Styrene-butadiene Rubber Market Prices Slightly Rise

November 20, news

Recently (November 13-20), the butadiene rubber market in China has seen a slight increase. According to the commodity market analysis system, as of November 20, the price of butadiene rubber in the East China region was 10,890 CNY/ton, up 2.25% from 10,650 yuan/-ton on November 13. On one hand, the price of raw material butadiene has slightly increased, but the cost support for butadiene rubber remains weak; some previously shut-down facilities have restarted, leading to a slight increase in the production of butadiene rubber; the operation of downstream tire manufacturers is basically stable, providing some support for the demand for butadiene rubber. The fundamentals of butadiene rubber are relatively weak. As of November 20, the main quotes for Qilu, Daqing, Sichuan, and Yangzi butadiene rubber in the East China region were between 10,800 and 11,200 CNY/ton.

Recently (Nov 13~Nov 20), the butadiene price in China has slightly increased from a low level, while the cost support for polybutadiene rubber is relatively weak. According to the commodity market analysis system, as of November 20, the butadiene price was 7,266 CNY/ton, an increase of 3.81% from 7,000 CNY/ton on November 13.

Recently (11.13~11.20), the operating rate of polybutadiene rubber plants in China has slightly increased to around 71%. In the later period, some plants, including Maoming Petrochemical, are still planning to shut down for maintenance.

Demand side: Recently (Nov. 13–20), downstream tire production has remained generally stable, providing solid support for the butadiene rubber market. As of November 15, Chinese tire companies had semi-steel tire production running at around 74%, while tire manufacturers in Shandong province maintained all-steel tire output at approximately 65%.

Market Outlook: From a fundamental perspective, analysts note that several cis-1,4-polybutadiene rubber plants are scheduled for planned maintenance in the coming period, keeping cost-side support relatively weak. Meanwhile, downstream tire demand continues to be driven by essential requirements. Overall, it is expected that cis-1,4-PBR prices will likely fluctuate within a narrow range in the short term.