Synthetic rubber prices remained firm, with benchmark synthetic rubber reaching around CNY 14,916.67 per tonne on August 24, according to market data. The benchmark was up about 8.1% over the previous month and 21.8% year-on-year, indicating continuing cost pressure for rubber processors. For Indian non-tyre manufacturers dependent on imported synthetic rubber grades such as SBR, NBR, EPDM and other specialty elastomers, the movement is important for pricing and inventory decisions. Higher synthetic rubber prices can directly affect production costs for hoses, belts, seals, footwear, automotive components and engineering rubber goods.