The Polystyrene market in Belgium faced challenges in October 2025. Prices declined further, as feedstock costs remained moderate and demand from electronics and packaging was weak. Prices are expected to weaken further towards the end of the year due to weaker demand and the festive season.
The Polystyrene market had prior to鈥倀hat already been experiencing the same trend for 12 weeks, and October is just more of the same in terms market activity. Both General-Purpose (GPPS) and High-Impact (HIPS) grades experienced downward pricing pressure 鈥撯�倀here was good availability to feedstock, but buyers downstream were being cautious.
The problem got鈥俰ntensified during mid-October. Both GPPS and HIPS grade prices were down鈥�2.6% over last week. The Polystyrene producers had sufficient raw material due to steady deliveries of styrene monomer and higher inventories. But buyers, particularly in packaging, appliances and insulation,鈥倃ere reluctant to buy. A buildup鈥俹f inventory ensued, and Polystyrene prices fell further.
By the end of October, the Polystyrene market was balanced. Prices remained stable despite the general sentiment鈥俠eing bearish. Production went on as manufacturers employed advanced鈥俻olymerization techniques to keep down costs. There was also a growth in chemical recycling, especially at the new Krefeld plant in Germany that raises output鈥俹f food grade recycled Polystyrene 鈥� supporting supply security and circular economy.
But not all downstream demand was weak. Packaging held its ground, with e-commerce and consistent food and personal care鈥俹rders. However, new regulations on single-use plastics encouraged some buyers to switch to鈥俶ore recyclable materials, affecting demand for Polystyrene. But not the鈥俥lectrical and electronics industry. Production was off target, compared to last year and was forecast to plunge further for the year. High energy costs, and鈥俻oor exports crippled the industry in general, particularly for Polystyrene HIPS grade utilised in electronics and home appliances.
Exports offered some support. Sales to neighbouring EU countries and North Africa prevented larger declines, even though demand for Polystyrene in the domestic market remained weak. Buyers increasingly preferred more sustainable options, so recycled-content grades commanded higher prices in packaging and insulation.
Looking ahead to November, 果酱视频鈥檚 forecasts suggest another 1.3% decline. After the autumn restocking period, demand slows, particularly as construction activity tapers off with colder weather. Relatively lower energy costs may benefit producers, but many manufacturers want to clear inventory before year-end鈥攁dding further pressure on Polystyrene prices.
Not much relief鈥俰s expected for December. Another decline鈥俹f 1.3% is probable. Factories slow for the holidays, demand drops, and prices of the styrene feedstock weaken as petrochemical鈥俻lants limit output. On the positive side, exports could help set a price floor, even as domestic Polystyrene consumption takes its usual seasonal break.
