Synthetic Rubber Market Size and Share

Synthetic Rubber Market (2026 - 2031)

Synthetic Rubber Market Analysis by Mordor Intelligence

The Synthetic Rubber Market size is estimated at USD 36.30 billion in 2026, and is expected to reach USD 44.69 billion by 2031, at a CAGR of 4.25% during the forecast period (2026-2031). Rising demand for electric-vehicle (EV) tires, industrial seals for renewable-energy assets, and bio-based feedstock initiatives underpin this expansion of the synthetic rubber market. Producers able to supply solution-polymerized SBR (S-SBR) with functionalized chain ends that bond to silica fillers now win long-term EV contracts, while vertical integration into butadiene keeps input cost volatility in check. Asia-Pacific remains the volume anchor of the synthetic rubber market, yet North America’s pilot plants for ethanol-to-butadiene and bio-isoprene signal a strategic hedge against crude-derived feedstocks. Regulatory pressure on PFAS in fluoro-elastomers and substitution by thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPU) in non-critical seals temper overall growth but also accelerate innovation toward greener, recyclable grades of synthetic rubber market polymers.

Key Report Takeaways

  • By type, styrene-butadiene rubber captured 40.89% of the synthetic rubber market share in 2025, whereas EPDM is projected to register the fastest 5.81% CAGR through 2031. 
  • By manufacturing process, emulsion polymerization held 61.67% of the synthetic rubber market in 2025; solution polymerization is forecast to expand at a 5.66% CAGR out to 2031. 
  • By raw material, butadiene accounted for 50.85% revenue share of the synthetic rubber market, while bio-based isoprene and others are anticipated to register the fastest CAGR of 8.49% through 2031.
  • By application, tires and tire components accounted for 45.12% of the synthetic rubber market size in 2025, while industrial goods are poised to grow at a 4.58% CAGR between 2026-2031. 
  • By geography, Asia-Pacific led with 57.89% revenue share in 2025 and is on track for the highest 4.46% CAGR through 2031. 

Note: Market size and forecast figures in this report are generated using Mordor Intelligence’s proprietary estimation framework, updated with the latest available data and insights as of January 2026.

Segment Analysis

By Type: Solution-Grade SBR Gains on EV Tire Specifications

Styrene-butadiene rubber commanded 40.89% of the synthetic rubber market share in 2025, benefiting from replacement-tire cost advantages. Ethylene-Propylene-Diene Monomer (EPDM) is projected to post the fastest 5.81% CAGR as roofing retrofits and NVH upgrades proliferate. Polybutadiene blends enhance winter-tire flexibility, while butyl retains premium pricing in pharmaceutical stoppers. The synthetic rubber market size attributed to EPDM is anticipated to expand significantly by 2031, reflecting its versatile weathering profile. Solution-SBR grades dominate ultra-high-performance tires as EV adoption ramps, aided by investments at LG Chem and Kumho Petrochemical.

Continuous reactor retrofits cost USD 50-80 million per 100 kt line, favoring incumbents with access to low-cost finance. ARLANXEO’s Keltan ECO EPDM, launched in 2025, embeds 70% bio-carbon and helps automotive OEMs reduce Scope 3 emissions. Specialty nitrile and chloroprene remain valuable in oil-field seals and flame-retardant cable jackets, capturing price premiums despite modest volumes. As EVs cross the 20% sales threshold in 2027, type-mix will tilt toward solution-grade SBR, tightening competitive dynamics inside the synthetic rubber market.

Synthetic Rubber Market: Market Share by Type

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By Manufacturing Process: Continuous Lines Cut Energy Costs

Emulsion polymerization represented 61.67% of capacity in 2025, yet solution processes will grow at a 5.66% CAGR due to tighter molecular-weight control and solvent-loop efficiency. LG Chem’s Yeosu expansion adds automated dosing for viscosity uniformity, trimming variance by 40%. Continuous gas-phase technology remains confined to specialty high-cis polybutadiene but reduces energy intensity below 2.5 GJ t, beating older batch reactors.

Batch emulsion units built pre-2010 consume 20-30% more steam and generate high-COD latex effluent, pushing operators toward costly wastewater retrofits. Kumho Petrochemical’s 40 kt solution-SBR project, slated for 2027, targets North American EV tire demand exempt from anti-dumping duties. The process mix shift underlines sustainability pressures shaping the synthetic rubber market

By Raw Material: Bio-Feedstocks Command Green Premiums

By raw material, Butadiene comprised 50.85% of the synthetic rubber market in 2025, with sourcing concentrated in Asia and the Middle East. Bio-isoprene and other specialty monomers will post the fastest 8.49% CAGR as Bridgestone and Michelin demonstrators validate renewable economics above USD 85 barrel crude. Synthetic rubber market size linked to bio-feedstocks is small today, yet commands 10-20% premiums that fleets and medical buyers increasingly accept.

Styrene costs follow benzene, compressing SBR margins when crude falls more slowly than polymer demand. Ethylene- and propylene-based EPDM benefits from shale-origin surplus in North America, sustaining cost competitiveness. Specialty monomers such as acrylonitrile and chloroprene anchor niche volumes but have high value in oil-resistant hoses and flame-retardant cables, reinforcing diverse feedstock needs inside the synthetic rubber market.

By Application: Industrial Goods Outpace Tire Replacement

Tires and tire components accounted for 45.12% of market revenue in 2025, yet industrial goods are forecast to grow at a 4.58% CAGR, the fastest among end uses. Conveyor belts for lithium mining, EPDM seals for wind turbines, and vibration dampers for data centers fuel this outperformance. OEM tire demand remains cyclical with vehicle production, whereas industrial goods track equipment utilization, offering steadier revenue streams.

Footwear retains cost-sensitive volumes in Asia, while non-tire automotive parts such as engine mounts face TPU substitution in low-temperature zones. Apollo Tyres’ Andhra Pradesh plant illustrates backward integration that cuts lead times and currency risk. MRF’s 2025 radial-tire expansion underscores heavier synthetic-rubber loading per unit, boosting absolute demand despite market share stability.

Synthetic Rubber Market: Market Share by Application

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Geography Analysis

Asia-Pacific commanded 57.89% of the synthetic rubber market revenue in 2025 and is projected to advance at a 4.46% CAGR through 2031. India’s radial-tire lines and China’s EV boom offset margin pressure from butadiene spikes above USD 1,400 per ton. ASEAN nations gain FDI as tariff-free hubs into Australia and Japan, diversifying regional supply. 

North America's synthetic rubber demand is driven by USMCA reshoring and DOE-funded bio-monomer pilots. Bridgestone’s ethanol-to-butadiene demo and Goodyear’s Visolis tie-up position the region at the forefront of renewable feedstock commercialization. 

Europe accounts for significant demand but faces REACH microplastic rules and PFAS scrutiny, nudging formulators toward non-fluorinated chemistries. However, the continent’s aged roofing stock drives EPDM retrofits at attractive margins. The Middle East integrates downstream via Saudi Aramco’s synthetic-rubber assets and SABIC’s Fujian complex, targeting export sales into Asia and Europe. South America’s synthetic rubber demand concentrates in Brazil’s replacement-tire segment, while Nigeria’s nascent assembly industry promises incremental demand post-2027.

Synthetic Rubber Market CAGR (%), Growth Rate by Region
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Competitive Landscape

The synthetic rubber market is moderately fragmented. Sinopec capitalizes on refinery integration to maintain cost leadership in Asia, while Western manufacturers focus on high-margin specialty segments. Asian producers are ramping up capacity, particularly in China’s Guangdong and Liaoning provinces, to meet growing domestic demand from the EV and infrastructure sectors. Western competitors are optimizing portfolios through divestitures and targeted acquisitions in healthcare and aerospace. Start-ups focusing on fermented isoprene and biologically synthesized butadiene are attracting venture capital, intensifying competition for established petrochemical players.

Synthetic Rubber Industry Leaders

  1. China Petrochemical Corporation

  2. Arlanxeo

  3. Kumho Petrochemical

  4. Synthos

  5. LG Chem

  6. *Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order
Synthetic Rubber Market
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Recent Industry Developments

  • December 2025: LG Chem committed USD 300 million to add 50 ktpa solution-SBR at Yeosu, targeting EV tire compounds.
  • September 2025: Kumho Petrochemical secured USD 200 million to build a 40 ktpa solution-SBR line for Q3 2027 start-up.
  • January 2025: ARLANXEO launched Keltan ECO EPDM with 70% bio-content for automotive weatherstrips and roofing membranes.

Table of Contents for Synthetic Rubber Industry Report

1. Introduction

  • 1.1 Study Assumptions and Market Definition
  • 1.2 Scope of the Study

2. Research Methodology

3. Executive Summary

4. Market Landscape

  • 4.1 Market Overview
  • 4.2 Market Drivers
    • 4.2.1 Surging demand for high-performance tires from EV OEMs
    • 4.2.2 Growth of industrial rubber goods for renewable-energy installations
    • 4.2.3 Advancements in medical and healthcare applications
    • 4.2.4 Shift toward bio-based monomers in North America
    • 4.2.5 Expansion of 5G infrastructure driving EPDM seal consumption
  • 4.3 Market Restraints
    • 4.3.1 Volatility in butadiene feedstock prices
    • 4.3.2 Substitution by high-performance polyurethanes in seals and gaskets
    • 4.3.3 PFAS-linked regulatory pressure on fluoro-elastomer blends
  • 4.4 Value Chain Analysis
  • 4.5 Porter’s Five Forces
    • 4.5.1 Bargaining Power of Suppliers
    • 4.5.2 Bargaining Power of Buyers
    • 4.5.3 Threat of New Entrants
    • 4.5.4 Threat of Substitutes
    • 4.5.5 Degree of Competition

5. Market Size and Growth Forecasts (Value)

  • 5.1 By Type
    • 5.1.1 Styrene-Butadiene Rubber (SBR)
    • 5.1.2 Polybutadiene Rubber (BR)
    • 5.1.3 Ethylene-Propylene-Diene Monomer (EPDM)
    • 5.1.4 Isobutylene-Isoprene Rubber (IIR)
    • 5.1.5 Polyisoprene Rubber (IR)
    • 5.1.6 Others (NBR, CR, ACM, HNBR, etc.)
  • 5.2 By Manufacturing Process
    • 5.2.1 Emulsion Polymerization (E-SBR)
    • 5.2.2 Solution Polymerization (S-SBR)
    • 5.2.3 Advanced Continuous Polymerization
  • 5.3 By Raw Material
    • 5.3.1 Butadiene
    • 5.3.2 Isoprene
    • 5.3.3 Styrene
    • 5.3.4 Ethylene and Propylene
    • 5.3.5 Other Specialty Monomers (ACN, Chloroprene)
  • 5.4 By Application
    • 5.4.1 Tire and Tire Components
    • 5.4.2 Non-Tire Automobile Applications
    • 5.4.3 Industrial Goods
    • 5.4.4 Footwear
    • 5.4.5 Other Applications
  • 5.5 By Geography
    • 5.5.1 Asia-Pacific
    • 5.5.1.1 China
    • 5.5.1.2 India
    • 5.5.1.3 Japan
    • 5.5.1.4 South Korea
    • 5.5.1.5 Malaysia
    • 5.5.1.6 Thailand
    • 5.5.1.7 Vietnam
    • 5.5.1.8 Indonesia
    • 5.5.1.9 Rest of Asia-Pacific
    • 5.5.2 North America
    • 5.5.2.1 United States
    • 5.5.2.2 Canada
    • 5.5.2.3 Mexico
    • 5.5.3 Europe
    • 5.5.3.1 Germany
    • 5.5.3.2 United Kingdom
    • 5.5.3.3 France
    • 5.5.3.4 Italy
    • 5.5.3.5 Spain
    • 5.5.3.6 Russia
    • 5.5.3.7 Nordics
    • 5.5.3.8 Turkey
    • 5.5.3.9 Rest of Europe
    • 5.5.4 South America
    • 5.5.4.1 Brazil
    • 5.5.4.2 Argentina
    • 5.5.4.3 Colombia
    • 5.5.4.4 Rest of South America
    • 5.5.5 Middle East and Africa
    • 5.5.5.1 Saudi Arabia
    • 5.5.5.2 United Arab Emirates
    • 5.5.5.3 Qatar
    • 5.5.5.4 South Africa
    • 5.5.5.5 Egypt
    • 5.5.5.6 Nigeria
    • 5.5.5.7 Rest of Middle East and Africa

6. Competitive Landscape

  • 6.1 Market Concentration
  • 6.2 Strategic Moves
  • 6.3 Market Share(%)/Ranking Analysis
  • 6.4 Company Profiles (includes Global level Overview, Market level Overview, Core Segments, Financials as available, Strategic Information, Market Rank/Share for key companies, Products and Services, Recent Developments)
    • 6.4.1 Apcotex Industries
    • 6.4.2 Arlanxeo
    • 6.4.3 Asahi Kasei Corporation
    • 6.4.4 China Petrochemical Corporation
    • 6.4.5 Dow
    • 6.4.6 ENEOS Corporation
    • 6.4.7 Exxon Mobil Corporation
    • 6.4.8 Indian Synthetic Rubber Private Limited
    • 6.4.9 Jiangsu Sailboat Petrochemical Co. Ltd.
    • 6.4.10 Kumho Petrochemical
    • 6.4.11 LANXESS
    • 6.4.12 LG Chem
    • 6.4.13 Mitsubishi Chemical Group Corporation
    • 6.4.14 Reliance Industries Limited
    • 6.4.15 SABIC
    • 6.4.16 Saudi Arabian Oil Co.
    • 6.4.17 SIBUR Holding PJSC
    • 6.4.18 Synthos
    • 6.4.19 The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company
    • 6.4.20 Trinseo
    • 6.4.21 TSRC
    • 6.4.22 Versalis S.p.A.
    • 6.4.23 Zeon Corporation

7. Market Opportunities and Future Outlook

  • 7.1 White-Space and Unmet-Need Assessment
  • 7.2 Development of Bio-Based Synthetic Rubbers
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Research Methodology Framework and Report Scope

Market Definitions and Key Coverage

Our study defines the synthetic rubber market as the value generated from sales of petro-based or bio-based elastomer polymers, such as SBR, BR, EPDM, NBR, IIR, SBC, and other specialty grades, sold in primary solid or liquid form to downstream converters and end-users. Products compounded into finished tires, belts, hoses, seals, footwear, or adhesives are therefore outside the revenue pool; only first-sale material is counted.

Scope Exclusion: natural rubber is not covered.

Segmentation Overview

  • By Type
    • Styrene-Butadiene Rubber (SBR)
    • Polybutadiene Rubber (BR)
    • Ethylene-Propylene-Diene Monomer (EPDM)
    • Isobutylene-Isoprene Rubber (IIR)
    • Polyisoprene Rubber (IR)
    • Others (NBR, CR, ACM, HNBR, etc.)
  • By Manufacturing Process
    • Emulsion Polymerization (E-SBR)
    • Solution Polymerization (S-SBR)
    • Advanced Continuous Polymerization
  • By Raw Material
    • Butadiene
    • Isoprene
    • Styrene
    • Ethylene and Propylene
    • Other Specialty Monomers (ACN, Chloroprene)
  • By Application
    • Tire and Tire Components
    • Non-Tire Automobile Applications
    • Industrial Goods
    • Footwear
    • Other Applications
  • By Geography
    • Asia-Pacific
      • China
      • India
      • Japan
      • South Korea
      • Malaysia
      • Thailand
      • Vietnam
      • Indonesia
      • Rest of Asia-Pacific
    • North America
      • United States
      • Canada
      • Mexico
    • Europe
      • Germany
      • United Kingdom
      • France
      • Italy
      • Spain
      • Russia
      • Nordics
      • Turkey
      • Rest of Europe
    • South America
      • Brazil
      • Argentina
      • Colombia
      • Rest of South America
    • Middle East and Africa
      • Saudi Arabia
      • United Arab Emirates
      • Qatar
      • South Africa
      • Egypt
      • Nigeria
      • Rest of Middle East and Africa

Detailed Research Methodology and Data Validation

Primary Research

Mordor analysts interviewed procurement managers at tire majors, compound formulators, polymer traders, and equipment suppliers across Asia-Pacific, Europe, and North America. These discussions clarified plant utilization swings, grade-specific premiums, and the pace at which EV makers shift toward solution-polymerized SBR, letting us validate desk findings and fine-tune regional assumptions.

Desk Research

We began by mapping historical supply using plant-level capacity and output disclosed by customs statistics and trade trackers, such as UN Comtrade, Eurostat-Comext, U.S. ITC DataWeb, and Japan's Ministry of Finance, to estimate cross-border flows. Industry balance sheets from the International Rubber Study Group, price indices from the U.S. Energy Information Administration, and feedstock contract data posted by ICIS further anchor feedstock-to-polymer conversion ratios.

Annual reports, 10-Ks, and investor decks from leading elastomer producers add pricing guidance, while regulatory documents (for example, EU REACH restriction dossiers on PAH content in SBR) signal demand inflections. Subscription resources in Mordor's stack, D&B Hoovers for company financials and Dow Jones Factiva for deal tracking, help us screen abnormal revenue jumps. This list is illustrative, not exhaustive, and many additional sources supported data gathering and validation.

Market-Sizing & Forecasting

A top-down reconstruction starts with global synthetic rubber production and trade volumes, which are then priced using weighted average transaction values to yield 2025 revenue. Selective bottom-up checks, capacity × utilization roll-ups for 25 key plants and sampled ASP-per-grade quotes, ensure totals remain realistic. Key variables fed into the model include butadiene feedstock prices, new light-vehicle output, replacement-tire shipments, industrial PMI trends, and regional construction spending. A multivariate regression, stress-tested through scenario analysis, projects demand to 2030; gaps where plant data were missing were closed using conservative regional penetration benchmarks discussed with experts.

Data Validation & Update Cycle

Outputs pass automated variance scans against historical series, followed by two-step analyst peer reviews. Reports refresh each year, and interim updates are triggered when feedstock shocks, capacity closures, or demand-side policy shifts move modeled values by over three percent.

Why Mordor's Synthetic Rubber Baseline Inspires Confidence

Published estimates often diverge because firms slice the market differently, choose unlike price sets, or refresh on separate cadences.

Key gap drivers include whether recycled or downstream compounded rubber is counted, how aggressively future EV tire penetration is assumed, and the currency-conversion month each provider adopts. Mordor discloses its scope, uses dual-route modeling, and refreshes annually, which reduces such drift.

Benchmark comparison

Market SizeAnonymized sourcePrimary gap driver
USD 34.83 B (2025) Mordor Intelligence-
USD 32.84 B (2024) Regional Consultancy AIncludes limited liquid grades only, one-year older base
USD 28.28 B (2024) Global Consultancy ATreats synthetic segment as share of total rubber, excludes specialty elastomers
USD 23.00 B (2022) Trade Journal BHistoric base year, narrower application scope, bi-annual refresh

In summary, by declaring scope up front, triangulating volumes with capacity checks, and refreshing figures yearly, Mordor delivers a balanced, transparent baseline that decision-makers can retrace and replicate with confidence.

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Key Questions Answered in the Report

What is the current global value of the synthetic rubber market?

The synthetic rubber market size is estimated at USD 36.30 billion in 2026.

How fast is demand for synthetic rubber expected to grow?

Between 2026-2031, the market is forecast to post a 4.25% CAGR, reaching USD 44.69 billion by 2031.

Which polymer type will grow the quickest?

EPDM is projected to expand at a 5.81% CAGR through 2031 due to roofing and automotive weatherstrip upgrades.

What region leads synthetic rubber consumption?

Asia-Pacific held 58% of 2025 volume and remains the largest and fastest-growing regional consumer.

How are EVs influencing tire-grade rubber demand?

EV torque and efficiency targets push OEMs toward solution-SBR with silica bonding, driving new capacity investments.

Are bio-based feedstocks commercially viable in synthetic rubber?

Pilot plants for ethanol-to-butadiene and bio-isoprene are online, and commercial uptake is expected once crude stays above USD 85 barrel.

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