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South AfricaIn Q1 2025, the Styrene Butadiene Rubber (SBR) market witnessed a stable upward trend across the APAC region, driven by consistent demand from the automotive and tire industries. In South Korea, SBR 1502, Non-Oil Grade FOB Busan prices reached approximately USD 2007/MT, reflecting moderate market strength and steady raw material costs. The region maintained balanced supply and demand dynamics, supporting price stability. In contrast, European markets recorded a sharper 2.25% increase in SBR prices, driven by stronger recovery in automotive production and tightening regional supply. Overall, the global market showed firm momentum in Q1 2025, with growth fuelled primarily by the automotive and tire sectors.
The global Styrene Butadiene Rubber (SBR) market in Q4 2024 showed a stable to slightly declining trend, with regional variations in price dynamics. Demand from the automotive sector remained steady but subdued economic activity in some regions limited upward momentum. In South Korea, SBR 1502, Non-Oil Grade FOB Busan prices averaged around USD 2007/MT, marking a modest 0.3% increase from the previous quarter, supported by consistent domestic demand and steady feedstock costs. In contrast, European markets experienced a downward pricing trend, driven by weaker automotive production and cautious buying sentiment. Overall, the global market remained largely balanced, though pricing momentum varied by region.
During Q3 2024, the Styrene Butadiene Rubber (SBR) industry witnessed stable growth, with prices settling at USD 2000/MT with 3.09% growth for SBR 1502, Non-Oil Grade FOB Busan. Stronger demand by the end-user industries such as automotive and Tire, the industry was boosted by increasing demand for consumer products and raw material. Furthermore, supply-side constraints and capacity shortages added to increased freight expenses, putting pressure on the overall cost structure. These combined to create a more unstable and uncertain market environment. Although downstream demand continued to be soft, upstream supply issues and logistics disruptions were the primary drivers of price stability throughout the quarter.
In Q2 2024, SBR prices saw significant increases in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) and European regions, bolstered by the availability of key feedstocks like butadiene and styrene from strong petrochemical industries. The prices were reached around USD 1941/MT for SBR 1502, Non-Oil Grade FOB Busan. However, freight rate hikes, caused by container shortages, vessel delays, and cargo space limitations, directly impacted SBR pricing dynamics as shipping companies passed on additional costs.
The robust Styrene Butadiene Rubber (SBR) market in Q1 2024 is supported by various factors. A key growth driver was the automotive industry, especially the tire manufacturing segment, where increased vehicle production and replacement tire demand helped accelerate SBR consumption worldwide. Market fundamentals were further supported by enhanced supply chain stability and improved feedstock availability, which contributed to smoother operations and timely deliveries. Across many regions, producers were able to pass on cost increases, leading to moderate price firming. In South Korea, SBR 1502, Non-Oil Grade FOB Busan prices averaged around USD 1655/MT during Q1 2024, marking a 1.78% increase compared to Q4 2023 levels. This uptick reflected resilient domestic demand, firm upstream costs, and steady exports to key Asian markets.
In Q1 2025, the Indian domestic Styrene Butadiene Rubber (SBR) market observed a moderate upward trend, supported by steady demand from the automotive and tire manufacturing sectors. Prices averaged around USD 2162/MT for SBR 1502, Non-Oil Grade Ex-Pune Depot, marking a 1.84% increase from the previous quarter. The rise was primarily driven by stable automotive production, along with firm upstream costs, particularly for butadiene and styrene monomer. Supply chains remained relatively smooth, allowing manufacturers to maintain consistent delivery schedules. Overall, the Indian SBR market demonstrated resilient performance, with pricing strength underpinned by sustained consumption in the mobility sector and healthy regional demand fundamentals.
During Q4 2024, the Indian local Styrene Butadiene Rubber (SBR) market witnessed a declining trend in prices, with averages at approximately USD 2123/MT for SBR 1502, Non-Oil Grade Ex-Pune Depot down 4.33% compared to the last quarter. The downtrend was largely driven by muted demand from the automotive and tire industries, coupled with volatile market of feedstock Butadiene. Also, greater availability of imports and prudent buying behaviour from downstream players put further pressure on local prices. In spite of constant production levels, the market was impacted by regional competition and lower offtake, leading to weaker overall pricing traction in the Indian SBR market during the quarter.
In Q3 2024, the Indian domestic Styrene Butadiene Rubber (SBR) market experienced a strong upward trend, with prices rising to around USD 2219/MT for SBR 1502, Non-Oil Grade Ex-Pune Depot reflecting a 5.47% increase from the previous quarter. This price growth was largely driven by seasonal demand recovery from the automotive and tire sectors, as the festive and pre-harvest seasons typically boost vehicle sales and tire replacements. Additionally, increased vehicle production and steady replacement tire demand supported higher SBR consumption. Firm feedstock costs for butadiene and styrene, along with tight spot availability, contributed to the bullish pricing. Overall, strong seasonal trends and supply-side firmness shaped a robust Q3 market performance.
In Q2 2024, the Indian domestic Styrene Butadiene Rubber (SBR) market witnessed a significant upward trend, with prices averaging around USD 2104/MT SBR 1502, Non-Oil Grade Ex-Pune Depot marking a sharp 15.29% increase from the previous quarter. This surge was primarily driven by seasonal demand from the automotive and tire industries, as the quarter coincided with higher vehicle production cycles and robust replacement tire demand ahead of the monsoon season. Increased activity in commercial transport and rural mobility further supported SBR consumption. Additionally, firm upstream costs for butadiene and styrene, combined with tight regional supply and limited import inflows, contributed to bullish market sentiment throughout the quarter.
In Q1 2024, the Indian domestic Styrene Butadiene Rubber (SBR) market remained largely stable, with prices averaging around USD 1825/MT for SBR 1502, Non-Oil Grade Ex-Pune Depot, reflecting a marginal 0.11% decrease from the previous quarter. Demand from the automotive and tire sectors held steady, supported by consistent vehicle production and moderate replacement tire requirements. However, limited movement in feedstock prices and balanced supply-demand conditions kept market activity subdued. The absence of strong seasonal triggers during this period contributed to a largely flat market, with pricing influenced more by cost stability and cautious procurement than by any significant shifts in downstream demand.
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Molecular Formula
Styrene Butadiene Rubber (SBR) is a durable, flexible synthetic rubber used in tires, automotive parts, footwear, and adhesives. It is produced through the copolymerization of styrene and butadiene, making it a cost-effective alternative to natural rubber.
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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 (Non-Oil Grade) |
| Mooney Viscosity ML (1+4) 100 °C | 49-53 MU |
| Bound Styrene | 22.5-24.5 wt % |
| Density | 0.94 g/cm3 |
| Elongation | ≥ 420 %; 470 %; 520 % |
| Volatile matter | 0.3-0.8 wt % |
| Scorch time (ts1) | 2.2-4.5 min |
| Time to 90% of full cure (t 90) | 13-21 min; 17 min; 16.5 min |
| Property | Specification (Oil Grade) |
| Mooney Viscosity ML (1+4) 100 °C | 45-55 MU |
| Bound Styrene | 22-25 wt% |
| Oil Content | 22-27.3 wt% |
| Elongation | 510%; 520%; 320% |
| Volatile matter | 0.2-0.8 wt% |
| Scorch time (ts1) | 4-4.2 min |
Applications
Styrene Butadiene Rubber (SBR) is widely used across industries due to its durability, flexibility, and wear resistance. Its primary application is in the automotive industry, particularly in tire manufacturing and automotive parts like gaskets and hoses. In construction, SBR is used in adhesives, sealants, waterproofing, and concrete modifications for enhanced strength. The footwear industry utilizes SBR for durable and comfortable shoe soles, while industrial applications include conveyor belts, moulded items, and insulation materials. SBR’s versatility and ability to perform in challenging environments make it a preferred material across these sectors.
The pricing of Styrene Butadiene Rubber (SBR) is primarily influenced by the cost of key raw materials such as styrene and butadiene, both of which are derived from crude oil. Fluctuations in crude oil prices have a direct impact on SBR costs. Additionally, factors such as global supply-demand dynamics, production capacity, transportation costs, and geopolitical events affecting raw material supply chains contribute to SBR pricing variations. Seasonal demand from industries like automotive and construction also plays a role in influencing prices.
Raw material price fluctuations, particularly in styrene and butadiene, have a significant impact on SBR pricing. As both are petrochemical derivatives, changes in crude oil prices directly affect their cost, which in turn raises or lowers the price of SBR. Supply shortages or increased production of these materials can either lead to price spikes or drops, making raw material availability and cost a key determinant of SBR pricing.
As of recent trends, Styrene Butadiene Rubber (SBR) prices have experienced volatility due to fluctuations in raw material costs and global supply chain disruptions. Procurement heads can optimize their buying strategies by closely monitoring price forecasts, securing long-term contracts during periods of lower prices, and diversifying suppliers to reduce reliance on one source. Staying informed on raw material trends and geopolitical factors is crucial to timing purchases effectively and managing risk.
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