Skip to main content
Sister Publication Links
  • European Rubber Journal
  • Plastics News
  • Tire Business
Subscribe
  • Login
  • Register
  • Subscribe
  • News
    • Rubber Division IEC
    • War in Ukraine
    • Automotive
    • Tire
    • Non-Tire
    • Suppliers
    • ITEC
    • Silicone
    • Online Exclusive
    • Latex
    • Technical Notebooks
    • Executive Action
    • Government/Legal
    • Opinion
    • Blogs
    • Sustainability
    • Products
    • Wacky World of Rubber
  • Airless Tires
  • Custom
    • Sponsored Content
    • White Papers
  • Resources
    • Directory
    • Classifieds & Mold Mart
  • Data
  • Events
    • RN Events
    • RN Livestreams/Webinars
    • Industry Events
    • Past Events
    • Rubber News M&A Live
    • Ask the Expert
    • Healthcare Elastomers Conference
    • Rubber In Automotive Conference
    • Women Breaking the Mold Networking Forum
  • Advertise
  • DIGITAL EDITION
MENU
Breadcrumb
  1. Home
  2. News
August 08, 2018 02:00 AM

Kumho expects butadiene, SR prices to continue rising

Shahrzad Pourriahi
European Rubber Journal
  • Tweet
  • Share
  • Share
  • Email
  • More
    Print

    SEOUL, South Korea—Kumho Petrochemical has reported an upward trend in the prices of butadiene and synthetic rubber in the first half of 2018.

    The "gradual" increase in butadiene prices, the company said in a Aug. 6 release, was a result of a decline in supply, due to "regular maintenances, troubles and increased demand caused by favorable ABS market."

    The comments seem to be in line with recent market reports suggesting that several Asian-based SR producers are running plants at reduced capacity due to weak market conditions.

    Citing figures from different market analysts, Kumho said butadiene prices grew from $1,298 per metric ton in January to $1,710 per ton in June in Asia.

    Similarly, prices increased from $964 per ton to $1,513 per ton in Europe, and from $898 per ton to $1,658 in the U.S. during the six-month period.

    Likewise, Kumho noted, synthetic rubber price hikes are due in part to the increase in butadiene prices.

    According to figures published by the Korean supplier, SBR prices rose from $1,541 per ton in January to $1,733 per ton in June. BR prices also rose from $1,738 per ton to $2,030 per ton within the six months.

    Kumho expects butadiene supply to remain tight in the third quarter of 2018, due to "trouble and regular maintenance in the short term."

    The company said it expected the butadiene pricing market to be volatile in the third quarter, depending on downstream demand for peak season of manufacturing industry.

    As for synthetic rubber, Kumho expects "weak" prices due to delay in demand recovery for tire makers.

    "Synthetic rubber producers will reduce operating rates due to low profitability and a wait-and-see attitude in the market will be continued," the company predicted.

    In the three months to end of June, Kumho Petrochemical posted an 8.9 percent quarter-on-quarter increase in synthetic rubber sales, at $460 million, corresponding to 35 percent of the company's total sales. Profitability of the SR business also grew as a result of strong butadiene prices, said Kumho.

    Letter
    to the
    Editor

    Rubber News wants to hear from its readers. If you want to express your opinion on a story or issue, email your letter to Editor Bruce Meyer at [email protected].

    Most Popular
    1
    Is worst of new-vehicle inventory shortage in rearview mirror?
    2
    Boiler malfunction idles Zeon operations in Japan, restart date set
    3
    Michelin's hydrogen partners: 4 things to know about Symbio's stakeholders
    4
    Technical Notebook: Effects of polymer type and Prophene on vibration isolator performance
    5
    Goodyear to trim jobs to address 'uncertain' economic outlook
    SIGN UP FOR NEWSLETTERS
    EMAIL ADDRESS

    Please enter a valid email address.

    Please enter your email address.

    Please verify captcha.

    Please select at least one newsletter to subscribe.

    Get our newsletters

    Staying current is easy with Rubber News delivered straight to your inbox, free of charge.

    Subscribe Today

    Subscribe to Rubber News to get the best coverage and leading insights in the industry.

    SUBSCRIBE
    Connect with Us
    • LinkedIn
    • Facebook
    • Twitter

    MISSION

    To serve companies in the global rubber product industry by delivering news, industry insights, opinions and technical information.

    Contact Us

    2291 Riverfront Pkwy, Suite 1000
    Cuyahoga Falls,
    OH 44221

    Customer Service:
    877-320-1726

    Resources
    • About Us
    • Digital Edition
    • Staff
    • Advertise
    • Order Reprints
    • Privacy Policy
    • Privacy Request
    • Terms of Service
    • Careers
    • Ad Choices Ad Choices
    • Sitemap
    Partner Sites
    • Tire Business
    • European Rubber Journal
    • Plastics News
    • Urethanes Technology
    • Automotive News
    • Crain Brands
    Copyright © 1996-2023. Crain Communications, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
    • News
      • Rubber Division IEC
      • War in Ukraine
      • Automotive
      • Tire
      • Non-Tire
      • Suppliers
      • ITEC
      • Silicone
      • Online Exclusive
      • Latex
      • Technical Notebooks
      • Executive Action
      • Government/Legal
      • Opinion
      • Blogs
        • Products
        • Wacky World of Rubber
      • Sustainability
    • Airless Tires
    • Custom
      • Sponsored Content
      • White Papers
    • Resources
      • Directory
      • Classifieds & Mold Mart
    • Data
    • Events
      • RN Events
        • Healthcare Elastomers Conference
        • Rubber In Automotive Conference
        • Women Breaking the Mold Networking Forum
      • RN Livestreams/Webinars
      • Industry Events
      • Past Events
      • Rubber News M&A Live
      • Ask the Expert
    • Advertise
    • DIGITAL EDITION