YNCC cuts butadiene contract price sharply
YNCC has settled its butadiene contract price for June 2026 sharply lower. The settlement is a key industry benchmark and suggests a downward trend for butadiene prices. The likely price direction is lower.
Nitrile Rubber Price Trend Analysis 2026: Price Drivers, Market Insights, Latest News, Historical Prices & Supply Demand Analysis
Written ByPragati Agarwal
Nitrile Rubber Latest Development
Acrylonitrile Prices Fall with Propylene
Acrylonitrile costs declined modestly in June amid a steep correction in propylene feedstock. The downstream fibre market has so far held steady, but further softening of acrylonitrile is expected if propylene weakness persists into July.
Nitrile Rubber Price Trend Q2 2026
| Product | Region | Incoterm Basis | Price | Last Updated Month |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nitrile Rubber | China | FOB | USD 2,599.38/MT | June 2026 |
| Nitrile Rubber | USA | CIF | USD 2,754.37/MT | June 2026 |
| Nitrile Rubber | Germany | CIF | USD 2,720.37/MT | June 2026 |
| Nitrile Rubber | India | CIF | USD 2,687.37/MT | June 2026 |
| Nitrile Rubber | Japan | CIF | USD 2,632.37/MT | June 2026 |
| Nitrile Rubber | China | FOB | USD 3,048.46/MT | May 2026 |
| Nitrile Rubber | USA | CIF | USD 3,167.19/MT | May 2026 |
| Nitrile Rubber | Germany | CIF | USD 3,141.45/MT | May 2026 |
| Nitrile Rubber | India | CIF | USD 3,115.34/MT | May 2026 |
| Nitrile Rubber | Japan | CIF | USD 3,085.75/MT | May 2026 |
Stay updated with the latest Nitrile Rubber prices, historical data, and tailored regional analysis
- Global nitrile rubber prices declined in Q2’26 as lower feedstock costs and weak demand in traditional applications pressured markets.
- Feedstock conditions weakened due to falling butadiene and acrylonitrile values, reducing production costs across major regions.
- Downstream demand remained cautious, with automotive and industrial applications providing limited support while general rubber consumption stayed weak.
Asia
Nitrile Rubber prices in China declined to ~RMB 22.60/kg in April and ~RMB 20.63/kg in May, showing a ~8.7% decrease. The market faced pressure from lower feedstock costs, higher supply availability and weak downstream demand. Butadiene prices declined sharply during April, while acrylonitrile values also weakened, reducing NBR production costs. Although maintenance at some production facilities temporarily restricted supply, high operating rates at other plants prevented a significant shortage. The decline continued in May as additional supply returned, imports from Japan and South Korea increased and buyers limited purchases to immediate requirements. Demand from automotive seals, fuel hoses and general industrial rubber products remained weak, while nitrile glove manufacturers focused on reducing inventories.
Europe
Nitrile Rubber prices in Germany declined to ~EUR 2.93/kg in April and ~EUR 2.69/kg in the following month, showing a ~8.1% decrease. European markets remained supported by higher industrial and energy costs, but weak manufacturing activity limited price increases. Intermediate-goods costs and energy expenses remained elevated, supporting producer cost structures. Automotive demand provided some support, with higher vehicle registrations increasing consumption of NBR and HNBR in seals, hoses, gaskets and thermal-management components. However, moderate industrial production and cautious purchasing from manufacturers restricted stronger market movement.
North America
Nitrile Rubber prices in the United States declined to ~USD 3,397.00/MT in April and ~USD 3,167.19/MT in the subsequent month, showing a ~6.8% decrease. The broader synthetic rubber market faced strong producer cost pressure, with higher manufacturing costs and feedstock-related expenses supporting supplier pricing. However, demand remained mixed, limiting the ability to pass through higher costs. Automotive production and construction-related activity provided support for NBR applications in seals, hoses and industrial components, while overall manufacturing activity remained moderate. Lower utilisation levels across industrial sectors restricted stronger demand growth.
Analyst Insight
According to Procurement Resource, NBR prices are expected to remain under pressure as feedstock costs stay weak and supply remains sufficient, while recovery in automotive and industrial demand will determine future direction.
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- Global nitrile rubber prices followed a firm upward trend in Q1 2026, with mild volatility in the first two months and a sharper rise in March as costs and supply pressure intensified.
- Feedstock pressure increased as butadiene prices rose on tight supply and higher crude-linked costs tied to Middle East tensions, lifting production expenses across regions.
- Downstream demand remained mixed, with tire, automotive, and industrial rubber applications recovering gradually, while most buyers continued essential procurement rather than aggressive stocking.
Asia
In Asia, nitrile rubber prices moved on a fluctuating path in the early part of the quarter before rising in March. Early in the quarter, higher butadiene costs and tighter inventories supported the market, while better tire operating rates gave additional support to demand. In February, the market softened as inventories increased, feedstock pressure eased, and post-holiday recovery remained slow after the Lunar New Year period. In March, the market strengthened strongly as butadiene prices surged on supply tightness and higher crude oil prices linked to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. Supply tightened further as some producers reduced operating rates and planned maintenance, while downstream tire and industrial rubber demand improved enough to support essential buying. India broadly followed the same regional pattern, with cost escalation and tighter availability shaping the market more than any major jump in demand.
Europe
In Q1’26, prices of nitrile rubber in Europe started off steadily, with prices picking up towards the latter half of the quarter. Higher costs of butadiene and energy boosted production costs, while a tighter supply was a result of changes in operations and rising production costs. Demand for nitrile rubber from applications such as automotive parts, seals, hoses, and industrial rubber products was moderate, with buyers holding back orders to meet only immediate needs due to volatile prices and low industrial sentiment.
North America
Prices of nitrile rubber in North America were relatively volatile in the earlier part of the quarter before prices started moving upwards in March. Higher costs of raw materials and energy boosted production costs, while supply was stable as manufacturers kept production conservative. Demand from automotive and industrial sectors improved marginally, but purchase activity remained mostly need-based.
About Nitrile Rubber
Nitrile rubber, also known as Buna-N, is a synthetic rubber copolymer of acrylonitrile and butadiene. Because of its excellent tensile strength, temperature resistance and elastic properties, it has wide applications in various industries like the automotive, aerospace, and medical industries.
Nitrile Rubber Product Detail
Hs Code
40081190
Chemical Formula
(H2C=CH-CN)
Cas Number
9005-98-5
Molecular Weight
108.18 g/mol
Industrial Uses
Automotive, aerospace, motorsport, Medical industry, Footwear, sealing and gasketing
Synonyms
Buna-N, nitrile butadiene rubber
Supplier Database
Lanxess AG, Kumho Petrochemical Co., Ltd, Zeon Chemicals, SIBUR,
Regional Coverage
Asia Pacific
China, India, Indonesia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Japan, Philippines, Vietnam, Iran, Thailand, South Korea, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, Nepal, Taiwan, Sri Lanka, UAE, Israel, Hongkong, Singapore, Oman, Kuwait, Qatar, Australia, and New Zealand
Europe
Germany, France, United Kingdom, Italy,Spain, Russia, Turkey, Netherlands, Poland, Sweden, Belgium, Austria, Ireland Switzerland, Norway, Denmark, Romania, Finland, Czech Republic, Portugal and Greece
North America
United States and Canada
Latin America
Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Columbia, Chile, Ecuador, and Peru
Africa
South Africa, Nigeria, Egypt, Algeria, Morocco
CurrencyUS$ (Data can also be provided in local currency)
Supplier Database AvailabilityYes
Customization ScopeThe report can be customized as per the requirements of the customer
Post-Sale Analyst Support360-degree analyst support after report delivery
Note: Our supplier search experts can assist your procurement teams in compiling and validating a list of suppliers indicating they have products, services, and capabilities that meet your company's needs.
Nitrile Rubber Production Processes
The copolymerization of acrylonitrile and butadiene produces nitrile rubber. Acrylonitrile and butadiene are first emulsified in water and then polymerized via free radical initiators forming the nitrile rubber polymer.
Our Price Analysis Methodology
About the Author
Pragati Agarwal
Senior Business Insights Analyst
Delivering price trend analysis and procurement market insights at Procurement Resource, with expertise in identifying commodity patterns, supporting purchasing strategies, and improving cost efficiency through actionable market intelligence.
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