11 Oct 2024
Some capacity additions, but IISRP data show little change in position among the world's largest producers
Houston, Texas – Sinopec has retained its position as the world’s largest producer of synthetic rubber (SR) materials, latest figures from the International Institute of Synthetic Rubber Producers (IISRP) show.
According to Houston-based IISRP’s 2024 production data, the Chinese petrochemicals major reached an active capacity of 1,915 kilotonnes (kt)* – up from 1,878kt in 2023 and 1,618kt in 2022.
The latest increase was enough to keep Sinopec ahead of the long-time holder of the top position Arlanxeo, which had an active SR capacity of 1,889kt*, 15kt more than last year.
Another Chinese producer PetroChina strengthened its hold on third slot with an active SR production capacity of 1,380kt, up from 1,355kt in 2023.
Amid EU sanctions, Sibur/NKNH’s capacity figure was essentially unchanged from the prior-year level: 1,278kt keeping the Russian supplier in fourth place.
A 175kt increase in capacity strengthened KKPC's hold on fifth spot with 1,207kt* active capacity, ahead of ExxonMobil unchanged at 971kt*.
Rounding out the top 10 in terms of active capacity were: Versalis (778kt*) Synthos (760kt) Goodyear’s up-for-sale SR unit (725kt) and LCY (640kt).
*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 (in grey).
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