A market report published by Research and Markets projects the global solution styrene-butadiene rubber (S-SBR) market to increase from an estimated US$4.2 billion in 2024 to US$6 billion by 2030, equal to a compound annual growth rate of 6.1% over the period.
The November 2026 report attributes the outlook to demand for high-performance and fuel-efficient tires, advances in rubber manufacturing technology, and expanding applications in automotive, footwear, adhesives and polymer modification. S-SBR is described as a synthetic rubber with high abrasion resistance, strong tensile strength and enhanced flexibility. Those properties make it important in high-performance tires, where the report says it can contribute to improved fuel efficiency, wet grip and reduced rolling resistance compared with traditional rubber materials.
Tire demand remains central
The tire application segment is projected to reach US$4.7 billion by 2030, with a CAGR of 6.5%, making it the largest and fastest-growing application in the report. The automotive industry is expected to remain a major source of demand as manufacturers seek tires with improved safety, durability and fuel efficiency.
The report also identifies growing electric vehicle (EV) production and sales as a potential opportunity for greater S-SBR use in EV tires. It points to developments in polymerization and processing technologies, including tailored rubber grades, nanotechnology and advanced fillers, as well as improvements in solution polymerization and mixing processes that can enhance performance, durability and production efficiency.
Other applications and regional growth
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 highlights opportunities linked to the adhesives and sealants industry and to a recovery in global construction, with infrastructure investment, construction activity and urbanization potentially supporting demand.
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. Asia-Pacific is identified as an important growth region, while North America and Europe also represent significant opportunities. The report also examines developments in Japan, Canada, Germany, France, Italy, the United Kingdom, India, South Korea and other countries and regions.
Competition and risks
The report describes a market with established chemical manufacturers and rubber industry participants competing through product development, technological innovation and strategic positioning. It identifies vertical integration and a strategic focus on tire applications among competitive strategies. Companies named 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.
Challenges cited in the report include international trade developments, supply chain disruptions and economic uncertainty. The November 2026 report incorporates updated analysis of global tariff developments across more than 180 countries, including potential effects on sourcing, supply chains and geographic market positioning. It also includes revised forecasts through 2030, historical market performance from 2015 to 2023 and competitive market share estimates for 2025.
The report concludes that automotive demand and regional expansion are expected to remain important contributors to growth, alongside technological advances, EV adoption and demand from footwear and industrial applications. The projected rise to US$6 billion by 2030 underscores the role of advanced synthetic rubber materials across the automotive and industrial sectors, according to the report.