Styrene Butadiene Rubber (sbr) Price Trend and Forecast

Styrene Butadiene Rubber (SBR) Price Trend Q1 2025

In 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. 

Styrene Butadiene Rubber (SBR) Price Trend Q2 2025

According to PriceWatch, In Q2 2025, the South Korean Styrene Butadiene Rubber (SBR) market, specifically the SBR 1502 Non-Oil Grade, experienced a notable downturn in prices. As assessed on an FOB Busan, South Korea basis, the price fell to USD 1705 per metric ton, reflecting a significant decline of approx. 15% compared to the previous quarter. This downward trend was largely driven by a combination of external and upstream factors, most notably the volatility in crude oil prices.

During the quarter, global crude oil markets remained under pressure due to a combination of slowing demand growth in key economies and increased output from major producers. This directly impacted the cost structure of petrochemical feedstocks, particularly Butadiene, a key raw material used in the production of SBR. With crude oil prices softening, butadiene prices also trended lower, thereby easing the input costs for SBR producers.

The absence of significant supply disruptions meant that buyers held a stronger negotiating position, often pushing for lower contract prices or deferring purchases in anticipation of further price drops. Overall, the SBR 1502 Non-Oil Grade market in Q2 2025 reflected a bearish sentiment shaped by weakened crude oil prices, declining Butadiene costs, and muted end-user demand.  

Styrene Butadiene Rubber (SBR) Price Trend Q3 2025

The global Styrene Butadiene Rubber (SBR) price trend in Q3 2025 has experienced moderate growth, with a 1-2% market change across key regions. In the APAC region, countries like Japan, South Korea, and Indonesia have seen solid demand from the automotive and industrial sectors, resulting in steady price increases. This growth has been driven largely by the automotive industry’s need for durable rubber in tire and parts manufacturing.

North America has also experienced a stable market trend, with a slight increase in prices due to consistent demand from the automotive sector and stable raw material costs. In Europe, the market has faced some pressure, but overall demand has remained steady, contributing to a more muted price change in the quarter. Globally, the SBR market has remained resilient, with raw material costs and supply chain conditions continuing to influence pricing trends across these regions.

South Korea: Styrene Butadiene Rubber (SBR) Export prices FOB Busan, South Korea, Grade- Emulsion 1502, Non-Oil Grade.

In Q3 2025, the Styrene Butadiene Rubber (SBR) prices in South Korea have shown an upward trend, with a 1.4% increase during the quarter. The SBR price trend in South Korea has been driven by steady demand from key end-use sectors, such as automotive and industrial manufacturing, where SBR has been used for belts, hoses, and tires. Factors such as raw material costs for styrene and butadiene, refinery throughput, and regional shipping logistics have played a crucial role in shaping the market.

In September 2025, SBR prices in South Korea have risen by 0.5%, compared to the previous month. The automotive sector’s continued demand for durable rubber products has contributed to this price increase, along with industrial applications relying on SBR for various machinery needs. As demand from these sectors has remained stable, the market has been expected to maintain price stability into the next quarter.

Poland: Styrene Butadiene Rubber (SBR) Export prices FOB Gdynia, Poland, Grade- Emulsion 1500, Non-Oil Grade.

The Styrene Butadiene Rubber (SBR) prices in Poland have shown an upward trend in Q3 2025, with a 1.1% increase during the quarter. The SBR price trend in Poland has been influenced by stable demand from the automotive and industrial sectors, which rely on SBR for manufacturing belts, hoses, and tires. Factors such as raw material costs for styrene and butadiene, refinery throughput, and regional shipping logistics have played a crucial role in shaping the market.

While the steady supply of these raw materials has ensured price stability, the slight rise in prices in Q3 has also been supported by smooth refinery operations and relatively low shipping disruptions. In September 2025, the SBR price trend in Poland has experienced a marginal increase from the previous month, reflecting ongoing demand and consistent supply chain conditions. Moving forward, the market has likely remained steady, with moderate fluctuations based on demand from key sectors.

Japan: Styrene Butadiene Rubber (SBR) Export prices FOB Tokyo, Poland, Grade- Emulsion 1502, Non-Oil Grade.

The Styrene Butadiene Rubber (SBR) prices in Japan have shown an upward trend in Q3 2025, with a 2% increase during the quarter. The strong market performance has been supported by demand from both the automotive and industrial sectors, where SBR has been used in the production of tires and rubber parts.

In September 2025, the SBR prices in Japan have experienced a decrease of 3.2%, primarily due to adjustments in the raw material costs for styrene and butadiene, which have slightly pressured prices. Additionally, refinery throughput issues and regional shipping logistics disruptions have likely contributed to the decline.

While the automotive sector’s demand for durable rubber has remained solid, these external factors have created some price volatility in the market. Going into the next quarter, the market may have stabilized as supply chains adjusted, but any further disruptions could have led to continued price fluctuations.

USA: Styrene Butadiene Rubber (SBR) Import prices CIF Houston (South Korea), USA, Grade- Emulsion 1502, Non-Oil Grade.

According to the Price-Watch™, the Styrene Butadiene Rubber (SBR) prices in the USA have displayed a stable upward market trend in Q3 2025, with a slight change during the quarter. Demand from automotive and industrial applications, where SBR has been essential for tires, belts, and hoses, has supported this market stability.

Raw material costs for styrene and butadiene, refinery throughput, and regional shipping logistics have influenced the pricing structure. Despite fluctuations in raw material costs, the USA has experienced relatively stable refinery operations and minimal disruptions in regional shipping logistics, allowing for consistent market behaviour.

In September 2025, the SBR price trend in the USA has experienced a marginal increase from the previous month, reflecting strong demand for SBR in tire manufacturing and industrial machinery. Given the stable supply chain and raw material availability, the market has been expected to remain resilient, with small price fluctuations based on ongoing demand.

South Africa: Styrene Butadiene Rubber (SBR) Import prices CIF Cape Town (Poland), South Africa, Grade- Emulsion 1500, Non-Oil Grade.

The Styrene Butadiene Rubber (SBR) price trend in South Africa has experienced an upward market trend in Q3 2025, with a 1% increase during the quarter. This upward movement has been driven by continued demand from both industrial and automotive sectors, where SBR has been widely used for hoses, belts, and tires.

Raw material costs for styrene and butadiene have played a critical role in price determination, while refinery throughput has remained steady, ensuring a consistent supply of SBR.Additionally, regional shipping logistics have been relatively stable, helping mitigate potential supply chain disruptions.

In September 2025, the SBR price trend in South Africa has seen a marginal price change from the previous month, indicating that demand has remained stable, even with minor fluctuations in material costs. The inclined outlook for the automotive sector and industrial applications suggests that prices have continued to hold steady, barring any significant disruptions in the supply chain.

Indonesia: Styrene Butadiene Rubber (SBR) Import prices CIF Jakarta (South Korea), Indonesia, Grade- Emulsion 1502, Non-Oil Grade.

The Styrene Butadiene Rubber (SBR) prices in Indonesia have shown a rising trend in Q3 2025, with a 1.4% increase during the quarter. The SBR price trend in Indonesia has been primarily due to strong demand from the automotive and industrial sectors, where SBR has been essential for tire production and various machinery parts.

Raw material costs for styrene and butadiene have remained relatively stable, and refinery throughput has been sufficient to meet the ongoing demand. Regional shipping logistics have supported the market by ensuring smooth deliveries and minimal transportation delays.

In September 2025, the SBR prices in Indonesia have seen a stable increasing trend, with prices rising by 0.5% from the previous month. This has indicated that demand in key sectors such as automotive manufacturing has remained robust. The consistent availability of raw materials and favourable shipping conditions have been expected to keep prices steady in the near future.

India: Styrene Butadiene Rubber (SBR) Domestically traded prices Ex-Pune Depot, India, Grade- Emulsion 1502, Non-Oil Grade.

According to the Price-Watch™, the Styrene Butadiene Rubber (SBR) prices in India have shown a downward trend in Q3 2025, with a 2% decrease during the quarter. The SBR price trend in India has been influenced by weaker demand in the automotive and industrial sectors, which use SBR for manufacturing tires and other rubber products.

Raw material costs for styrene and butadiene have remained volatile, contributing to some pricing instability. Additionally, refinery throughput has been affected by regional production issues, which have likely led to supply constraints. Regional shipping logistics disruptions have also played a role, resulting in increased transportation costs.

In September 2025, SBR prices in India have experienced a marginal price change from the previous month, indicating that although demand has remained lower, supply chain challenges have been somewhat mitigated. Going forward, the market has likely continued to face challenges unless demand from the automotive sector has improved.

China: Styrene Butadiene Rubber (SBR) Domestically traded prices Ex-Zibo, China, Grade- Emulsion 1502, Non-Oil Grade.

According to the Price-Watch™, the Styrene Butadiene Rubber (SBR) prices in China have shown a downward trend in Q3 2025, with a 3% decrease during the quarter. The SBR price trend in China has been influenced by slower demand in key sectors such as automotive and industrial manufacturing, which use SBR for tires and other products. Raw material costs for styrene and butadiene have fluctuated during the quarter, creating additional pricing pressure.

Refinery throughput has also been impacted by regional production adjustments, and disruptions in regional shipping logistics have further contributed to the downward price movement. In September 2025, SBR prices in China have seen a 1.7% price increase, signalling a slight rebound.

This shift may have reflected improvements in the supply chain or adjustments to raw material availability. Moving into the next quarter, price trends have likely depended on the resolution of supply chain issues and the recovery of demand in the automotive sector.

Germany: Styrene Butadiene Rubber (SBR) Domestically traded prices FD Hamburg, Germany, Grade- Emulsion 1502, Non-Oil Grade.

The Styrene Butadiene Rubber (SBR) prices in Germany have followed a downward trend in Q3 2025, with a 3% decrease during the quarter. The SBR price trend in Germany has been attributed to weak demand from automotive and industrial sectors, where SBR has been used in tire production and other machinery.

Raw material costs for styrene and butadiene have fluctuated during the quarter, putting additional pressure on pricing. Refinery throughput has been somewhat lower than usual, affecting the overall supply of SBR. Regional shipping logistics disruptions have also contributed to the market downturn, increasing costs and delays.

In September 2025, SBR prices in Germany have seen a marginal price change from the previous month, indicating that despite the declining trend, the market has remained somewhat stable. This has suggested that demand might have stabilized if supply chain issues have been addressed, but the market has likely continued to face challenges in the near term.

Thailand: Styrene Butadiene Rubber (SBR) Import prices CIF Laem Chabang (Japan), Thailand, Grade- Emulsion 1502, Non-Oil Grade.

The Styrene Butadiene Rubber (SBR) prices in Thailand have shown an upward trend in Q3 2025, with a 2% increase on quarter-on-quarter basis. The SBR price trend in Thailand has been driven by steady demand from automotive and industrial sectors, where SBR has been crucial to produce tires and rubber parts.

Raw material costs for styrene and butadiene have remained relatively stable, ensuring consistent production, while refinery throughput has supported ongoing supply. Regional shipping logistics have helped facilitate smooth deliveries, limiting transportation delays.

However, in September 2025, SBR prices in Thailand have experienced a 3.2% decrease, which could have been attributed to supply chain adjustments or fluctuations in demand. Despite this, the long-term outlook has remained inclining, as demand from key sectors such as automotive production has continued to support market stability in the coming months.

Styrene Butadiene Rubber (SBR) Price Trend Q4 2025

In Q4 2025, the global SBR price trend has recorded a decline of around 4–6% across major regions. In APAC, countries such as Japan, South Korea, and Indonesia have experienced weaker demand from the automotive and industrial sectors, leading to lower prices. This decline has been driven by global oversupply and subdued demand, largely due to new production capacities in China and the Middle East, prompting companies to consolidate and restructure amid shrinking margins.

North America and Europe have also witnessed softer market conditions, with prices declining due to excess supply, reduced consumption, and competitive pricing. Additionally, weak butadiene prices have impacted production economics, further reinforcing the downward trend. Overall, the SBR market has remained under strain during the quarter.

South Korea: SBR Export prices FOB Busan, South Korea; Grade- Emulsion 1502, Non-Oil Grade

In Q4 2025, the SBR prices in South Korea have exhibited a downward trajectory, with prices declining by around 7% over the quarter. Butadiene prices in Asia have fallen to two-year lows in November, driven by increased imports from Europe, the United States, and South America, which has lowered SBR production costs. At the same time, global oversupply and weak demand supported by new capacities in China and the Middle East have led companies to pursue consolidation and restructuring to manage shrinking margins.

South Korean producers have also agreed to reduce naphtha cracking centre (NCC) capacities by up to 25%. In December 2025, SBR prices in South Korea have increased slightly by 0.7% month-on-month, supported by steady demand from automotive and industrial applications. The increase has also been driven by tighter spot availability due to production adjustments, improved export inquiries from Southeast Asian markets, and limited inventory levels among suppliers, which have collectively supported the modest price recovery.

Poland: SBR Export prices FOB Gdynia, Poland; Grade- Emulsion 1500, Non-Oil Grade

In Q4 2025, the SBR price trend in Poland has followed a declining pattern, with prices decreasing by around 3% over the quarter. The downturn has been attributed to reduced preference for European material due to a closed arbitrage window, as producers have faced cost challenges from the narrowing spread between feedstock naphtha and butadiene. Additionally, traders have observed that abundant export offers to Asia have constrained storage tank availability across Europe, further impacting regional supply dynamics.

Market softness has also resulted in several production facilities being taken offline, contributing to the overall decline. In December 2025, SBR prices in Poland have decreased by approximately 2% month-on-month. This drop has been driven by continued weak demand, persistent export flows to Asia limiting domestic availability flexibility, and ongoing production adjustments, which have collectively contributed to the downward movement in prices.

Japan: SBR Export prices FOB Tokyo, Poland; Grade- Emulsion 1502, Non-Oil Grade

In Q4 2025, the SBR price trend in Japan has recorded a decline of around 6% over the quarter. The drop has been influenced by a sharp fall in butadiene prices across Asia, which reached two-year lows in November due to increased imports from Europe, the United States, and South America, lowering overall production costs. At the same time, excess global supply and subdued consumption, supported by new capacities in China and the Middle East, have encouraged industry participants to initiate restructuring and capacity rationalization.

Demand from key end-use sectors such as automotive and tires has also remained weak, further contributing to the downward trend. In December 2025, SBR prices in Japan have declined by around 3% compared to the previous month, mainly due to slower year-end purchasing activity, as downstream industries have scaled back operations and inventory buildup ahead of the holiday period.

USA: SBR Import prices CIF Houston (South Korea), USA; Grade- Emulsion 1502, Non-Oil Grade

In Q4 2025, the SBR prices in the United States have recorded a decline of around 8% over the quarter. The decrease has been driven by higher inflows from South Korea at competitive prices, supported by lower butadiene costs in Asia, which reached two-year lows due to increased supply from Europe, the United States, and South America. At the same time, global oversupply and weak demand, along with new capacity additions in China and the Middle East, have influenced pricing dynamics in the import market.

Additionally, relatively lower freight charges have made imported material more attractive, further contributing to the decline in import prices. In December 2025, SBR prices in the United States have decreased further by approximately 2% month-on-month. This decline has been attributed to continued weak downstream demand, ample availability of lower-priced imports, and cautious purchasing activity toward the year-end.

South Africa: SBR Import prices CIF Cape Town (Poland), South Africa; Grade- Emulsion 1500, Non-Oil Grade

In Q4 2025, the SBR prices in South Africa have recorded a decline of around 4% over the quarter. The decrease has been influenced by imports from Poland at competitive prices, supported by reduced preference for European material due to a closed arbitrage window. Producers in Europe have faced cost challenges from the narrowing spread between feedstock naphtha and butadiene, while strong export flows toward Asia have limited storage availability, prompting continuous supply in export markets.

Additionally, softer market conditions have led to production cutbacks in Europe. Lower freight charges have further supported the inflow of competitively priced material into South Africa, contributing to the overall decline. In December 2025, SBR prices in South Africa have decreased further by approximately 2.5% month-on-month. This drop has been driven by subdued demand, steady availability of lower-priced imports, and cautious procurement activity toward the year-end.

Indonesia: SBR Import prices CIF Jakarta (South Korea), Indonesia; Grade- Emulsion 1502, Non-Oil Grade

In Q4 2025, the SBR prices in Indonesia have recorded a decline of around 7% over the quarter. The decrease has been influenced by higher imports from South Korea at competitive prices, supported by lower butadiene costs in Asia, which reached two-year lows due to increased supply from Europe, the United States, and South America. At the same time, global oversupply and weak demand, along with new capacity additions in China and the Middle East, have impacted pricing dynamics.

Additionally, lower freight charges have facilitated the inflow of competitively priced material into Indonesia, further contributing to the decline. In December 2025, SBR prices in Indonesia have increased slightly by 0.7% month-on-month. This rise has been supported by improved downstream demand, tighter spot availability due to production adjustments, and renewed buying interest from end-use industries, leading to a modest uptick in prices.

India: SBR Domestically traded prices Ex-Pune Depot, India; Grade- Emulsion 1502, Non-Oil Grade

In Q4 2025, the SBR price trend in India has shown a decline of around 2% over the quarter. The decrease has been driven by lower butadiene prices and persistent global oversupply, along with weak demand conditions. Additional pressure has come from new capacity additions in China and the Middle East, which have tightened margins and encouraged industry consolidation.

Moreover, India’s export performance has weakened significantly, primarily due to the imposition of 50% tariffs by the United States on Indian goods, further impacting market sentiment. In December 2025, SBR prices in India have declined by approximately 2% on a month-on-month basis. This reduction has been attributed to subdued domestic demand, continued oversupply in the market, and cautious buying activity toward the year-end.

China: SBR Domestically traded prices Ex-Zibo, China; Grade- Emulsion 1502, Non-Oil Grade

In Q4 2025, the SBR price trend in China has recorded a decline of around 6% over the quarter. The decrease has been influenced by butadiene prices in Asia reaching two-year lows, driven by a surge in deep-sea imports from Europe, the United States, and South America, which has reduced production costs. At the same time, local production in China has been impacted by maintenance activities, adding complexity to supply conditions.

Ongoing global oversupply and weak demand, along with new capacity additions in China and the Middle East, have compelled market participants to undertake consolidation and restructuring to manage declining margins and operating losses. In December 2025, SBR prices in China have decreased by approximately 2% month-on-month. This decline has been attributed to subdued downstream demand, continued availability of competitively priced material, and cautious procurement activity toward the year-end, resulting in further softening of prices.

Germany: SBR Domestically traded prices FD Hamburg, Germany; Grade- Emulsion 1502, Non-Oil Grade

In Q4 2025, the SBR price trend in Germany has shown a downward movement, with prices declining by around 4% over the quarter. The decrease has been linked to lower preference for European material amid a closed arbitrage window, as producers have faced cost pressures due to the narrowing spread between feedstock naphtha and butadiene. Furthermore, strong export flows toward Asian markets have limited storage availability within Europe, affecting regional supply conditions.

Softer market sentiment has also led to the shutdown of certain production units, adding to the overall decline. In December 2025, SBR prices in Germany have fallen by approximately 2% on a month-on-month basis. This reduction has been influenced by continued weak demand, ongoing export movements to Asia restricting domestic flexibility, and production adjustments across facilities, which have collectively contributed to the downward pricing trend.

Thailand: SBR Import prices CIF Laem Chabang (Japan), Thailand; Grade- Emulsion 1502, Non-Oil Grade

In Q4 2025, the SBR prices in Thailand have recorded a decline of around 6% over the quarter. The decrease has been influenced by increased imports from Japan at competitive prices, supported by lower butadiene costs in Asia, which fell to two-year lows due to higher inflows from Europe, the United States, and South America. At the same time, excess global supply and subdued demand, along with new capacity additions in China and the Middle East, have impacted overall market sentiment. Additionally, lower freight charges have facilitated the movement of competitively priced material into Thailand, further contributing to the decline.

In December 2025, SBR prices in Thailand have decreased further by around 3% month-on-month. This decline has been driven by weaker year-end demand from downstream industries, reduced purchasing activity, and sufficient availability of imported material, leading to continued softness in prices.