Sinopec now world's largest synthetic rubber producer

Houston, Texas – Sinopec has emerged as the world’s largest producer of synthetic rubber materials, latest figures from the International Institute of Synthetic Rubber Producers (IISRP) show.

According to IISRP’s 2023 production data, the Chinese petrochemicals major reached an active capacity* of 1,878 kilotonnes (kt) up from 1,618kt in 2022.

The increase was just enough to edge the Chinese major ahead of Arlanxeo – the long-time holder of the top position, which had an active capacity of 1874kt, 55kt more than last year.

Another Chinese producer PetroChina strengthened its hold on third slot with an active SR production capacity of 1,355kt, up from 1,290kt in 2022.

Interestingly, Russian supplier Sibur/NKNH’s capacity figure was essentially unchanged from last year: its 1,278kt keeping it in fourth place.

Meanwhile, KKPC edged fifth spot with 1,032kt active capacity, just ahead of ExxonMobil with 971kt and Poland-based Synthos with 760kt.

Rounding out the top 10 players were Goodyear, Versalis and ENEOS with capacities of 725kt, 683kt and 634kt respectively.

The changes at the very top of the table this year had been anticipated given the rapid pace of capacity expansions in China, which continues to far outpace that seen in any other global region.

We will report further on these developments in the July/August issue of European Rubber Journal.

*Where applicable, capacity from a producer company’s share in a JV is included in the total capacity of each producer. Active capacity excludes idled capacity.