Depleting Market Demand Causing the Consistent Drop in US Butyl Rubber Prices
- 22-May-2023 5:56 PM
- Journalist: Francis Stokes
Texas, USA: After showcasing a significant incline in February 2023, prices for Butyl Rubber have been falling consistently since then, and it is anticipated that this trend will continue until the end of May. Butyl Rubber export has improved due to lessening supply chain constraints, cheaper shipping containers, and fewer berth delays. However, the diminishing demand from the automobile sector or the nation's impending recession may be the main causes of the decline in Butyl Rubber pricing. Uncertainty has been permeating the market because of the economic crisis in the US brought on by the failure of two significant banks. The market performance of the once-recovering automobile sector has recently been below par, which directly impacts consumer demand for Butyl Rubber.
Despite the uncertain economic situation, auto sales remained steady but unspectacular. Concerns regarding the affordability of new cars have had a detrimental influence on the automotive industry and reduced demand for Butyl Rubber. Given the current economic obstacles and difficulties, it is not easy to maintain the sales momentum in the automotive industry. Retail sales are expected to be moderate throughout the year, and as inventory levels rise, economic headwinds will restrain the business. In such circumstances, the market for Butyl Rubber would remain subdued, barring a recovery in the auto sector.
Despite being in an uncertain period, the American economy is still expanding and is not in danger of going into recession. Despite the high inflation rate, there is still a severe labor shortage, huge consumer spending, and record-high corporate profit margins. These forces will take some time to alter their course, delaying any potential fall until at least Q2 2023 if a recession is approaching. Even then, it is unclear how simple it would be for employers to fire workers, given the severe staffing shortages of the past two years. The price decline of Butyl Rubber could be attributed to a decline in auto sales.
As per ChemAnalyst's anticipation, "The Butyl Rubber price is expected to take an upturn in June, as the automotive industry is likely to improve their market performance until then, which would increase the consumption of Butyl Rubber in the industry."