Menu
Menu
Korea
Japan
India
China
Indonesia
France
United StatesIn Q1 2025, the global Nitrile Butadiene Rubber (NBR) market showed a positive trend. This was largely driven by a rebound in demand from key sectors such as automotive and industrial applications, supported by a recovery in manufacturing activities and global economic stabilization. The steady increase in raw material costs, coupled with tight supply in some regions, also contributed to the price rise, while strong demand from both emerging and developed markets boosted market sentiment. In South Korea, NBR with 34%-38% acrylonitrile content was priced around USD 2,040/MT FOB Busan with prices increasing by 3.92%, reflecting the global upward trend. The South Korean market saw increased export activity, particularly to Southeast Asia, as demand from the automotive and industrial sectors strengthened.
During Q4 2024, the South Korean Nitrile Butadiene Rubber market experienced a bearish price trend, with the prices of NBR having an acrylonitrile content(34% to 38%) averaging around USD 1,960/MT FOB Busan, which was a 1.8% drop from the last quarter, this trend in the market had been witnessed elsewhere as well. The decline was led by weakening demand from major sectors like the automotive and footwear industries, whose production was reduced due to economic uncertainty and risk-averse buying behaviour. Moreover, local supply was flat, but less activity in exports, especially to Southeast Asia and Europe, put pressure on prices.
In Q3 2024, the global Nitrile Butadiene Rubber (NBR) market witnessed a moderate upward trend, driven by improved demand from the automotive and industrial sealing sectors. A rebound in manufacturing activity and restocking efforts across key regions supported the 2.7% increase in average prices. Strengthening upstream costs and limited spot availability in some markets also contributed to the bullish sentiment. In South Korea, NBR with 34%–38% acrylonitrile content was priced around USD 2,000/MT FOB Busan, reflecting the global uptick. Export activity gained momentum amid firmer inquiries from Southeast Asia and Europe, while domestic demand remained steady.
In Q2 2024, the European Nitrile Butadiene Rubber (NBR) market saw a positive price trend of 9.8%, primarily fuelled by rising raw material costs, including butadiene and acrylonitrile, which experienced price hikes due to supply constraints and increased global demand. The prices for NBR with Acrylonitrile content: 34%-38% reached around USD 1,945/MT FOB Busan. Additionally, inflationary pressures across Europe further escalated production costs, pushing NBR prices upward. The automotive and industrial sectors, key consumers of NBR, also saw moderate recovery in demand, contributing to the price increase despite ongoing economic uncertainties in the region. Whereas the APAC region experienced a stable yet decreased price trend, with sufficient supply and lower feedstock costs, alongside stable demand from key industries like automotive and industrial manufacturing.
In Q1 2024, the global Nitrile Butadiene Rubber (NBR) market experienced a downward trend, with prices generally softening across key regions due to slower demand from industries such as automotive and industrial applications. Global economic uncertainties and inventory adjustments further impacted market sentiment, leading to cautious buying behaviour and weaker procurement activity. As a result, NBR prices faced downward pressure, despite some regional supply tightness. In the South Korean market, NBR with an Acrylonitrile content of 34%-38% was priced around USD 1,770/MT FOB Busan, reflecting a decline in line with the global trend. The market saw reduced demand from major downstream sectors, coupled with increased competition from regional producers.
In Q1 2025, the Indian Nitrile Butadiene Rubber (NBR) market saw a positive upward trend, with prices for NBR with 34%-38% acrylonitrile content averaging around USD 2,540/MT Ex-Mumbai, reflecting a 5.1% increase from the previous quarter. The price rise was driven by robust demand from the automotive and industrial sectors, particularly for applications in seals, gaskets, and fuel systems, where NBR is a critical material. Import volumes from South Korea remained steady, supporting market stability, while limited supply in certain regions added upward pressure on prices. Indian buyers were more active in securing material ahead of expected demand growth in the coming months, further supporting the price increase. Despite some logistical challenges, the market outlook remained positive, fuelled by steady consumption in key industrial segments.
In Q4 2024, the Indian Nitrile Butadiene Rubber (NBR) market experienced a slight downturn, with prices for NBR with 34%-38% acrylonitrile content averaging around USD 2,420/MT Ex-Mumbai, reflecting a 1.9% decrease from the previous quarter. The price drop was driven by softer demand in the automotive and industrial sectors, where consumption slowed due to seasonal factors and reduced manufacturing activity. Additionally, imports from South Korea saw price adjustments because of weaker demand and improved regional supply. Buyers in India were more cautious, focusing on inventory management and minimizing stockpiling, contributing to the decrease in pricing. Despite stable availability of material, the market faced pressure from lower-than-expected offtake and inventory levels, leading to a bearish sentiment as the quarter closed.
In Q3 2024, the Indian Nitrile Butadiene Rubber (NBR) market showed a stable trend, with prices for NBR with 34%-38% acrylonitrile content averaging around USD 2,470/MT Ex-Mumbai, reflecting a modest 0.65% increase from the previous quarter. The stability in pricing was supported by steady demand from key sectors such as automotive and industrial applications, particularly in sealing and gasket manufacturing. Imports from South Korea continued to meet Indian demand, with supply levels remaining consistent. While there were some fluctuations in regional pricing, the overall market sentiment remained balanced, as Indian buyers adjusted procurement strategies to match consumption levels.
During Q2 2024, the Indian Nitrile Butadiene Rubber (NBR) market witnessed a significant upswing, with NBR with 34%-38% acrylonitrile content prices reaching USD 2,450/MT Ex-Mumbai, a 7.2% increase from the last quarter. The price increase was fuelled by improved demand from major sectors like automotive and industrial uses, where demand for robust rubber increased. South Korean imports were stable, but other regions’ tighter supply conditions and higher demand dictated prices. Moreover, minor currency fluctuations in the INR-USD exchange rate also affected the cost of imports, impacting pricing dynamics. Indian consumers were more active in purchasing material as inventory conditions tightened, driving the healthy market sentiment. The total demand still exceeded supply in some applications, which helped maintain the market’s upward trend during Q2 2024.
During Q1 2024, the Indian Nitrile Butadiene Rubber (NBR) sector saw a small dip, and prices for 34%-38% acrylonitrile content NBR averaged USD 2,290/MT Ex-Mumbai, down 0.6% from the earlier quarter. Soft demand from important sectors like autos and industrial end-use segments caused the price slump, as buying activity softened amid continued economic vagaries. In spite of sustained imports from South Korea, sentiments in the market were subdued and procurement by customers was more measured. Stocks stood relatively high as a result and hence limited was the upward momentum in prices. Consequently, market experienced mild downwards pressure during Q1 2024 as the demand did not pick up impressively, with NBR price retreating by a marginal notch.
PriceWatch is your trusted resource for tracking global nitrile butadiene rubber price trends. Our platform delivers real-time data and expert analysis, offering deep insights into the key factors driving price fluctuations in the nitrile butadiene rubber market. By monitoring critical events such as geopolitical tensions, supply chain disruptions, and economic shifts, PriceWatch keeps you fully informed of market dynamics.
In addition, PriceWatch provides detailed forecasts and updates on production capacities, enabling you to anticipate market changes and make well-informed decisions. With PriceWatch, you gain a competitive edge in understanding all the elements that influence nitrile butadiene rubber prices worldwide. Stay ahead of the curve with PriceWatch’s reliable, accurate, and timely nitrile butadiene rubber market data.
Track PriceWatch's nitrile butadiene rubber price assessment on a weekly basis since 2015 onwards, along with short-term forecasts, and get access to the detailed report in a downloadable format.
This research methodology ensures that PriceWatch delivers the most accurate, timely, and actionable Nitrile Butadiene Rubber (NBR) pricing assessments, helping our clients stay ahead of market trends and make informed business decisions.
Molecular Weight[g/mol]
CAS No
HS Code
Molecular Formula
Nitrile Butadiene Rubber (NBR) is a synthetic rubber with excellent resistance to oils, fuels, and chemicals, widely used in automotive, industrial, and healthcare applications. It is produced through the emulsion polymerization of butadiene and acrylonitrile, resulting in a versatile material for seals, gaskets, hoses, and gloves.
Packaging Type
Grades Covered
Incoterms Used
Synonym
PriceWatch Quotation Terms:
Ex-Location: This incoterm refers to a shipping agreement where the seller makes the goods available at their premises, and the buyer is responsible for all transportation costs, including shipping, insurance, and any other fees.
CIF: CIF refers to the Cost, Insurance, and Freight (CIF) terms for goods. Under CIF terms, the seller is responsible for the cost of goods, insurance, and freight charges until the goods reach the port of destination.
FD: FD stands for Free Delivered where the seller takes full responsibility for delivering goods to the location/port. This ensures the buyer receives the goods at the designated port with all necessary costs, except import duties, covered.
FOB: FOB refers to the Free On-Board shipping term, where the seller is responsible for the cost and risk of delivering the goods to the port. Once the goods are on board the vessel, the responsibility shifts to the buyer for all costs, including shipping and insurance.
| Property | Specification |
| Mooney Viscosity ML (1+4) 100 °C | 30-70 MU |
| Bound Acrylonitrile | 33.5-39 wt% |
| Specific Gravity | 0.97-0.98 g/cc |
| Tensile Strength | 17.8-22.1 MPa |
| Elongation at break | 440-470% |
| Volatile Matter | 0.7-0.8 wt% |
Applications
Nitrile Butadiene Rubber (NBR) is widely used across industries due to its excellent resistance to oils, fuels, and chemicals. Key applications include automotive seals, gaskets, and hoses; industrial gloves and conveyor belts; oil and gas equipment components; medical gloves; and aerospace fuel system parts. Its durability and flexibility make it essential in various demanding environments.
The pricing of NBR is influenced by various factors, primarily the cost of raw materials such as butadiene and acrylonitrile, which are petrochemical derivatives. Fluctuations in crude oil prices have a direct impact on the prices of these raw materials. Other factors include global supply-demand dynamics, production capacity, transportation costs, and geopolitical events that can disrupt supply chains. Additionally, market demand from key industries like automotive, healthcare, and oil & gas plays a significant role in NBR price movements.
Raw material price fluctuations, especially in butadiene and acrylonitrile, have a direct impact on NBR pricing. Since these raw materials are derived from crude oil, any volatility in oil markets can lead to significant changes in NBR production costs. Shortages or increased demand for butadiene or acrylonitrile can push NBR prices higher, while an oversupply or drop in raw material costs can lower prices. Keeping track of raw material trends is crucial for procurement heads to optimize purchasing strategies.
Recent trends show that NBR prices have been volatile due to fluctuating raw material costs and disruptions in the global supply chain. Procurement heads can optimize their buying strategies by closely monitoring price forecasts, securing long-term contracts when prices are favourable, and diversifying suppliers to mitigate the risk of supply shortages. Additionally, staying informed about geopolitical factors and global demand trends is critical to making well-timed purchasing decisions and managing procurement costs effectively.
Copyright 2025. All rights reserved. Nidhyana Price Watch Data Analytics Private Limited