Since the U.S. and Israel launched military strikes against Iran in late February 2026, the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy and chemical corridor, has fallen into turmoil. This geopolitical conflict has not only driven up international oil prices but also directly cut off or restricted the supply of key raw materials for foam materials in the Middle East, causing unprecedented price shocks in China's import-dependent market. By the end of March 2026, the full-chain prices of foam materials in China had surged to their highest level in nearly four years. Based on market monitoring data, this article comprehensively analyzes the specific price increases of various foam materials since the crisis and delves into the underlying transmission logic.
Comprehensive Price Surge: A Cost-Driven Price Storm.Longzhong Information monitoring data reveals that the polyether and related product chains experienced comprehensive price surges throughout March. Amid supply contraction triggered by the Middle East conflict, all foam material product lines were affected, demonstrating a distinctive market pattern where "basic raw materials led the rally, midstream products followed suit, and price increases became exceptionally high." As of March 30, soft foam POP (polymeric polyol) topped the list with nearly 43% monthly growth, while soft foam polyether saw a 36% increase. Even hard foam polyether, which recorded the smallest price rise, still achieved a remarkable 29% increase. Additionally, related foaming additives and isocyanate products performed strongly, with TDI (toluene diisocyanate) surging 20.8% and polymeric MDI (methyl diphenyl isocyanate) climbing 20%.
Price increase ranking: Soft foam series leads with clear cost transmission path
The market performance of major foaming materials and their related products is ranked by increase ratio from highest to lowest as follows:
First place: Soft foam POP (polymer polyol)
Increase: Approximately 43%
Such materials are primarily used for manufacturing high-rebound sponge, which is widely applied in automotive seats, high-end furniture, and other fields. The highest price increase is mainly attributed to their complex production processes and extremely high dependence on upstream raw materials.
Second place: Soft foam polyether
Increase: Approximately 36%
As the core raw material for soft furniture and garment padding, soft foam polyether has the largest market demand base. Against the backdrop of a significant price increase in propylene oxide, its price transmission is the most direct and rapid.
Third place: rigid foam polyether
Increase: Approximately 29%
Rigid polyether foam is primarily used in household appliances, building insulation, and cold storage panel applications. Although its price increase rate is relatively small within the polyether family, a monthly rise of nearly 30% remains historically rare.
Fourth place: Propylene oxide
Increase: Approximately 30.6%
As the most critical raw material for polyether polyols (accounting for 60%-70% of production costs), the skyrocketing price of propylene oxide has directly driven up costs in downstream foam materials.
Fifth place: TDI (toluene diisocyanate) and polymerized MDI
Increase: 20% -20.8%
These two product categories serve as critical curing agents and foaming agents for manufacturing premium sponges, adhesives, and rigid foam materials. Although their price growth rates are slightly lower than those of polyether, they remain at elevated levels.
Regarding silicone sponge materials,while polyether foam materials experienced a sharp price surge across the entire product line, foamed silicone and its upstream organic silicon raw materials also fell victim to the cost crisis triggered by the Middle East conflict. Unlike polyether products directly impacted by naphtha price fluctuations, the price increase in foamed silicone primarily reflects cost transmission effects within the organic silicon industry chain. Rising prices of upstream raw materials such as metallic silicon, methanol, and DMC (dimethyl carbonate), coupled with price adjustments by global organic silicon industry leaders, have collectively driven up market prices for foamed silicone.
In terms of specific price increases, the price hikes for foamed silicone and related silicone products exhibit distinct tiered patterns. Industry monitoring data shows that since March 2026, downstream silicone products including 107 silicone rubber, raw rubber, compound rubber, and silicone oil have generally followed price increases of 200-300 yuan per ton. Within the foamed silicone finished product sector, major companies have implemented more pronounced price adjustments: Global silicone leader WACKER announced price hikes for its silicon-based product lines effective April 1, citing significant increases in energy, raw material, and logistics costs due to the Middle East conflict. Dow Chemical's Consumer Solutions Division notified Greater China partners on March 3 about a new pricing adjustment cycle starting March 27, with expected increases ranging from 5% to 15%. Domestically, Guangdong Jusi New Material Technology Co., Ltd. raised prices for downstream products by 8%-15% effective March 9; Orient Yuhong Adhesive Co., Ltd. increased prices for all foamed rubber products by 3%-5% starting March 6; while Shandong Luyuan Adhesives Co., Ltd. implemented price adjustments of 5%-8% for silicone adhesives and MS adhesives.
However, due to the deep cooperation between Sanpu Company and raw material companies, the price of its silicone foam rubber has not increased at present. If you need silicone sponge rubber, please contact us to get free samples and quotations now!