China Synthetic Rubber Market By Type (Styrene Butadiene Rubber (SBR), Poly Butadiene Rubber (PBR), Styrene Butadiene Copolymer (SBC), Isoprene Rubber (IR), Others), By Application (Transportation, Construction, Textile, Medical, Food & Beverage, Others), By Region, Competition, Forecast and Opportunities, 2028

Market Overview

China Synthetic Rubber Market has valued at USD 30.16 billion in 2022 and is anticipated to project robust growth in the forecast period with a CAGR of 3.31% through 2028. China is a leading global producer and exporter of synthetic rubber. The country's synthetic rubber market is primarily driven by its automobile sector and exports to foreign countries. China holds the position of the largest automobile manufacturer worldwide. The stable development of the automobile and tire industries significantly contributes to the growth of the synthetic rubber market. According to the International Organization of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers, around 27.8 million vehicles were manufactured in China in 2018. Additionally, China boasts one of the largest two-wheeler markets globally. Furthermore, notable market growth in the medical application sector can be observed in the country. Factors such as increasing insurance coverage, a rising number of health workers, improvements in living standards, more stringent infection controls, and a growing elderly population contribute to the expansion of the medical industry, indirectly driving the demand for synthetic rubber products. Vinyl gloves account for over 70% of the total consumption of medical gloves, followed by latex medical gloves and nitrile gloves. New entrants in the synthetic rubber industry are focusing on medium and low-end styrene-butadiene rubber and cis-polybutadiene rubber (BR) products. With the introduction of new production capacity, China faces a critical structural overcapacity of synthetic rubber. In the coming years, China's trend of capacity reduction will become more apparent, with new capacity focusing on SBS and environmentally friendly rubber.

Key Market Drivers

Growing Demand of Synthetic Rubber from Transportation Industry

The demand for synthetic rubber is experiencing a substantial increase, primarily driven by the transportation industry. In China, the synthetic rubber market is expanding due to the growing requirement for durable and high-performance rubber materials in various transportation applications. This article examines how the rising demand from the transportation sector acts as a key driver for the growth of China's synthetic rubber market. China's robust transportation sector plays a significant role in driving the demand for synthetic rubber in the country. As the largest automotive market globally, China has witnessed a constant rise in automobile production, leading to an increased need for quality rubber components such as tires, hoses, belts, and seals. Synthetic rubber offers superior performance characteristics, including durability, wear resistance, and enhanced fuel efficiency, making it an ideal choice for the transportation industry. Tire manufacturing is one of the primary applications that drive the demand for synthetic rubber in the transportation sector. With the increasing number of vehicles on Chinese roads, tire manufacturers require high-quality rubber materials to meet the growing demand. Synthetic rubber provides better tread life, grip, and rolling resistance compared to natural rubber, making it the preferred choice for tire production. This trend has resulted in the establishment of synthetic rubber manufacturing facilities in China, catering to both domestic and global tire markets. In addition to tires, synthetic rubber finds extensive use in various automotive components. The transportation industry depends on rubber materials for the manufacturing of hoses, gaskets, seals, belts, and other critical parts. Synthetic rubber offers improved resistance to heat, chemicals, and aging, ensuring the longevity and reliability of these components under harsh operating conditions. The expanding automotive industry in China has driven the demand for synthetic rubber, creating opportunities for both domestic and international synthetic rubber manufacturers. The increasing focus on green mobility and electric vehicles (EVs) has further contributed to the demand for synthetic rubber in China's transportation sector. EVs require specialized rubber materials that can withstand high voltages, extreme temperatures, and offer excellent insulation properties. Synthetic rubber, with its ability to meet these stringent requirements, plays a vital role in the production of EV components such as battery seals, electrical insulation, and charging cables. As China continues to promote sustainable transportation solutions, the demand for synthetic rubber in the EV sector is expected to witness significant growth.

Growing Demand of Synthetic Rubber from Medical Industry

In China, the increasing demand for specialized rubber materials in medical applications has emerged as a significant catalyst for the expansion of the synthetic rubber market. This article explores how the rising needs of the medical industry act as a key driver for the growth of China's synthetic rubber market. The thriving healthcare sector in China has generated a substantial requirement for synthetic rubber in the manufacturing of medical equipment and devices. Synthetic rubber possesses desirable properties such as chemical resistance, flexibility, and durability, which make it highly suitable for producing essential components like medical gloves, surgical seals, gaskets, tubing, and more. With advancements in medical technology and the growing demand for reliable and safe healthcare products, the need for high-quality synthetic rubber has witnessed a surge. Synthetic rubber plays a crucial role in pharmaceutical packaging by ensuring the preservation and integrity of medications. The flourishing pharmaceutical industry in China necessitates packaging materials that offer excellent barrier properties, moisture resistance, and stability. Synthetic rubber-based closures, stoppers, and seals help maintain the quality and effectiveness of pharmaceutical products, safeguarding them from external contaminants. As China's pharmaceutical market continues to expand, the demand for synthetic rubber for packaging purposes is expected to experience significant growth. In the medical field, adhesives and sealants are indispensable for wound closure, surgical procedures, and the assembly of medical devices. Synthetic rubber-based adhesives exhibit strong bonding capabilities, flexibility, and biocompatibility, making them ideal for medical applications. The growing healthcare infrastructure in China, coupled with a focus on advanced medical treatments, has propelled the demand for medical adhesives and sealants. The utilization of synthetic rubber in these applications is poised to contribute to the growth of the synthetic rubber market in China. Medical devices often require elastomeric components that can withstand sterilization processes, prolonged use, and exposure to various chemicals. Synthetic rubber materials demonstrate excellent resilience, biocompatibility, and resistance to degradation, making them suitable for manufacturing elastomeric components such as diaphragms, gaskets, valves, and seals. As China's medical device industry continues to expand, the demand for synthetic rubber-based elastomeric components is expected to rise, thereby driving the growth of the synthetic rubber market.

Growing Demand of Synthetic Rubber from Food & Beverage Industry

In recent years, the food and beverage industry has emerged as a significant driver of China's synthetic rubber market. The food and beverage industry heavily relies on synthetic rubber for packaging applications due to its excellent barrier properties, which ensure the preservation and freshness of food and beverages. Synthetic rubber also provides enhanced sealing capabilities, effectively preventing leakage, spoilage, and contamination. The expanding food and beverage sector in China, coupled with increasing consumer demand for packaged products, has led to a substantial growth in the demand for high-quality synthetic rubber materials for food packaging. Consequently, the demand for synthetic rubber in this sector is experiencing significant growth. Conveyor belts and hoses play a vital role in food processing and beverage manufacturing facilities, facilitating the efficient movement of raw materials, ingredients, and finished products throughout the production process. Synthetic rubber, known for its durability, resistance to chemicals, and flexibility, is widely used in the production of conveyor belts and hoses. These materials ensure smooth operations, maintain hygiene standards, and comply with food safety regulations. The growth of China's food and beverage industry has resulted in an increased demand for synthetic rubber-based conveyor belts and hoses. Seals and gaskets are crucial components in food and beverage processing equipment, as they prevent leaks and ensure airtight seals, thereby maintaining product integrity and preventing contamination. Synthetic rubber materials offer excellent sealing properties, resistance to temperature extremes, and compatibility with food-grade requirements. China's thriving food and beverage industry, characterized by the establishment of new processing plants and the modernization of existing facilities, has led to a surge in demand for synthetic rubber-based seals and gaskets. The beverage industry, including soft drinks, juices, and alcoholic beverages, extensively utilizes synthetic rubber in dispensing systems. Synthetic rubber-based tubing and hoses are resistant to chemicals, maintain the taste and quality of beverages, and ensure hygienic dispensing. As China's beverage market continues to grow, driven by changing consumer preferences and an increasing number of beverage outlets, the demand for synthetic rubber used in dispensing systems is also on the rise.

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Key Market Challenges

Volatility in Prices for Raw Materials

The synthetic rubber market in China has witnessed significant growth in recent years, driven by the expansion of industries such as automotive, construction, and consumer goods. However, amidst this growth, the market faces a major challenge in the form of price volatility for raw materials. This article examines the impact of price fluctuations in raw materials on China's synthetic rubber market and analyzes the strategies employed to tackle this challenge. Raw materials like styrene, butadiene, and isoprene play a fundamental role in synthetic rubber production. These materials are derived from petroleum refineries and are subject to various factors that influence their prices, including global supply and demand dynamics, geopolitical tensions, natural disasters, and changes in government policies. Any fluctuations in the prices of these raw materials directly affect the overall cost of synthetic rubber production. The volatility in raw material prices poses significant challenges for manufacturers in the synthetic rubber market. Price fluctuations can cause uncertainty in the supply chain and disrupt production schedules. Manufacturers face increased input costs when raw material prices rise sharply, leading to reduced profit margins or the need to pass on the additional costs to consumers. Conversely, manufacturers may struggle to quickly adjust their selling prices when raw material prices decline, resulting in potential losses. The fluctuating prices of raw materials also impact the competitiveness of China's synthetic rubber market. Such price volatility creates an unpredictable business environment, making it challenging for manufacturers to plan and invest in long-term strategies. In a highly competitive market where cost efficiency plays a crucial role, sudden increases in raw material prices can put some manufacturers at a disadvantage compared to their competitors. This can lead to market share erosion and hinder the overall growth potential of the industry.

Key Market Trends

Growth in Technological Advancements

Technological advancements have emerged as a key driver propelling the growth and development of various industries, including the synthetic rubber market in China. As the demand for synthetic rubber continues to surge, manufacturers are embracing advanced technologies to enhance production processes, elevate product quality, and meet the evolving needs of consumers. This article delves into the significance of technological advancements as a prevailing trend in China's synthetic rubber market, analyzing their profound impact on industry growth. Technological advancements have irrevocably transformed production processes in the synthetic rubber industry. The deployment of automation, robotics, and computer-controlled systems has optimized manufacturing operations, bolstered efficiency, minimized waste, and ensured consistent product quality. These advancements empower manufacturers to streamline their processes, boost output, and meet stringent industry standards. Moreover, advanced technologies have paved the way for the development of novel synthetic rubber compounds boasting enhanced characteristics. Research and development efforts primarily focus on creating materials that embody superior durability, heightened performance, enhanced resistance to chemicals, and reduced environmental impact. Leveraging cutting-edge disciplines such as nanotechnology and polymer science, innovative synthetic rubber formulations are engineered to cater to specific application requirements. In the realm of synthetic rubber production, technological advancements play a pivotal role in guaranteeing the quality and reliability of products. By employing state-of-the-art testing equipment and techniques, manufacturers conduct comprehensive quality control checks, assess material properties, and meet regulatory standards. Real-time monitoring systems, data analytics, and machine learning algorithms facilitate prompt identification and resolution of production issues, thereby minimizing defects and optimizing overall product performance.

Segmental Insights

Type Insights

In 2022, the Synthetic Rubber market was dominated by the Styrene Butadiene Rubber (SBR) and is predicted to continue expanding over the coming years. Rubber composed of styrene-butadiene offers numerous advantages. Due to its comparable properties and lower cost, it is commonly utilized as a direct substitute for natural rubber. Styrene-butadiene rubber exhibits excellent resistance to abrasion and endurance against cracking. Moreover, it demonstrates remarkable longevity, strong compression set, and water resistance. The favorable strength, abrasion, wear, and bonding capabilities of SBR, coupled with its affordability, can be attributed to the incorporation of the chemical molecule styrene (a derivative of benzene). However, it is important to note that natural rubber outperforms styrene-butadiene rubber in terms of heat-aging qualities and abrasion resistance.

Application Insights

In 2022, the Phosphoric Acid market was dominated by water treatment segment and is predicted to continue expanding over the coming years. The transportation sector is the primary consumer of synthetic rubber, particularly for tire production. Synthetic rubber is highly favored in the creation of transportation-related products due to its exceptional durability, elasticity, and flexibility. With increasing investments in industries such as automotive, aerospace, and marine, the demand for synthetic rubber is expected to grow.

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Regional Insights

The South-Central region has established itself as the leader in the China Synthetic Rubber Market. The growth of the footwear industry and the increasing infrastructure projects indicate a promising future for the region. With the rising manufacturing of different grades of non-automotive items and tires, the China synthetic rubber industry is expected to witness significant expansion.

Recent Developments

• On March 10th, 2023, Ecombine Advanced Materials Co., Ltd., EVE Rubber Institute, and ARLANXEO High Performance Elastomer (Changzhou) Co., Ltd. established strategic partnerships in Shanghai. Leveraging their respective technological and marketing advantages, the three parties aim to enhance innovation in Liquid-phase Mixing Technology, downstream applications, and market development for BIIR, SSBR, EPDM, and CR rubber products. The collaboration also includes a mechanism for exchanging visits to foster further cooperation between Ecombine and ARLANXEO China, thus expanding the application of Liquid-phase Mixing Technology and driving the high-quality development and green transformation of the rubber and tire industry.

Key Market Players

·              Sinopec Corporation

·              PetroChina Company Limited

·              Shen Hua Chemical Industrial Co. Ltd.

·              Huizhou LCY Elastomers Corp.

·              Hangzhou Zhechen Rubber Co., Ltd.

·              Ningbo Shunze Rubber Co., Ltd.

·              Panjin Heyun Industrial Group Co., Ltd.

·              Chi Mei Corporation

Report Scope:

In this report, the China Synthetic Rubber Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

·         China Synthetic Rubber Market, By Type:

o   Styrene Butadiene Rubber (SBR)

o   Poly Butadiene Rubber (PBR)

o   Styrene Butadiene Copolymer (SBC)

o   Isoprene Rubber (IR)

o   Others

·         China Synthetic Rubber Market, By Application:

o   Transportation

o   Construction

o   Textile

o   Medical

o   Food & Beverage

o   Others

·         China Synthetic Rubber Market, By Region:

o   East

o   North & North-East

o   Southwest

o   South-Central

o   Northwest

Competitive Landscape

Company Profiles: Detailed analysis of the major companies present in the China Synthetic Rubber Market.

Available Customizations:

China Synthetic Rubber Market report with the given market data, Tech Sci Research offers customizations according to a company's specific needs. The following customization options are available for the report:

Company Information

• Detailed analysis and profiling of additional market players (up to five).

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