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.
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.
