Business · Companies · 7 hrs ago
China tests higher-priced rare-earth rubber for EV and heavy-duty tyres
China is testing wider use of rare-earth rubber in electric-vehicle and heavy-duty tyres.
The material is a type of synthetic rubber, and manufacturers are looking to expand its use.
It offers better wear resistance, greater strength and lower rolling resistance, qualities that can benefit tyres.
China’s ND9106 grade was quoted at 22,500 yuan per tonne in the week from October 26 to November 1.
Conventional BR9000 cost 16,660 yuan per tonne in Shandong province over the same week.
The rare-earth grade is more expensive, which presents a commercial test as manufacturers consider adopting it.
Expanding domestic production could make it more widely available.
China’s high-performance rare-earth rubber is facing a commercial test as manufacturers seek to expand its use in electric-vehicle and heavy-duty tyres.
The material offers better wear resistance, greater strength and lower rolling resistance than conventional synthetic rubber.
Rare-earth rubber grade ND9106 was quoted at 22,500 yuan per tonne, above the price of conventional BR9000.
Expanding domestic production could make the material more widely available.
- Who
- Tyre manufacturers in China are seeking to expand the material’s use.
- What
- China is testing the commercial prospects of higher-priced rare-earth rubber for electric-vehicle and heavy-duty tyres.
- When
- Market prices were reported for the week of October 26 to November 1, 2026. The data was published on November 2.
- Where
- China, with the conventional rubber price reported in Shandong province.
- Why
- Rare-earth rubber offers better wear resistance, greater strength and lower rolling resistance.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Rare-earth rubber grade ND9106 was quoted at 22,500 yuan per tonne in China.
The China Rubber Industry Association published the market data.
- Rare-earth rubber grade
- ND9106
- Rare-earth rubber price
- 22,500 yuan per tonne
- Conventional rubber grade
- BR9000
- Conventional rubber price
- 16,660 yuan per tonne in Shandong province
- Data publisher
- China Rubber Industry Association