Global demand for solution styrene-butadiene rubber (S-SBR) is forecast to rise from an estimated US$4.2 billion in 2024 to US$6 billion by 2030, according to a market report from Research and Markets. The projection implies a compound annual growth rate of 6.1% over the period.
The outlook is tied to demand for high-performance and fuel-efficient tires, advances in rubber manufacturing technology, and expanding use in automotive, footwear, adhesives and polymer modification applications. S-SBR is a synthetic rubber used for abrasion resistance, tensile strength and flexibility. In tires, those properties support wet grip and lower rolling resistance compared with traditional rubber materials, the report says.
Tires remain the largest application
The tire segment is projected to reach US$4.7 billion by 2030, growing at a 6.5% CAGR and remaining both the largest and fastest-growing application in the report. Automotive demand is expected to stay the main source of S-SBR consumption as manufacturers seek tires with improved safety, durability and fuel efficiency. The report also links tighter focus on environmentally conscious tires to S-SBR’s role in reducing rolling resistance.
Electric vehicles are identified as another potential growth avenue. Expanding EV production and sales could increase the use of S-SBR in EV tires, although the report frames this as an opportunity rather than a completed shift.
Regional growth and other uses
China is forecast to grow at a 7.9% CAGR and reach US$1.2 billion by 2030. The US market was valued at US$799.4 million in 2024. Asia-Pacific is highlighted as an important growth region, while North America and Europe remain significant markets. The report also examines Japan, Canada, Germany, France, Italy, the UK, India, South Korea and other countries and regions.
Footwear is projected to grow at a 5.7% CAGR, supported by demand for durable and flexible materials. S-SBR also appears in adhesives and sealants, polymer modification and other industrial uses. The report sees opportunities in adhesives and sealants and in a recovery of the global construction sector, with infrastructure investment, construction activity and urbanization potentially supporting demand for construction-related materials.
Technology and market constraints
Developments in polymerization and processing are expected to improve performance and versatility. Innovations in polymerization techniques allow manufacturers to tailor rubber grades to specific applications, while nanotechnology and advanced fillers help improve mechanical performance and durability. Improvements in solution polymerization and advanced mixing processes are also cited as ways to raise production efficiency and product quality. Research and development spending by major industry participants is expected to support further innovation.
The competitive landscape includes established chemical manufacturers and rubber industry participants. Companies named in the report include ARLANXEO, Asahi Kasei, Chi Mei, Dynasol, Goodyear, JSR, LANXESS, LG Chem, SIBUR, Sinopec, Sumitomo Chemical Asia, Synthos, Taiwan Synthetic Rubber, Trinseo and Versalis. Vertical integration and a strategic focus on tire applications are among the competitive strategies identified.
The growth outlook is not without risks. International trade developments, supply chain disruptions and economic uncertainty are cited as challenges. The report incorporates analysis of tariff developments across more than 180 countries and their potential effects on sourcing, supply chains and geographic market positioning, alongside revised forecasts through 2030, historical performance from 2015 to 2023 and competitive market share estimates for 2025.