Top News on China Rubber markets

China butadiene (BD) markets are witnessing a historic rally, with prices soaring to their highest level since March 2017, driven by escalating geopolitical tensions and tightening supply.

Escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East since late February are sending shockwaves through global commodity markets, with the cost of nitrile latexa key material for glove manufacturingrising sharply as key feedstock prices surge amid supply concerns.

Middle East tensions, threatening the Strait of Hormuza, a critical sulfur export artery, reversed a holiday-driven lull: Chinese buyers rushed to restock, lifting sulfur spot prices from Yuan 4,080-4,090/t to as high as Yuan 4,200/t.

A sudden escalation in geopolitical tensions in the Middle East has rattled global chemical markets, driving a steep increase in China butadiene (BD) prices.

China's isoprene rubber imports surged, with prices showing volatility. According to GACC, imports rose 42.20% YoY to 143,200 tonnes in 2025 while exports fell 4.91% to 46,500 tonnes, driving record high imports and price fluctuations. This is driven by increased shipments from Russia due to interna

December 2025 saw a significant surge in China's natural rubber latex imports, with GACC data showing a 23.15% MoM increase to 58,100 tonnes and 2025 cumulative imports up 24.31% YoY. This import strength, driven by seasonal peak production in Southeast Asia and year-end downstream stockpiling, sugg

The exports of SBR in China rose significantly in 2025, as domestic SBR supply and foreign demand both moved up, but the average export price was down, due to intensified international market competition.

In 2025, China's imports and exports of XSBRL both grew year-on-year, reaching 16,100 tonnes (+1.5%) and 62,800 tonnes (+11%), respectively. For 2026, imports are expected to focus on high-end products, while exports are projected to maintain steady growth.

China's SBS export performance was robust in 2025, with annual export volume reaching a record high of 126,000 tonnes, a significant year-on-year increase of 27.30%. Alongside a slight decline in imports, this shift in trade patterns marks a notable enhancement in the international competitiveness a

China is projected to add 670,000 t/y of new polybutadiene rubber (PBR) capacity from 2026 to 2030, maintaining a high CAGR of 7.10% following the 8% growth in the previous five-year period. This expansion is expected to further optimize regional supply and drive market upgrading through integrated