The global market for solution styrene-butadiene rubber (S-SBR) is forecast to reach US$6 billion by 2030, up from an estimated US$4.2 billion in 2024, according to a Research and Markets report. The report projects a compound annual growth rate of 6.1% over the period.
The outlook rests on rising 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 known for high abrasion resistance, strong tensile strength and flexibility.
Tire demand remains the main driver
In tires, those properties support improved fuel efficiency, wet grip and reduced rolling resistance compared with traditional rubber materials, the report says. The automotive industry is expected to remain the largest source of demand through 2030 as tire makers pursue safety, durability and fuel-economy gains.
The tire application segment is projected to reach US$4.7 billion by 2030, with a CAGR of 6.5%. That makes tires the largest and fastest-growing application covered by the report. The report also points to electric vehicle production and sales as a potential source of additional S-SBR demand in EV tires.
Technology and other applications
Developments in polymerization and processing are widening the performance range of S-SBR. The report cites tailored polymer grades, nanotechnology and advanced fillers as factors improving mechanical performance and durability. Improvements in solution polymerization and advanced mixing processes are also described as enhancing production efficiency and product quality.
Beyond tires, 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 sees opportunities in adhesives and sealants and in a recovery of the global construction sector, with infrastructure investment, construction activity and urbanization supporting demand for construction-related materials.
Regional and competitive picture
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 markets, identifying Asia-Pacific as an important growth region while North America and Europe remain significant opportunities.
Companies identified in the report include ARLANXEO Holding B.V., Asahi Kasei Corporation, Chi Mei Corporation, Dynasol Group, Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company, JSR Corporation, LANXESS AG, LG Chem Ltd., SIBUR International GmbH, China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation (Sinopec), Sumitomo Chemical Asia Pte Ltd, Synthos SA, Taiwan Synthetic Rubber Corporation, Trinseo and Versalis S.p.A. Vertical integration and a strategic focus on tire applications are among the competitive strategies cited.
The report also flags challenges from international trade developments, supply chain disruptions and economic uncertainty. It incorporates updated analysis of tariff developments across more than 180 countries and their potential effects on sourcing, supply chains and geographic market positioning, along with revised forecasts through 2030, historical performance from 2015 to 2023 and competitive market share estimates for 2025.
With tire demand and Chinese market growth both forecast to outpace the overall market, automotive requirements and regional expansion are expected to remain central to S-SBR industry growth, while technology, EV adoption and industrial applications add further opportunities.