trend analysis of Styrene Butadiene Rubber in different regions across the world (Asia, Europe, North America, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa).

Styrene Butadiene Rubber Price Trend for the Q3 of 2024

Asia

In Asia, the demand for styrene butadiene rubber remained strong, particularly in the tire manufacturing sector, where stable output provided consistent demand for raw materials. Governments across the region, particularly in China, introduced policies to stimulate automotive consumption, further boosting styrene butadiene rubber demand.
 

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South Korea, Japan, and Singapore also played a vital role as key exporters of styrene butadiene rubber, influencing the supply in other regions like Europe. The high demand for styrene butadiene rubber in Asia, coupled with strong downstream activity, helped to maintain elevated price levels, even as production costs rose due to feedstock price increases.

Europe

In Europe, the market saw a steady movement due to robust demand from the automotive and tire industries. New car sales, especially in major markets like Italy, Germany, and Spain, supported a positive outlook for styrene butadiene rubber demand. However, the European market grappled with challenges such as high energy costs and the influx of lower-priced tires from Asia, affecting the competitiveness of domestic tire manufacturers.

The automotive sector's slowdown, particularly in the electric vehicle (EV) segment, led to fluctuating demand for styrene butadiene rubber, while production costs were pushed higher by elevated prices for feedstocks like butadiene and styrene. Some manufacturers faced the need to reduce production due to cost pressures, with facilities in Germany and Poland scaling back. Despite these challenges, strategic pricing by major players helped to maintain profit margins and stable price trends for styrene butadiene rubber.

North America

In North America, styrene butadiene rubber prices were shaped by a combination of domestic demand and global market trends. The U.S. automotive sector experienced a mix of rising production and inventory overhangs, particularly in the electric vehicle segment, leading to uneven demand for styrene butadiene rubber. However, tire manufacturers in the region continued to support the styrene butadiene rubber market, with demand from both new vehicles and replacement tire production. Rising crude oil prices also contributed to higher production costs for styrene butadiene rubber, as feedstocks like butadiene and styrene saw price increases. North American producers focused on maintaining a balance between production costs and pricing to align with global market dynamics.

Analyst Insight

According to Procurement Resource, the price trend of Styrene Butadiene Rubber is expected to be driven by excessive demand from the downstream industries and surge in the cost of production.
 

Styrene Butadiene Rubber Price Trend for the Q2 of 2024

Asia

In the second quarter of 2024, the Styrene Butadiene Rubber (SBR) market in East China experienced a gradual increase in prices. This trend was influenced by fluctuating prices of raw materials, particularly butadiene and styrene. Despite a fall in butadiene prices and a rise in styrene prices, the overall cost of SBR remained supported. The production levels of SBR were low, resulting in minimal pressure on enterprise inventory. During this period, downstream production of all steel tires increased, enhancing the demand for SBR. However, there were fluctuations in the operating loads of both semi-steel and all-steel tires, with a slight increase in mid-May followed by a decline by the end of the month.

By June, the raw material butadiene saw a significant price increase, which strongly supported the cost of SBR. Although tire production declined in mid-June, weakening the immediate demand for SBR, the market remained stable with high prices. Analysts predict that while the SBR market may stabilize at a high level in the short term, any continued decline in downstream production could lead to a future decrease in SBR prices. Overall, the market dynamics were shaped by the interplay of raw material costs, production levels, and fluctuating tire manufacturing activities.

Europe

In the second quarter of 2024, Styrene Butadiene Rubber (SBR) prices in the European market have been on a gradual upward trend with minimal fluctuations. This increase is closely linked to the production and sales of synthetic rubber, tires, and electronics, along with significant influences from the prices of feedstock styrene and butadiene. The German market, in particular, experienced price hikes despite disruptions caused by port worker strikes in Bremerhaven and Hamburg, which affected the supply chain.

Car registrations in the EU declined, though the hybrid-electric vehicle segment showed growth, boosting SBR demand. The consumer electronics sector also saw growth, driven by rising demand for health monitoring devices. Hubtrac Tires Europe revised its sales projections due to strategic production locations and increased shipping costs from Asia. The European government's push for increased domestic automobile production is expected to further elevate SBR prices in the coming months.

North America

In the second quarter of 2024, Styrene Butadiene Rubber (SBR) prices in the US market decreased due to the availability of inventories and declining production costs in major exporting regions. The import-driven nature of the North American SBR market means that any changes in primary markets directly affect domestic prices.

Internal factors such as fluctuations in styrene and butadiene prices and energy costs, along with external elements like the supply chain and demand outlook, played crucial roles in shaping SBR prices. Despite an incline in prices in the previous month due to increased production costs and limited supply, SBR prices faced downward pressure due to these dynamics.

The US vehicle market, while growing for a second consecutive year, faced challenges with elevated prices and higher loan rates deterring potential buyers. The decline in auto sales momentum, exacerbated by predictions of a significant drop in the coming year, further influenced SBR demand. Additionally, rising freight charges due to global issues such as the Red Sea Crisis and port congestions added complexity to the SBR market. Consequently, SBR prices are expected to remain steady, with increased delivery charges and natural calamities affecting demand and inquiries.

Analyst Insight

According to Procurement Resource, the price trend of Styrene Butadiene Rubber is likely to continue its present stance given the reduction of inventories in major exporting nations and the diversion of the global consumer base towards other related commodities.
 

Styrene Butadiene Rubber (SBR) Price Trend for the Q1 of 2024

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Asia

Styrene Butadiene Rubber or SBR is a commonly used polymeric rubber made out of styrene and butadiene monomeric units; hence, SBR market behavior is usually in close alliance with the feedstock prices. Since these compounds are completely petroleum based, the fluctuations in crude oil prices also play a crucial role in determining their output costs.

The first quarter saw SBR prices inclining for the entire period as OPEC+ declared a reduction in their oil output volumes, after both Russia and Iraq, two major OPEC+ nations saw a decline in their output. In the Chinese SBR market, the prices went from approx. 12383 RMB/MT at the beginning of January’24 to around 13425 RMB/MT by the end of March’24. This made the Styrene Butadiene Rubber market grow by about 8% in China during the said period. The end consumer behavior was also largely supportive for the most part. Overall, positive market sentiments were witnessed in Q1’24.

Europe

Styrene Butadiene Rubber prices were positively inclined in the European markets as well. The beginning was a little slow as the inventories were filled with previous stocks. However, with time as the stocks started moving, the gap between the supply and demand outlooks also started rising.

Downstream demands were quite modest and regular. However, the supply chain restrictions that the global trade was facing constricted the supply side of the equation. Escalating energy and processing costs too had become a burden for suppliers. Consequently, an inclined price graph was witnessed.

North America

SBR's price trajectory in the American market shared similarities with the price patterns of its Asian and European counterparts. Little steadiness at the initial levels was rather short-lived since the logistic hindrances started to dominate over other supportive market drivers. A vessel transporting goods from Saudi Arabia to Bulgaria was struck by missiles, marking the third cargo attacked by Houthi rebels in Yemen.

These attacks kept getting more and more rampant only added to the suppliers’ worry. With crude oil prices rising in the international markets, the manufacturing costs were also growing unsustainable. Dealing with all these crisis, manufacturers were left with no choice other than to raise prices despite humble downstream demands since the trade exchanges kept getting increasingly unfeasible over this period.

Analyst Insight

According to Procurement Resource, the current market drivers do not project much change in the trade fundamentals going forward. SBR prices are likely to remain inclined for some time in near future.
 

Styrene Butadiene Rubber (SBR) Price Trend for the October - December of 2023

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Asia

Styrene Butadiene Rubber, or SBR, is the polymer of the monomeric styrene and butadiene; hence, the market trend for SBR are usually determined by the price trend of these feedstock materials. During the final quarter of the year 2023, the Styrene Butadiene Rubber registered a strong performance in major Asian markets. The Chinese market saw inclined demands from the downstream tire and other rubber industries.

Likewise, the Indian Styrene Butadiene Rubber market also increased by about 9% as the monthly average spot prices rose from about 2015 USD/MT in October’23 to around 2210 USD/MT in December’23. Overall, a very positive market performance was observed by the Styrene Butadiene Rubber in the Asian markets during the last three months of the year 2023.

Europe

The Styrene Butadiene Rubber prices were found to be oscillating at the lower end of the price graph during the final quarter of the year 2023. These price trend were dictated by the dull demands from the downstream automotive industry as the geopolitical tensions in the region strained the industrial output. Further, the plummeting naphtha prices also depreciated the upstream cost support. Overall, dull market sentiments were observed for SBR in Q4’23.

North America

The North American market trend for Styrene Butadiene Rubber registered heavy fluctuations during the last quarter of the year 2023. The market demands were borderline consistent. However, the falling crude oil prices primarily pushed the Styrene Butadiene Rubber prices downwards, impacting the overall trading dynamics.

Analyst Insight

According to Procurement Resource, the Styrene Butadiene Rubber market projections look fairly optimistic for the coming months. The current demand dynamics are supportive of the SBR market outlook.
 

Styrene Butadiene Rubber (SBR) Price Trend for the July - September of 2023

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Asia

Styrene Butadiene Rubber, or SBR, experienced a bullish run during the third quarter of the year 2023. Since the automotive and manufacturing industries started opening up in China, the immediate demands for SBR have been very high.

In India, too, a strong push in the automotive, infrastructure, and manufacturing sectors called for high styrene butadiene rubber demands; thus, the price graph remained inclined throughout the said period. In the Indian market, the monthly average spot prices jumped from around 1810 USD/MT in July to about 1965 USD/MT in September, recording an average inclination of 8%.

Europe

Contrary to the growth in the Asian SBR market, the price trend in Europe exhibited retardation throughout the said period. Since because of the lowered end consumer demands the automotive industry was struggling in the region. The various geopolitical conflicts were still impacting the supply chains and the monetary behavior of the European region. Hence, owing to the dull demands, styrene-butadiene rubber prices receded regularly in the European market.

North America

The North American styrene butadiene rubber market was in total alliance with the European market, as the prices showed declining trend here as well. The manufacturing and automotive industries struggled with the economic downturn the region was facing because of the elevated interest rates. Overall, dull market trend were observed.

Analyst Insight

According to Procurement Resource, the SBR prices are likely to improve further in the coming months since the market demands are projected to rise moving forward.
 

Styrene Butadiene Rubber (SBR) Price Trend for the First Half of 2023

Asia

The Asian SBR market witnessed a mixed price trend in H1 2023. The prices went from around 10,925 RMB/MT in mid-Jan to approximately 11225 RMB/MT in mid-June’23 in the Chinese domestic market, recording a marginal hike of around 2%. The market growth remained sluggish because of feeble demands from downstream automotive and rubber industries. Some occasional peaks in SBR price trend were attributed to the rise in feedstock Styrene and Butadiene prices. Otherwise, the Butadiene rubber (SBR) market remained low, swinging in the first half 2023.

Europe

The high inflation rates in Europe affected consumer behavior, becoming more necessity centric. This shift in purchasing patterns directly impacted the commodities market. As the market offtakes from automotive industries decreased, the demand for SBR in the European region also decreased. The slow demands pushed the market down, but the hike in feedstock prices gave the occasional upward push to the SBR prices in the first half of 2023. Overall, the SBR market remained afloat.

North America

The North American Styrene Butadiene Rubber (SBR) market replicated the global outlook, especially for demand dynamics from downstream automotive sectors. Along with a declining demand pattern, feedstock styrene and butadiene prices remained on a downward trajectory in H1’23. Hence, the falling upstream pressure coupled with bearish downstream demands kept the Styrene Butadiene Rubber (SBR) prices at bay with overall muted price patterns.

Analyst Insight

According to the Procurement Resource, the Styrene Butadiene rubber (SBR) prices are expected to behave in a similar fluctuating manner in the upcoming quarter. The automotive sector has cut down production to clear up the existing inventories, and the projected low demands will likely impact the SBR market.
 

Styrene Butadiene Rubber (SBR) Price Trend for the Second Half of 2022

Asia Pacific

The prices of Styrene Butadiene Rubber (SBR) declined in the Asian Pacific region due to a significant decline in feedstock prices and weak demand from the domestic market. The automobile and tire industries showed a decline in momentum and thus affected the SBR prices adversely. Along with weak market dynamics, the prices dipped due to the imposed covid restrictions, power rationing norms, oversupply, and low production costs.

Europe

The European region showed a stagnant trend in the third quarter. The prices stood strong in front of the declining demand from the downstream industries, the rising level of inventories, and energy crises in the region. However, a gradual decline in the fourth quarter was observed in the prices of styrene butadiene rubber. The number of inquiries declined in view of the rising inflation and persistent energy crisis. The rise in inventories, sluggish market demand and slow rise in feedstock prices kept the price trend of Styrene Butadiene Rubber (SBR) in the negative zone.

North America

The market dynamics of the North American region were severely affected by the weak demand from the downstream industries. The initial months of the third quarter were somewhat stable but the labor shortage, inflation, and restricted operational rate affected the domestic market adversely. In the fourth quarter, the prices dropped due to the slowing in production as bad weather conditions hit the region. The automotive sector also declined its demand for Styrene Butadiene Rubber (SBR) due to slow market economics and thus fueled the declining price trend for styrene butadiene rubber.

Analyst Insight

According to Procurement Resource, the price trend for Styrene Butadiene Rubber (SBR) are expected to fluctuate in the upcoming quarter. These fluctuations will be majorly due to pressure on the supply chain and the reduced demand considering the current dynamics of the automotive and tire industries.
 

Styrene Butadiene Rubber (SBR) Price Trend For the First Half of 2022

Asia

The prices of Styrene Butadiene Rubber ( SBR) registered an upward trend during the first quarter. The high crude oil prices, port congestion, and expensive transportation influenced the petrochemical industry in Asia.

The raised quotation of feedstock styrene and butadiene coupled with robust demand from the rubber and tire industry drove the prices. The government decision to impose covid restrictions prompted the factories to halt production which further strained the tight supply.

The price of Styrene Butadiene Rubber averaged 172410 INR/MT in the Indian market during the first quarter. Owing to the high-cost inflation and market supply uncertainties the market sentiment suffered hence driving the SBR prices down during the second quarter.

Europe

The price trend for Styrene Butadiene Rubber ( SBR ) remained strong throughout the said period. Owing to the inflated crude oil prices, enhanced power costs, and expensive raw materials the manufacturers raised their quotations to protect their profitability. These raised quotations were further supported by the robust demand from the pharmaceutical, automotive, and packaging industries. The prices of SBR averaged 3420 USD/MT during the said period.

North America

The trade restrictions amid labour shortages, commodity inflation and booming market sentiments supported the higher prices of SBR throughout the US domestic market. The price of feedstock butadiene averaged 1445/MT FD Texas while that of SBR averaged 3750-3940 USD/MT.

Analyst Insight

According to Procurement Resource, the prices for styrene butadiene rubber are expected o remain lower in the second half of the year. The main reason for the cause could be anticipated in the form of sluggish demand, higher inflation rate, and haphazard logistics. However, a silver line could be feebly seen in the automotive sector.

Procurement Resource provides latest prices of Styrene Butadiene Rubber. Each price database is tied to a user-friendly graphing tool dating back to 2014, which provides a range of functionalities: configuration of price series over user defined time period; comparison of product movements across countries; customisation of price currencies and unit; extraction of price data as excel files to be used offline.