According to China Chemical News, during China's 14th Five-Year Plan period, the rubber industry has deepened supply-side structural reforms and advanced industrial restructuring amid complex challenges including low global economic growth, heightened volatility, intensified international trade frictions, and increased domestic economic pressures. The sector has achieved industrialization of green manufacturing technologies such as bio-based rubber and electric vulcanizers, accelerated international expansion, deepened the dual-circulation strategy, and promoted green transformation. These efforts have driven stable growth in total industry revenue and profits, Achieving Coordinated Growth in Scale, Quality, and Efficiency

Over the past five years, China's rubber products industry maintained steady economic growth, with continuous improvements in quality and efficiency. The industrial chain has become increasingly complete, further solidifying the nation's position as a major player in the global rubber sector. Compared to 2020, by 2024 the number of enterprises above designated size in the rubber products sector increased by 26.7%, main business revenue grew by 26.7%, total profits rose by 14.4%, export delivery value surged by 41.2%, and radial tire production expanded by 36.7%.

The industry's development highlights are primarily reflected in eight aspects. First, product structure optimization and accelerated high-end transformation. Demand for new energy vehicle tires grew by 19.8%, with radial tire production exceeding 761 million units; tubeless conversion for bicycle tires and butylization of inner tubes met standards. Conveyor belts achieved import substitution with TPU/TPO materials, while high-end products were developed in fields like rubber hoses. Non-tire rubber products now account for 34.7% of total output. Latex product applications expanded, while high-end breakthroughs occurred in tire bead wire, silica, rubber machinery, and additives. Specialized and bio-based products saw rapid development.

Second, outdated capacity was systematically phased out, enhancing industry concentration. Leading tire manufacturers maintained stable market share, while the number of bicycle tire producers decreased by one-third from its peak. The top five enterprises in segments like conveyor belts, rubber hoses, and V-belts command significant capacity shares, with automotive V-belts reaching nearly 96%. In 2024, the top ten rubber product enterprises saw sales revenue grow by 22% compared to 2020; 18 rubber additive enterprises achieved sales exceeding RMB500 million; concentration levels significantly increased across all segments.

Third, innovation capabilities gradually strengthened and technological levels continuously improved. The rubber industry achieved an R&D intensity of 2.8%, with industrial internet platform coverage reaching 31%. The tire sector demonstrated notable innovation in processes like compounding and vulcanization, as well as in product development such as 3D-printed tires and smart tires. The rubber additives industry conquered core technologies like fully enclosed solvent-based continuous production, establishing the world's first related production facility.

Fourth, energy conservation and emission reduction have yielded remarkable results, with green development becoming deeply ingrained. In energy conservation and emission reduction, the industry vigorously implemented energy-saving upgrades, established energy management centers, increased the share of clean energy to 30%, and reduced comprehensive energy consumption by 20% to 30%. The green manufacturing system has been continuously refined, with the formulation of technical guidelines for air pollution prevention and control, the implementation of full-process green production, and the establishment of a tire labeling system. A recycling system has been constructed, expanding the scale of waste rubber regeneration, promoting technologies like pyrolysis, establishing a full life-cycle management system, and conducting research on tire carbon footprint accounting to advance sustainable industry development.

Fifth, international expansion accelerated, enhancing global influence. The rubber industry deepened international capacity cooperation, encouraged enterprises to “go global,” and shifted from primarily exporting products to integrated exports of technology, capital, services, and operations. By the first half of 2025, multiple tire companies had established overseas factories in Southeast Asia, Europe, America, and Africa, while supporting enterprises also set up overseas facilities. This increased the international market share of domestic products, elevated the international operational capabilities of enterprises, and strengthened their global influence.

Sixth, enhanced integration of informatization and industrialization, advancing smart manufacturing. Comprehensive digital and intelligent transformation has been implemented, establishing smart, intelligent, and 5G factories. Some enterprises have deployed smart factories overseas, achieving deep integration with the internet and software industries. Digital energy centers support energy conservation and emissions reduction, while intelligent equipment and software applications continue to improve. Supporting materials are developed concurrently, relevant standards are advanced, and non-tire industries achieve full-process integrated management through “Internet+” smart manufacturing.

Seventh, brand building is strengthened to enhance brand competitiveness. Radial tires become globally competitive flagship products, while bias-ply tires gain access to OEM supply chains through new energy vehicles.

Eighth, refine the standard system and optimize the industrial landscape. At the national standard level, the National Technical Committee for Rubber and Rubber Products and its subcommittees formulated and revised numerous national and industry standards, achieving an 89.72% conversion rate for international standards. Regarding international standards, the sector led or participated in multiple standard developments, with the conveyor belt industry securing its first international standard-setting authority. For group standards, the Rubber Association released 68 group standards covering 14 specialized segments, providing technical support for industry advancement.

As an integrated internet platform providing benchmark prices, on November 24, the benchmark price for butadiene rubber on SunSirs stood at RMB10,870.00 per ton, marking a 2.51% decrease compared to the beginning of the month (RMB11,150.00 per ton).

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