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 November 2026 report from Research and Markets. The report projects a compound annual growth rate of 6.1% over the 2024-2030 period.
S-SBR is a synthetic rubber used for high abrasion resistance, tensile strength and flexibility. In tires, it can help improve fuel efficiency, wet grip and rolling resistance compared with traditional rubber materials, the report says. Those properties are central to the forecast, which links demand to high-performance and fuel-efficient tires, advances in rubber manufacturing and applications in automotive, footwear, adhesives and polymer modification.
Tire applications lead growth
The automotive industry is expected to remain the largest source of demand through 2030. Tire applications are projected to reach US$4.7 billion by the end of the forecast period, with a CAGR of 6.5%, making tires the largest and fastest-growing application in the report. Demand for tires with better safety, durability and fuel efficiency is cited as a reason manufacturers are adopting advanced rubber materials.
Electric vehicles are identified as an additional opportunity. The report says expanding EV production and sales could increase the use of S-SBR in EV tires. It also points to the material’s role in reducing rolling resistance, which can support fuel economy and lower emissions.
Technology and other uses
Research into polymerization and processing is another factor in the outlook. The report says innovations in polymerization techniques are allowing manufacturers to tailor rubber grades to specific applications, while nanotechnology and advanced fillers are being used to improve mechanical performance and durability. Improvements in solution polymerization and advanced mixing processes are also described as ways to raise production efficiency and product quality. Industry R&D investment is expected to support further innovation.
Beyond tires, footwear is forecast 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 in adhesives and sealants and in a recovery in the global construction sector, with infrastructure investment, construction activity and urbanization potentially supporting demand for construction-related materials.
Regional and competitive outlook
The United States market was valued at US$799.4 million in 2024. China is expected to grow faster, with a projected CAGR of 7.9% and a market value of US$1.2 billion by 2030. The report also examines Japan, Canada, Germany, France, Italy, the United Kingdom, India, South Korea and other markets. Asia-Pacific is identified as an important growth region, while North America and Europe are also described as significant opportunities.
The competitive landscape includes established chemical manufacturers and rubber industry participants. 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. Vertical integration and a strategic focus on tire applications are identified as competitive strategies.
The report also cites challenges from international trade developments, supply-chain disruptions and economic uncertainty. Its analysis includes updated tariff developments across more than 180 countries and their potential effects on sourcing, supply chains and geographic market positioning. It also incorporates revised forecasts through 2030, historical performance from 2015 to 2023 and competitive market-share estimates for 2025. Those factors are expected to remain important as manufacturers assess production strategies, regional expansion and investment.