US SBR Prices Remain on Edge as Tire Manufacturers Kept a Watchful Eye on the UAW Strike

SBR prices in the US market experienced a weekly fluctuation, with a slight decline of 2%. Nevertheless, the demand outlook for SBR, especially from tire and other rubber manufacturing units, remained consistently stable. The US automotive market is under pressure as the Union Auto Workers (UAW) went on strike the previous month and continued to do the same in October. A wave of relief was waved in the automotive and tire manufacturing units as the Union members agreed to settle down as the fourth week of the ongoing strike began on a better and positive note. Two out of the three major automakers have agreed to implement a cost-of-living adjustment, with Ford and Stellantis already on board. General Motors is also close to making the same commitment and reported substantial advancements in discussions with General Motors and assured that there would be no further strikes. The overall price dynamics of SBR witnessed a significant impact, and the prices of SBR settled at USD 1950 per MT, CFR USGC.

The market experts had stated that not much impact could be seen on the sales rate of tires and the automotive as the eased supply chain and sufficient availability of SBR with end-use manufacturing units. Impressive SBR and car sales figures reflect the improved availability of vehicles compared to the previous year's sales data. However, concerns arise for the upcoming quarter (Q4) due to an ongoing strike with no permanent resolution. While reduced inventories due to the Union Auto Workers (UAW) strike may impact sales in upcoming weeks, a more significant reason for a potential decline in the sales rate is the declining demand for SBR in the domestic market.

Giant players and market experts noted that increasing interest rates for vehicle financing and stricter interest rate conditions by banks are contributing factors. Although the strike has not yet significantly affected the automobile market, forecasters warn that an extended stoppage could lead to a sharp drop in vehicle inventories, potentially impacting the SBR and other rubber manufacturing units' profitability and causing auto prices to rise in forthcoming weeks.

Styrene and Butadiene are the feedstock components required for the production of SBR, and any fluctuations in the process of these elements contribute to governing the overall price range of SBR. Styrene and butadiene prices remained steady in the domestic market, governed by the continuous softening of the WTI crude oil prices. As a result, SBR manufacturers did not struggle to gain better profit margins and settled on keeping the prices stable. As per ChemAnalyst, the stability of SBR prices during a UAW strike may not be assured, and the actual outcome can vary depending on the market conditions and the duration of the ongoing strike.