As of Oct. 8 close, Shanghai Futures Exchange main rubber contract stood at
20,145 yuan/ton, up more than 28% YTD and at a nine‑year high. Since September,
over 60 tire makers have issued more than 70 price notices covering all
categories — including all‑steel, semi‑steel and engineering tires — with
adjustments typically in the 2–5% range. Backed by expanding overseas demand for
Chinese new‑energy vehicles, the sector is targeting higher‑end OEM supply and
raising product value and technical barriers to help offset raw‑material cost
volatility.
