Rubber and Tire Industry in Numbers: Key Global Updates

Data reported around: Mid-July 2025

A mid-year review of the global rubber and tire industry reveals significant activities in project expansions, corporate restructuring, and market shifts. Here are the key developments:

Major Project Expansions

Several companies are increasing their production capabilities. China Petroleum & Chemical Corp. (CPCC) completed a major expansion in Guangxi, China, adding 120 kilotonnes per annum (ktpa) of SSBR and 80ktpa of SBS capacity. In Europe, Dynasol expanded its facility in Gajano, Spain, with a new 20ktpa SSBR production line. Meanwhile, Dow Inc. announced the restart of additional EPDM rubber capacity in Plaquemine, Louisiana, expected to be online by Q4 2025.

Mergers, Acquisitions & Restructuring

The industry is seeing notable strategic moves. Sailun Group’s subsidiary is set to acquire Bridgestone’s truck and bus tire plant in Shenyang, China, for €31 million. In another major deal, Sinochem Equipment Technology (Qingdao) Co. plans to acquire two machinery businesses in China: Yiyang Rubber & Plastic Machinery Group and Bluestar (Beijing) Chemical Machinery.

Market and Business Highlights

On the business front, Elkem Silicones reported a slight sales increase to €327 million for Q2 2025, but with a significant rise in earnings (EBITDA). Linglong Tire emerged as the top original equipment (OE) tire supplier for new energy vehicles in 2024, having supplied over 9 million tires.

Materials Market & Share Prices

In the materials market, natural rubber futures saw prices firm up in early July due to supply concerns from heavy rains in Southeast Asia. For September delivery, SHFE SCR/RSS futures rose by 2.2% to 14,350 CNY. Stock markets showed mixed results, with Hankook (+2.6%) and Nokian Tyres (+1.9%) seeing gains, while ZC Rubber (-3.2%) and Goodyear (-3.1%) experienced declines around July 17-18.

Source: European Rubber Journal