The IEA sharply lowered its 2026 global oil demand outlook, citing the escalating Mideast conflict and elevated energy prices. The agency now projects a significantly steeper year-on-year decline in consumption than previously forecast, warning that market tightening and demand destruction are accelerating.
Asia
Throughout the first half of 2025, PBR prices in Asia, particularly Japan, trended downward overall. In Q1, prices saw a modest decline due to falling Butadiene feedstock costs. However, strong demand from the automotive and tire sectors, especially in the electric vehicle space, helped limit the drop.
In Q2, the downward pressure intensified. By April, the market felt the lagging impact of lower feedstock prices, and sentiment remained cautious. Weak global demand, particularly from China, and excess supply led to a sharp price drop. The situation was further stressed by weak export opportunities and continued pressure from unsold inventories. Despite this, the market remained fundamentally stable due to controlled production and managed export volumes.
Europe
PBR prices in Europe showed mild weakness across H1’25. Q1 recorded a small dip, mainly influenced by softer Butadiene and energy costs. Suppliers effectively managed production and inventory levels, which kept volatility low. However, Q2 brought renewed downward pressure.
Logistical challenges such as port congestion and labor strikes persisted, and though automotive demand picked up slightly toward June, it was not enough to boost overall buying activity. An oversupply situation emerged due to stagnant demand, especially in the footwear and auto sectors, while incoming cargoes from overseas added to the inventory pile-up. This led to additional price declines as the half-year ended.
North America
In North America, PBR prices softened steadily during H1’25. The initial decline in Q1 was caused by reduced Butadiene costs and lacklustre demand from key downstream industries, particularly in March. Production remained consistent, but intermittent supply chain issues, including weather disruptions and freight delays, slightly hampered logistics.
In Q2, price pressure continued as higher shipping costs and tariff impacts from U.S. trade policy dampened import volumes and raw material affordability. The automotive sector showed some signs of recovery late in the half, but broader demand was insufficient to support price stability, leading to continued weakness.
Analyst Insight
According to Procurement Resource, PBR prices may stabilize or rebound modestly in H2’25, depending on the pace of recovery in automotive demand, inventory normalization, and any potential upturn in feedstock costs.
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Asia
During the fourth quarter of 2024, the PBR market in Asia, especially in China, moved upward. Prices rose steadily, backed by strong demand from the automotive and tire manufacturing sectors. Production plants operated efficiently, and supply chains remained well-organized without major disruptions.
Even though global export demand began to slow down, solid domestic consumption helped maintain market balance. Buyers adopted a careful approach to procurement, but consistent feedstock availability and healthy sector performance helped support the positive price trend throughout the quarter.
Europe
In Europe, PBR prices declined slightly over the quarter. The market faced weak demand from both the automotive and tire industries, which were affected by broader economic challenges. While there were some signs of improvement in production conditions, such as better raw material availability and delivery schedules, overall consumer sentiment remained low.
Logistics were also affected by port congestion, leading to occasional delivery delays. Although there were brief signs of recovery, including a short uptick in vehicle registrations, the market remained cautious, keeping price growth in check.
North America
The North American PBR market experienced a modest increase in prices over the quarter. Demand stayed strong, especially from the automotive industry, supported by growing interest in electric vehicles and continued activity in construction. Supply levels were stable, and feedstock availability was not a concern.
Despite some logistical challenges, most deliveries remained on schedule. Market sentiment was generally positive, and steady buyer interest contributed to gradual price gains across the quarter, even with uncertainties related to upcoming political events.
Polybutadiene Rubber, commonly referred to as PBR, is a synthetic elastomer made from the polymerization of butadiene monomers. It is a type of synthetic rubber with high resilience and excellent elasticity. PBR possesses remarkable tensile strength, abrasion resistance, and low-temperature flexibility, making it suitable for various applications.
Its key properties include good resistance to wear and tear, superior impact resistance, and high resilience, which are advantageous in the production of tires, conveyor belts, seals, gaskets, and other automotive and industrial products. Additionally, its ability to blend with other rubbers further enhances its application versatility.
(C4H6)n
Tire manufacturing, Automotive part production, Industrial Belts and Conveyor belts, Sports Equipment, Adhesives and sealants
ARLANXEO, ZEON CORPORATION, LANXESS, UBE CORPORATION
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.
In this procedure, a catalyst is used to catalyze the polymerization of pure dry butadiene. To create polybutadiene rubber, polybutadiene is extracted from the solvent, washed to remove the catalyst, and dried.
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