Bullish Feedstock Prices Amidst Increased Production Cost Catapult SBR Prices in the US

Louisiana (USA): SBR prices in the US market increased in the first week of February amidst increased sales in the tire and automotive industries, consequently raising demand volume. Major factors impacting the final prices of SBR include Styrene and Butadiene, which are the monomers required for the polymerization of SBR. Moreover, SBR price dynamics are import-driven commodities from the Asian market in the US market. As a ripple effect, the demand-supply chain of SBR in the country is tight amidst geopolitical stress impacting global trade routes and shipping prices. SBR price quotations were observed at USD 1810 per metric ton, CFR USGC, for the week ending February 2nd, 2024, with a difference of USD 50/MT from the preceding week.

The National Retail Federation informed the House Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation that NRF members are implementing strategies to address potential disruptions in back-to-school and holiday shipments. These strategies include redirecting cargo around the Cape of Good Hope, which could result in delays of 10 to 14 days. Additionally, some cargo is being rerouted to West Coast ports to avoid disruptions in the Red Sea, then transported to the East Coast via rail.

Ford Motor began the year with a modest sales increase, driven by a significant surge in hybrid vehicle sales which compensated for an 11% decrease in sales of all-electric cars and trucks. Ford sold a total of 152,617 vehicles in the past month. The boost in hybrid sales aligns with Ford's strategy to prioritize this technology, as demand for hybrids has been on the rise, increasing the demand for SBR. As a ripple effect, the increase in tire and SBR demand occurred in the country in the first month of 2024, and the trend continues in the second month of 2024.

The increase in shipments is partly attributed to the typical pre-Chinese New Year rush, where factories in China accelerate the movement of goods to ports before workers leave for an extended holiday in their hometowns. Container shipments from China to the United States are continuing to grow consistently, despite the current uncertain macroeconomic conditions in China. According to ChemAnalyst, the forecast indicates that prices for SBR (Styrene Butadiene Rubber) are expected to follow a steady and consistent path, with a predicted increase in strength in the following quarters. There might be limited opportunity for SBR prices to show constant resurgence however, growth in prices is expected in the upcoming months, specifically in Q2 and Q3 2024.