Core Viewpoint - The synthetic rubber futures market is experiencing downward pressure due to increased social inventory and mixed market sentiment, despite some short-term strength expected from supply and demand dynamics [1][2]. Group 1: Market Performance - On May 23, the synthetic rubber futures market showed a decline, with the main contract opening at 12,015.0 CNY/ton and reaching a high of 12,080.0 CNY before dropping to a low of 11,810.0 CNY, resulting in a decrease of 2.10% [1]. - The social inventory of synthetic rubber recorded 32,800 tons for the week ending May 21, an increase of 60 tons or 1.86% from the previous week [1]. - Over the past month, the cumulative increase in social inventory was 50 tons, reflecting a rise of 1.55% [1]. Group 2: Market Sentiment and Forecast - As of May 22, the top 20 futures companies held a total of 61,700 long positions and 64,900 short positions, resulting in a long-to-short ratio of 0.95 and a net position of -3,181 contracts, which increased by 2,042 contracts compared to the previous day [1]. - Southwest Futures indicated that while supply pressure continues, demand is expected to improve due to easing tariff expectations and a significant rebound in costs, leading to a short-term bullish outlook, although the upward potential is limited [2]. - New Lake Futures noted that the fundamentals of synthetic rubber prices are primarily driven by supply and demand rather than external trade tensions, with recent maintenance season disruptions causing a spike in butadiene prices, which may not be sustainable [2].

Group 1 - The core viewpoint from the institutions indicates that synthetic rubber is expected to experience a strong upward correction due to improved macroeconomic conditions and cost support from rising crude oil prices [1] - The recent US-China trade negotiations resulted in a significant reduction of tariffs to 10%, which is expected to enhance downstream demand for synthetic rubber, leading to an improved supply-demand dynamic [1] - The market sentiment for butadiene is bullish, with suppliers raising prices, which supports the upward trend of synthetic rubber [1] Group 2 - The br2506 contract is anticipated to show short-term strength, although caution is advised against blindly chasing price increases due to potential risks [2] - Domestic supply of raw materials is currently ample, leading to weaker price support, while inventories for both production enterprises and trading companies are slightly increasing [2] - The capacity utilization rate of domestic tire manufacturers has significantly decreased, but a gradual recovery is expected in the short term [2]