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Nitrile Butadiene Rubber Price Trend and Forecast

⟳ Weekly Update
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Historical Data Since 2015
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Forecast for 2026

nitrile butadiene rubber Markets Covered:

krKorea
jpJapan
inIndia
cnChina
idIndonesia
frFrance
usUnited States

Global nitrile butadiene rubber Price Trend, Analysis and Forecast​

In Q1 2025, the global Nitrile Butadiene Rubber (NBR) market showed a positive trend. This was largely driven by a rebound in demand from key sectors such as automotive and industrial applications, supported by a recovery in manufacturing activities and global economic stabilization. The steady increase in raw material costs, coupled with tight supply in some regions, also contributed to the price rise, while strong demand from both emerging and developed markets boosted market sentiment. In South Korea, NBR with 34%-38% acrylonitrile content was priced around USD 2,040/MT FOB Busan with prices increasing by 3.92%, reflecting the global upward trend. The South Korean market saw increased export activity, particularly to Southeast Asia, as demand from the automotive and industrial sectors strengthened. 

Nitrile Butadiene RubberTrend Analysis: Q2 2025

In Q1 2025, the global Nitrile Butadiene Rubber (NBR) market showed a positive trend. This was largely driven by a rebound in demand from key sectors such as automotive and industrial applications, supported by a recovery in manufacturing activities and global economic stabilization. The steady increase in raw material costs, coupled with tight supply in some regions, also contributed to the price rise, while strong demand from both emerging and developed markets boosted market sentiment. In South Korea, NBR with 34%-38% acrylonitrile content was priced around USD 2,040/MT FOB Busan with prices increasing by 3.92%, reflecting the global upward trend. The South Korean market saw increased export activity, particularly to Southeast Asia, as demand from the automotive and industrial sectors strengthened. 

In Q1 2025, the Indian Nitrile Butadiene Rubber (NBR) market saw a positive upward trend, with prices for NBR with 34%-38% acrylonitrile content averaging around USD 2,540/MT Ex-Mumbai, reflecting a 5.1% increase from the previous quarter. The price rise was driven by robust demand from the automotive and industrial sectors, particularly for applications in seals, gaskets, and fuel systems, where NBR is a critical material. Import volumes from South Korea remained steady, supporting market stability, while limited supply in certain regions added upward pressure on prices. Indian buyers were more active in securing material ahead of expected demand growth in the coming months, further supporting the price increase. Despite some logistical challenges, the market outlook remained positive, fuelled by steady consumption in key industrial segments. 

Nitrile Butadiene Rubber Trend Analysis: Q4 2024

During Q4 2024, the South Korean Nitrile Butadiene Rubber market experienced a bearish price trend, with the prices of NBR having an acrylonitrile content(34% to 38%) averaging around USD 1,960/MT FOB Busan, which was a 1.8% drop from the last quarter, this trend in the market had been witnessed elsewhere as well. The decline was led by weakening demand from major sectors like the automotive and footwear industries, whose production was reduced due to economic uncertainty and risk-averse buying behaviour. Moreover, local supply was flat, but less activity in exports, especially to Southeast Asia and Europe, put pressure on prices. 

In Q4 2024, the Indian Nitrile Butadiene Rubber (NBR) market experienced a slight downturn, with prices for NBR with 34%-38% acrylonitrile content averaging around USD 2,420/MT Ex-Mumbai, reflecting a 1.9% decrease from the previous quarter. The price drop was driven by softer demand in the automotive and industrial sectors, where consumption slowed due to seasonal factors and reduced manufacturing activity. Additionally, imports from South Korea saw price adjustments because of weaker demand and improved regional supply. Buyers in India were more cautious, focusing on inventory management and minimizing stockpiling, contributing to the decrease in pricing. Despite stable availability of material, the market faced pressure from lower-than-expected offtake and inventory levels, leading to a bearish sentiment as the quarter closed. 

In Q3 2024, the global Nitrile Butadiene Rubber (NBR) market witnessed a moderate upward trend, driven by improved demand from the automotive and industrial sealing sectors. A rebound in manufacturing activity and restocking efforts across key regions supported the 2.7% increase in average prices. Strengthening upstream costs and limited spot availability in some markets also contributed to the bullish sentiment. In South Korea, NBR with 34%–38% acrylonitrile content was priced around USD 2,000/MT FOB Busan, reflecting the global uptick. Export activity gained momentum amid firmer inquiries from Southeast Asia and Europe, while domestic demand remained steady. 

In Q3 2024, the Indian Nitrile Butadiene Rubber (NBR) market showed a stable trend, with prices for NBR with 34%-38% acrylonitrile content averaging around USD 2,470/MT Ex-Mumbai, reflecting a modest 0.65% increase from the previous quarter. The stability in pricing was supported by steady demand from key sectors such as automotive and industrial applications, particularly in sealing and gasket manufacturing. Imports from South Korea continued to meet Indian demand, with supply levels remaining consistent. While there were some fluctuations in regional pricing, the overall market sentiment remained balanced, as Indian buyers adjusted procurement strategies to match consumption levels.  

In Q2 2024, the European Nitrile Butadiene Rubber (NBR) market saw a positive price trend of 9.8%, primarily fuelled by rising raw material costs, including butadiene and acrylonitrile, which experienced price hikes due to supply constraints and increased global demand. The prices for NBR with Acrylonitrile content: 34%-38% reached around USD 1,945/MT FOB Busan. Additionally, inflationary pressures across Europe further escalated production costs, pushing NBR prices upward. The automotive and industrial sectors, key consumers of NBR, also saw moderate recovery in demand, contributing to the price increase despite ongoing economic uncertainties in the region. Whereas the APAC region experienced a stable yet decreased price trend, with sufficient supply and lower feedstock costs, alongside stable demand from key industries like automotive and industrial manufacturing. 

During Q2 2024, the Indian Nitrile Butadiene Rubber (NBR) market witnessed a significant upswing, with NBR with 34%-38% acrylonitrile content prices reaching USD 2,450/MT Ex-Mumbai, a 7.2% increase from the last quarter. The price increase was fuelled by improved demand from major sectors like automotive and industrial uses, where demand for robust rubber increased. South Korean imports were stable, but other regions’ tighter supply conditions and higher demand dictated prices. Moreover, minor currency fluctuations in the INR-USD exchange rate also affected the cost of imports, impacting pricing dynamics. Indian consumers were more active in purchasing material as inventory conditions tightened, driving the healthy market sentiment. The total demand still exceeded supply in some applications, which helped maintain the market’s upward trend during Q2 2024. 

In Q1 2024, the global Nitrile Butadiene Rubber (NBR) market experienced a downward trend, with prices generally softening across key regions due to slower demand from industries such as automotive and industrial applications. Global economic uncertainties and inventory adjustments further impacted market sentiment, leading to cautious buying behaviour and weaker procurement activity. As a result, NBR prices faced downward pressure, despite some regional supply tightness. In the South Korean market, NBR with an Acrylonitrile content of 34%-38% was priced around USD 1,770/MT FOB Busan, reflecting a decline in line with the global trend. The market saw reduced demand from major downstream sectors, coupled with increased competition from regional producers. 

During Q1 2024, the Indian Nitrile Butadiene Rubber (NBR) sector saw a small dip, and prices for 34%-38% acrylonitrile content NBR averaged USD 2,290/MT Ex-Mumbai, down 0.6% from the earlier quarter. Soft demand from important sectors like autos and industrial end-use segments caused the price slump, as buying activity softened amid continued economic vagaries. In spite of sustained imports from South Korea, sentiments in the market were subdued and procurement by customers was more measured. Stocks stood relatively high as a result and hence limited was the upward momentum in prices. Consequently, market experienced mild downwards pressure during Q1 2024 as the demand did not pick up impressively, with NBR price retreating by a marginal notch. 

nitrile butadiene rubber Parameters Covered: 

  • Butadiene
  • Acrylonitrile
  • South Korea
  • Japan
  • France
  • Hoses
  • Gasket
  • Seal
  • India
  • China
  • Indonesia
  • USA

Historically, several events have caused significant fluctuations in Nitrile Butadiene Rubber prices

  • Global Logistics and Shipping Crisis (2021-Present): The global logistics and shipping crisis has severely impacted the Nitrile Butadiene Rubber (NBR) market, leading to supply chain disruptions and increased costs. Delays in the transport of key raw materials, such as butadiene and acrylonitrile, have reduced production rates and caused plant shutdowns. Rising freight costs from container shortages and higher fuel prices have also made NBR more expensive for industries like automotive and construction. Supply chain volatility has caused stock shortages, complicating manufacturers’ ability to meet demand. Regions like Europe, reliant on imports, have been more affected, while Asia has seen relatively better stability. 
  • Global Energy Crisis (2021-2023): The 2021-2023 energy crisis significantly impacted Nitrile Butadiene Rubber (NBR) production, leading to supply constraints and price increases. Rising energy costs, driven by disruptions in natural gas supplies, higher oil prices, and supply chain issues, escalated operating expenses for NBR producers, particularly in Asia and Europe. This led to reduced production rates and even plant shutdowns, tightening global supply and pushing prices higher. Transportation costs also surged, further exacerbating the situation. The crisis prompted NBR producers to explore energy-efficient technologies and diversify energy sources to reduce future risks, while price volatility and supply instability affected downstream industries like automotive and construction. 
  • COVID-19 Pandemic (2020-2022): The COVID-19 pandemic caused widespread production halts as lockdowns forced manufacturing plants to close, delaying new vehicle releases and disrupting parts supply. Global supply chains, dependent on just-in-time manufacturing, faced severe disruptions, with critical component shortages like semiconductors leading to delays and cost increases. Consumer demand also plummeted due to economic uncertainty and lockdowns, further impacted by car dealership closures. A shift towards private vehicles and electric vehicles (EVs) emerged, driven by health concerns and online sales trends. Though the industry began to recover by late 2020, semiconductor shortages slowed the recovery, with Asia-Pacific rebounding faster than other regions. 

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Historically, several events have caused significant fluctuations in Nitrile Butadiene Rubber prices

  • Global Logistics and Shipping Crisis (2021-Present): The global logistics and shipping crisis has severely impacted the Nitrile Butadiene Rubber (NBR) market, leading to supply chain disruptions and increased costs. Delays in the transport of key raw materials, such as butadiene and acrylonitrile, have reduced production rates and caused plant shutdowns. Rising freight costs from container shortages and higher fuel prices have also made NBR more expensive for industries like automotive and construction. Supply chain volatility has caused stock shortages, complicating manufacturers’ ability to meet demand. Regions like Europe, reliant on imports, have been more affected, while Asia has seen relatively better stability. 
  • Global Energy Crisis (2021-2023): The 2021-2023 energy crisis significantly impacted Nitrile Butadiene Rubber (NBR) production, leading to supply constraints and price increases. Rising energy costs, driven by disruptions in natural gas supplies, higher oil prices, and supply chain issues, escalated operating expenses for NBR producers, particularly in Asia and Europe. This led to reduced production rates and even plant shutdowns, tightening global supply and pushing prices higher. Transportation costs also surged, further exacerbating the situation. The crisis prompted NBR producers to explore energy-efficient technologies and diversify energy sources to reduce future risks, while price volatility and supply instability affected downstream industries like automotive and construction. 
  • COVID-19 Pandemic (2020-2022): The COVID-19 pandemic caused widespread production halts as lockdowns forced manufacturing plants to close, delaying new vehicle releases and disrupting parts supply. Global supply chains, dependent on just-in-time manufacturing, faced severe disruptions, with critical component shortages like semiconductors leading to delays and cost increases. Consumer demand also plummeted due to economic uncertainty and lockdowns, further impacted by car dealership closures. A shift towards private vehicles and electric vehicles (EVs) emerged, driven by health concerns and online sales trends. Though the industry began to recover by late 2020, semiconductor shortages slowed the recovery, with Asia-Pacific rebounding faster than other regions. 

Why PriceWatch?

PriceWatch is your trusted resource for tracking global nitrile butadiene rubber price trends. Our platform delivers real-time data and expert analysis, offering deep insights into the key factors driving price fluctuations in the nitrile butadiene rubber market. By monitoring critical events such as geopolitical tensions, supply chain disruptions, and economic shifts, PriceWatch keeps you fully informed of market dynamics.

In addition, PriceWatch provides detailed forecasts and updates on production capacities, enabling you to anticipate market changes and make well-informed decisions. With PriceWatch, you gain a competitive edge in understanding all the elements that influence nitrile butadiene rubber prices worldwide. Stay ahead of the curve with PriceWatch’s reliable, accurate, and timely nitrile butadiene rubber market data.

Track PriceWatch's nitrile butadiene rubber price assessment on a weekly basis since 2015 onwards, along with short-term forecasts, and get access to the detailed report in a downloadable format.

Data Collection and Sources​

  • Real-Time Market Data: PriceWatch aggregates real-time pricing data from a diverse range of sources, including global commodity exchanges, industry reports, and proprietary databases. This ensures that our assessments reflect the most current market conditions. 
  • On-the-Ground Intelligence: Our team gathers insights directly from key market participants, including producers, suppliers, traders, and end-users, across major Nitrile Butadiene Rubber production hubs. This ground-level intelligence is crucial for understanding localized market dynamics. 
  • Supply Chain Monitoring: We track the entire Nitrile Butadiene Rubber (NBR) supply chain, from raw material availability (e.g., butadiene and acrylonitrile) to production and distribution channels. This includes monitoring feedstock prices, production capacities, and transportation logistics.

Event Tracking and Impact Analysis​

  • Geopolitical Tensions: PriceWatch continuously monitors global geopolitical developments, such as conflicts or trade disputes, which can significantly impact Nitrile Butadiene Rubber (NBR) prices. Our analysis includes potential disruptions to supply chains and their immediate and long-term effects on pricing. 
  • Natural Disasters and Climate Events: We assess the impact of natural disasters, such as hurricanes or winter storms, on Nitrile Butadiene Rubber (NBR) production facilities, particularly in vulnerable regions like the U.S. Gulf Coast. These events are factored into our price forecasts and supply outlooks. 
  • Economic Shifts: PriceWatch evaluates macroeconomic trends, including global economic growth, inflation rates, and sector-specific demand (e.g., automotive, packaging), to predict shifts in Nitrile Butadiene Rubber (NBR) demand and corresponding price movements.

Production Capacity and Supply Analysis

  • Current Production Monitoring: We maintain a comprehensive database of global Nitrile Butadiene Rubber (NBR) production facilities, tracking their operational status, maintenance schedules, and output levels. This allows us to assess current supply availability accurately. 
  • Future Capacity Projections: Our research includes detailed forecasts of upcoming Nitrile Butadiene Rubber (NBR) production capacities, factoring in new plant constructions, expansions, and technological advancements. This helps in predicting future supply trends and potential price stabilization. 

Demand Forecasting

  • Sectoral Demand Analysis: PriceWatch provides in-depth analysis of demand trends across key sectors, including packaging, automotive, and construction. We track year-on-year demand growth and project future consumption patterns based on economic indicators and industry developments. 
  • Global Demand Dynamics: Our methodology considers regional demand variations and how they influence global Nitrile Butadiene Rubber (NBR) pricing. This includes understanding the impact of shifts in manufacturing bases, trade policies, and environmental regulations. 

Pricing Model Development

  • Dynamic Pricing Models: PriceWatch utilizes advanced econometric models to forecast Nitrile Butadiene Rubber prices (NBR), incorporating real-time data, historical trends, and projected market conditions. Our models are continuously refined to enhance accuracy and predictive power. 
  • Scenario Analysis: We conduct scenario-based assessments to evaluate potential future market conditions. This includes best-case, worst-case, and most likely scenarios, helping our clients prepare for a range of market outcomes. 

Reporting and Client Support

  • Comprehensive Reports: Our clients receive detailed reports that include current price assessments, future price forecasts, and in-depth analysis of market drivers. These reports are designed to be actionable, providing clear insights and recommendations. 
  • Ongoing Support: PriceWatch offers continuous updates and personalized support to our clients, ensuring they have the most up-to-date information to make informed decisions. Our experts are available to discuss specific market developments and provide tailored advice. 

This research methodology ensures that PriceWatch delivers the most accurate, timely, and actionable Nitrile Butadiene Rubber (NBR) pricing assessments, helping our clients stay ahead of market trends and make informed business decisions.

Nitrile Butadiene Rubber price provided by PriceWatch is a base price and excludes VAT/Taxes, discounts, or offers. The information herein is accurate to the best of our knowledge as of the date indicated and is provided solely for the convenience of our customers as a reference for nitrile butadiene rubber. PriceWatch disclaims any warranties or representations regarding the accuracy of results derived from this information. It is the sole responsibility of the user to assess the suitability of the product for their specific application. This document does not constitute an endorsement to use the product in violation of any applicable patent rights.

The pricing of NBR is influenced by various factors, primarily the cost of raw materials such as butadiene and acrylonitrile, which are petrochemical derivatives. Fluctuations in crude oil prices have a direct impact on the prices of these raw materials. Other factors include global supply-demand dynamics, production capacity, transportation costs, and geopolitical events that can disrupt supply chains. Additionally, market demand from key industries like automotive, healthcare, and oil & gas plays a significant role in NBR price movements.

Raw material price fluctuations, especially in butadiene and acrylonitrile, have a direct impact on NBR pricing. Since these raw materials are derived from crude oil, any volatility in oil markets can lead to significant changes in NBR production costs. Shortages or increased demand for butadiene or acrylonitrile can push NBR prices higher, while an oversupply or drop in raw material costs can lower prices. Keeping track of raw material trends is crucial for procurement heads to optimize purchasing strategies.

Recent trends show that NBR prices have been volatile due to fluctuating raw material costs and disruptions in the global supply chain. Procurement heads can optimize their buying strategies by closely monitoring price forecasts, securing long-term contracts when prices are favourable, and diversifying suppliers to mitigate the risk of supply shortages. Additionally, staying informed about geopolitical factors and global demand trends is critical to making well-timed purchasing decisions and managing procurement costs effectively.

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