Global demand for solution styrene-butadiene rubber (S-SBR) is forecast to grow from an estimated US$4.2 billion in 2024 to US$6 billion by 2030, a compound annual growth rate of 6.1%, according to a November 2026 report published by Research and Markets.
The report attributes the outlook to rising demand for high-performance and fuel-efficient tires, advances in rubber manufacturing technology, and expanding applications across the automotive, footwear, adhesives and polymer-modification industries.
A tire-led material story
S-SBR is a synthetic rubber valued for high abrasion resistance, strong tensile strength and enhanced flexibility. In tire manufacturing it helps improve fuel efficiency and wet grip while reducing rolling resistance compared with traditional rubber materials, properties that relate directly to vehicle fuel economy and emissions.
Tires remain the largest and fastest-growing application. The segment is projected to reach US$4.7 billion by 2030, expanding at a 6.5% CAGR over the analysis period, above the overall market rate. Demand for tires that deliver better safety, durability and fuel efficiency is encouraging manufacturers to adopt more advanced rubber compounds.
Electric vehicles and technology
The report flags the rising adoption of electric vehicles as an additional growth opportunity, linking expanding EV production and sales to greater potential use of S-SBR in EV tires. Developments in polymerization and processing are also widening the material's reach: tailored polymer grades are being designed for specific applications, while nanotechnology and advanced fillers are used to improve mechanical performance and durability. Improvements in solution polymerization and advanced mixing processes are cited as ways to raise production efficiency and product quality.
Research and development spending by major industry participants is expected to support further innovation and open additional opportunities.
Beyond tires
Footwear is projected to grow at a 5.7% CAGR over the forecast period, 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 points to opportunities linked to the adhesives and sealants industry and to a recovery in the global construction sector, with infrastructure investment, construction activity and urbanization potentially supporting demand for construction-related materials.
Regional growth and competition
The United States market was valued at US$799.4 million in 2024. China is expected to record particularly strong growth, expanding at a 7.9% CAGR to 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 named in the report include ARLANXEO, Asahi Kasei, Chi Mei, Dynasol, Goodyear, JSR, LANXESS, LG Chem, SIBUR, Sinopec, Sumitomo Chemical Asia, Synthos, Taiwan Synthetic Rubber, Trinseo and Versalis. Vertical integration and a strategic focus on tire applications are among the competitive strategies identified.
Risks to the outlook
Despite the positive trajectory, the market faces challenges from 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 and their potential effects on sourcing, supply chains and geographic market positioning. It also includes revised forecasts through 2030, historical performance from 2015 to 2023 and competitive market-share estimates for 2025.