The global solution styrene-butadiene rubber (S-SBR) market is projected to grow from an estimated US$4.2 billion in 2024 to US$6 billion by 2030, according to a market report by Research and Markets. The forecast implies a compound annual growth rate of 6.1% over the period.
S-SBR is a synthetic rubber used where abrasion resistance, tensile strength and flexibility are important. In high-performance tires, the material is used to improve fuel efficiency, wet grip and rolling resistance compared with traditional rubber materials. The report links market growth 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.
Tire segment leads demand
Tires are the largest application covered by the report and are expected to remain the main source of demand through 2030. The tire segment is projected to reach US$4.7 billion by 2030, with a CAGR of 6.5%. The report says automakers are seeking tires that offer improved safety, durability and fuel efficiency, supporting the use of advanced rubber materials.
The emphasis on environmentally conscious tires is also part of the outlook. S-SBR can help reduce rolling resistance, a property that can contribute to better vehicle fuel economy and lower emissions. The report also identifies electric vehicle production and sales as a potential source of additional demand for S-SBR in EV tires.
Other applications are smaller but still contribute to the forecast. Footwear is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.7%, supported by demand for durable and flexible materials. S-SBR is also used in adhesives and sealants, polymer modification and other industrial applications. The report points to opportunities in adhesives and sealants and in a recovery in the global construction sector, where infrastructure investment, construction activity and urbanization could support demand for construction-related materials.
China seen as growth leader
Regional markets are expected to shape the global industry through 2030. The United States market was valued at US$799.4 million in 2024. China is forecast to grow at a CAGR of 7.9% and reach US$1.2 billion by 2030. The report also examines Japan, Canada, Germany, France, Italy, the United Kingdom, India, South Korea and other countries and regions, and identifies Asia-Pacific as an important growth region while North America and Europe remain significant markets.
Technology development is another factor in the outlook. The report says innovations in polymerization are allowing manufacturers to produce rubber grades tailored to specific applications, while nanotechnology and advanced fillers are helping 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.
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 report also notes challenges from international trade developments, supply chain disruptions and economic uncertainty. It incorporates updated analysis of tariff developments across more than 180 countries and considers their potential effects on sourcing, supply chains and geographic market positioning, alongside revised forecasts through 2030 and historical market performance from 2015 to 2023.