For the Quarter Ending September 2025
North America
• In the USA, the Styrene Price Index fell by 11.64% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting weak downstream demand.
• The average Styrene price for the quarter was approximately USD 936.00/MT, reflecting subdued procurement activity.
• U.S. Styrene Spot Price weakness persisted as ample supply and limited export demand constrained offtake.
• Styrene Production Cost Trend showed limited upward pressure as benzene and gas prices remained stable.
• Elevated stocks and weak exports pressured the Styrene Price Index despite regional plant operating rates.
• Inventory accumulation and uninterrupted production kept sellers competitive, limiting upside in the Styrene Price Forecast.
Why did the price of Styrene change in September 2025 in North America?
• Elevated inventories and uninterrupted production maintained ample supply, preventing price recovery despite seasonal restocking attempts.
• Reduced procurement from packaging and automotive sectors cut offtake, sustaining downward pressure on Price Index.
• Stable feedstock costs limited cost-driven increases, while weak exports and logistical constraints amplified domestic oversupply effects.
APAC
• In Japan, the Styrene Price Index fell by 5.20% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting oversupply and weak downstream offtake.
• The average Styrene price for the quarter was approximately USD 893.67/MT, reflecting spot buying and elevated inventories.
• Styrene Spot Price pressure remained as Styrene Price Index weakened, supported by domestic output and import availability.
• Styrene Production Cost Trend showed easing benzene and ethylene costs, further pressuring Price Index downward.
• High distributor inventories and export demand maintained downward pressure on the Styrene Price Index and spot discussions.
Why did the price of Styrene change in September 2025 in APAC?
• Ample domestic production and steady feedstock inflows increased availability, exerting downward pressure on spot prices.
• Weak downstream offtake from packaging and automotive sectors left inventories elevated and reduced procurement urgency.
• Logistics remained mixed with firm freight costs offset by improved port operations, moderating cost passthrough to buyers.
Europe
• In Germany, the Styrene Price Index fell by 20.27% quarter-over-quarter, driven by weak downstream demand.
• The average Styrene price for the quarter was approximately USD 1016.33/MT, reflecting sustained oversupply domestically.
• Weak offtake pressured the Styrene Spot Price while the domestic Price Index remained bearish, subdued.
• Stable benzene and ethylene feedstocks kept the Styrene Production Cost Trend muted, offering limited support.
• Lead times and steady imports pressured the Styrene Price Index, constraining rapid price rebound prospects.
• Domestic producers' steady run-rates maintained availability, prompting discounts that pressured the Styrene Spot Price domestically.
Why did the price of Styrene change in September 2025 in Europe?
• Uninterrupted feedstock inflows and continuous plant operations increased supply, intensifying domestic oversupply and pressuring prices.
• Muted downstream purchasing, elevated inventories reduced offtake, weakening bids and sustaining the bearish Price Index.
• Competitive imports and logistics variances kept availability high, limiting upward price momentum despite derivative pull.
MEA
• In Saudi Arabia, the Styrene Price Index fell by 8% quarter-over-quarter, due to lower benzene costs.
• The average Styrene price for the quarter was approximately USD 820.67/MT, reflecting stable runs and moderate downstream offtake.
• Styrene Spot Price remained pressured amid ample domestic inventories and subdued export demand, keeping spot volumes muted.
• Styrene Production Cost Trend showed easing as benzene and crude cost reductions alleviated input pressure for producers.
• Styrene Price Index volatility constrained by stable plant run-rates, high inventories, and balanced logistics across regional supply chains.
Why did the price of Styrene change in September 2025 in MEA?
• Ample domestic production and elevated inventories reduced urgency to buy, weakening prices despite steady runs.
• Weaker benzene and crude feedstock costs lowered production expenses, easing upward price pressure across region.
• Subdued export movement, cautious buyer procurement, and balanced logistics kept market sentiment bearish, limiting rallies.
South America
• In Brazil, the Styrene Price Index fell by 10.72% quarter-over-quarter in Q3 2025, driven by weak imports.
• The average Styrene price for the quarter was approximately USD 999.33/MT, reflecting subdued demand and ample imports.
• Styrene Spot Price exhibited sustained weakness, with the Price Index reflecting consecutive weekly declines amid elevated inventories.
• Styrene Production Cost Trend remained benign as Benzene costs held stable, limiting upstream pressure on domestic margins.
• Export flows and steady seaborne supply pressured local Price Index, while freight stability kept import economics competitive.
• Major producers operated reliably; inventories remained ample, compelling sellers to offer concessions to clear volumes quickly.
Why did the price of Styrene change in September 2025 in South America?
• Ample U.S. export availability and healthy seaborne flows increased supply, overwhelming subdued domestic demand levels.
• Stable Benzene costs removed upward pressure, failing to offset waning converter procurement and inventory destocking.
• Normal port operations and steady freight kept imports economical, enabling buyers to delay purchases, destock.
For the Quarter Ending June 2025
North America
• Styrene price index in USA showed a volatile trend in Q2 2025, with prices first declining in April before rebounding sharply in late May and then stabilizing in June.Â
• Styrene demand outlook remained moderate from packaging and consumer goods sectors, while construction-related applications offered periodic support.Â
• Feedstock benzene prices remained average in April but strengthened in late May, increasing production costs.Â
• The country experienced some logistic improvements post-April storms, improving regional cargo flow. However, cautious procurement among domestic buyers due to economic uncertainties limited consistent price gains.
• Inventory levels stayed manageable as traders adjusted purchases amid upstream volatility.Â
• Styrene production continued without major outages, supported by steady feedstock availability.
Why was the price of Styrene stable in July 2025 in the US?
• In July 2025, Styrene price index in USA remained relatively stable with mild fluctuations. Constant seasonal demand from packaging and electronics balanced out upstream volatility.Â
• Although feedstock benzene costs showed a minor increase, the production cost pressure was limited. Styrene Production Cost Trend reflected mild upward momentum.
• Styrene Price Forecast for Q3 suggests potential upward momentum from sustained packaging demand and moderate construction activity.
APAC
• Styrene price index in China witnessed high volatility in Q2 2025. Prices dropped in early April and May due to lower benzene costs and oversupply.
• This was followed by a significant growth in the third week of both May and June amid short-term restocking and supply constraints.
• The packaging sector operated cautiously due to high inventories, while the automobile sector showed notable growth but failed to result proportionally into styrene offtake.Â
• By late June, some balance was restored as restocking increased, supporting prices.
• Supply was steady, with few shutdowns and consistent imports from South Korea and Japan. However, high inventory levels and bearish sentiment continued to affect trading activities.
Why did the price of Styrene change in July 2025 in Asia?
• In July 2025, Styrene Price Index in China experienced stabilization.
• The stability was supported by constant demand from the packaging industry and continuous productions. Moderate import volumes also contributed to price firmness.Â
• The production cost trend reflected no upward pressure from feedstock benzene market.
• Price Forecast suggests modest gains through Q3, provided downstream restocking continues and macroeconomic sentiment remains stable.
Europe
• Styrene price index in Germany trended downward in Q2 2025, with notable drops in April and May, followed by brief stabilization in June.Â
• Demand outlook remained moderate from packaging and automotive sectors, and buyer sentiment was further affected by economic uncertainties and high inventory levels.Â
• Feedstock benzene prices were low in early Q2 but saw partial recovery by June.
• Supply conditions remained stable with continuous imports from Asia and domestic production maintaining contractual output.Â
• Logistical challenges at major terminals delayed shipments but did not disrupt the overall product availability.
Why did the price of Styrene change in July 2025 in Europe?
• In July 2025, Styrene Price Index in Germany showed decrease in prices. Market participants noted reduced procurement from downstream packaging and automobile sectors.Â
• Despite some plant shutdowns, Styrene availability was higher.Â
• The production cost trend showed decline in feedstock benzene prices.Â
• Price Forecast suggests limited growth potential in Q3 unless derivative demand strengthens.
MEA
• Styrene price index in Saudi Arabia remained mostly stable during Q2 2025, with minor fluctuations.Â
• While Styrene spot prices dipped slightly in April and early May, they rebounded towards the end of June amid improved downstream demand.
• Demand from packaging and construction sectors supported the market. However, regional producers faced challenges from imported cargo competition, especially from Asia.Â
• Domestic production was stable with no major shutdowns, and local distribution improved post-Ramadan.
• Export orders from Africa and South Asia added support to the market sentiment, but overall trading activity remained conservative.
Why did the price of Styrene decline in July 2025 in Saudi Arabia?
• In April 2025, Styrene price index Saudi Arabia declined due to lower benzene prices and reduced demand post-Eid. Inventory levels were high, and procurement was moderate.
• The production cost trend was bearish due to upstream weakness.
• Price forecast suggests a mild recovery in Q3 driven by infrastructure demand and festive restocking cycles.
South America
• Styrene price index in Brazil declined through April and May 2025 but showed a marginal increase in June.Â
• Price corrections were driven by lower feedstock benzene costs, moderate domestic demand, and global bearishness.
• Demand from packaging and EPS segments remained average, with buyers showing caution due to currency volatility and inflation.Â
• Feedstock prices offered little cost support. Local production was consistent, but imports from the US and Europe increased the supply.
• Port congestion in Brazil occasionally delayed cargoes, leading to short-term inventory mismatches.
Why did the price of Styrene change in July 2025 in Brazil?
• In July 2025, Styrene prices in Brazil dropped due to lower feedstock costs, average demand, and cautious buying amid high inflation.
• The production cost trend reflected weak benzene prices, and there were no major production outages.
• Price forecast for Q3 2025 remains conservative, with expectations of only modest improvement in demand from packaging and construction sectors.
For the Quarter Ending March 2025
North America
During Q1 2025, the Styrene market in the USA was characterized by initial volatility followed by a period of stabilization. February saw a surge in prices, largely driven by a spike in benzene costs and a sharp increase in demand from downstream packaging and ABS sectors. However, this momentum changed in March, with prices stabilizing at USD 1,160/MT in the first week.Â
By mid-March, prices declined by 3.4% due to falling benzene and ethylene costs, as well as reduced buying interest. Market participants adopted a cautious approach, avoiding overstocking amid macroeconomic uncertainty. Domestic production operated steadily throughout the quarter with few disruptions, and most facilities managed inventories carefully. The packaging sector maintained firm demand, particularly in food-grade applications.Â
Automobile demand improved slightly, with strong sales in light trucks and SUVs supporting the usage of styrene. Export demand remained limited due to uncompetitive pricing and decreased overseas demand. The quarter ended with prices holding steady as balanced supply and moderate demand provided stable quotes.
APAC
The Asia Pacific Styrene market showed different regional dynamics throughout Q1 2025. China experienced the sharpest decline, with cumulative March losses exceeding 6% due to high inventory levels, oversupply from continuous production, and subdued demand from EPS and ABS sectors. India saw prices rise until mid-February, before slipping by 2.2% in early March as downstream activity slowed. The packaging sector showed signs of stagnation in March, and automobile procurement remained cautious. Japan exhibited relative stability, with prices peaking mid-February amid strong automobile and packaging sector demand, before reducing slightly in late March due to tariffs and global uncertainty. Meanwhile, South Korea started March with a 2.4% drop in prices, affected by limited demand growth, despite strong performance in the EV and food packaging sectors. Across the region, Lunar New Year restocking, variable production rates, and uneven recovery across downstream segments contributed to price fluctuations. Feedstock volatility, especially in benzene and ethylene, played a significant role in shaping the APAC market sentiment during the quarter.
Europe
In Q1 2025, the European Styrene market remained broadly stable, though under moderate downward pressure. The region began the year with flat to slightly declining prices, as market activity remained average following the year-end holidays. February saw a short-lived price growth driven by a modest recovery in construction-related demand and tightening supplies in Northern Europe. However, as March progressed, prices began to ease again amid macroeconomic challenges, especially in Germany and France. Packaging demand remained relatively firm, supported by consistent FMCG activity, yet it lacked the momentum to drive significant price growth. Automobile-related usage showed decrease, with electric vehicle manufacturing lagging due to constrained battery material supply chains. Export demand across the bloc remained moderate, limited by average global trade flows. Domestic production operated steadily, with only a few plant closures, though producers maintained cautious inventory strategies to prevent oversupply. Feedstock prices for benzene and ethylene remained relatively benign, providing some cost relief. Overall, the European Styrene market settled into a cautious stance by the end of March 2025.
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The Styrene market in the Middle East and Africa region during Q1 2025 was shaped by external pricing trends, shifting trade flows, and region-specific usage dynamics. February experienced a moderate rise in prices due to higher freight charges and reduced availability of imports from Asian suppliers during the Lunar New Year period. However, these gains were largely offset in March as demand from downstream packaging and consumer goods sectors reduced. In Saudi Arabia, import volumes from Asia normalized by late February, reducing supply tightness. Meanwhile, domestic processors maintained conservative purchasing patterns, contributing to average market movement in March. Feedstock prices for benzene remained steady across most weeks, offering manufacturers some degree of cost predictability. There were no major production outages, and plant operations continued without major disruptions. Nonetheless, oversupply risks persisted as restocking from February led to higher local inventories. By the end of March, market sentiment became neutral to slightly bearish, driven by a lack of strong export demand from Africa and limited downstream activity.
South AmericaÂ
In Q1 2025, South America's Styrene market was driven by external factors and domestic usage trends. February witnessed a modest uptrend as seasonal packaging demand peaked in Brazil and Argentina, supported by inventory restocking and exports. This momentum slowed in March, with prices falling by around 2%, influenced by high inventories, reduced industrial output, and currency depreciation across key economies. The packaging sector remained the primary consumer of styrene, with stable demand from food-grade and personal care product segments. However, the automobile sector underperformed amid declining vehicle production and cautious consumer spending. Imports from the US and Asia remained critical to meeting regional demand, but a slowdown in international trade and higher freight costs posed logistical challenges. Feedstock cost pressures remained moderate as benzene and ethylene prices reduced, easing some of the input cost burdens on local producers. Overall, the quarter closed with a subdued sentiment as decreased external demand and economic uncertainties kept procurement conservative, and buyers refrained from aggressive restocking strategies.
For the Quarter Ending December 2024
North AmericaÂ
In Q4 2024, the styrene market in North America faced a challenging landscape characterized by oversupply and fluctuating demand across key sectors. The construction industry experienced a slowdown due to rising interest rates that curtailed new housing projects and renovations. This decline led to reduced orders for styrene products used primarily for insulation applications, creating pressure on manufacturers to adjust their production levels accordingly.
However, the packaging sector emerged as a bright spot as e-commerce continued to drive demand for lightweight and protective packaging solutions. Manufacturers focused on enhancing product performance while addressing sustainability concerns through innovations in recycled content and alternative materials that align with consumer preferences for greener options.
By December, while some producers adjusted their inventories due to shifting demand patterns from construction and consumer goods sectors, overall sentiment remained cautiously optimistic. Stakeholders anticipated gradual recovery into 2025 as construction activities began to stabilize and innovations in sustainable packaging gained traction within regulatory frameworks aimed at reducing plastic waste. The emphasis on eco-friendly practices was expected to shape future market dynamics significantly across North America.
APAC
In Q4 2024, the styrene market in the APAC region, particularly in China, faced significant challenges due to a combination of oversupply and weakening demand. The construction sector, a major consumer of styrene for insulation and other applications, experienced a notable slowdown as economic uncertainties led to reduced infrastructure spending and new project delays. This decline was exacerbated by high inventory levels among manufacturers, which pressured pricing and profitability across the board.
Conversely, the packaging industry showed resilience, with styrene being widely used in protective packaging solutions driven by the booming e-commerce sector. As online shopping surged, companies sought lightweight and durable materials to ensure product safety during transit. However, increasing environmental regulations prompted manufacturers to innovate towards more sustainable materials, leading to investments in research and development for biodegradable alternatives.
By December, while some manufacturers struggled with excess inventory and fluctuating demand patterns, there was cautious optimism about a potential recovery in 2025. Stakeholders anticipated that strategic investments in sustainability and technological advancements would drive future growth as the region adapts to evolving consumer preferences and regulatory landscapes.
Europe
In Q4 2024, the styrene market in Europe encountered significant headwinds primarily due to economic uncertainties impacting major industries such as construction and automotive. The construction sector saw a marked decline in new projects as rising interest rates curtailed investment decisions and increased borrowing costs. Consequently, this led to reduced demand for styrene insulation products and other applications critical to building projects.
On the other hand, the packaging industry displayed some resilience amid growing e-commerce activity. Styrene continued to be utilized for protective packaging solutions; however, increasing regulatory pressures regarding plastic waste prompted many companies to explore alternative materials and sustainable practices. This shift included investments in research aimed at developing recyclable or biodegradable options compliant with stricter EU regulations.
By December, manufacturers grappled with high inventory levels due to decreased consumption across various sectors. So, styrene prices decreased moderately and was getting traded at USD 993 per MT on FD – Hamburg basis. Despite these challenges, there was cautious optimism regarding future growth driven by innovations in sustainable materials and recycling initiatives. Stakeholders anticipated that regulatory support for eco-friendly practices would significantly influence market dynamics moving into 2025 as industries adapt to stricter environmental standards.
South AmericaÂ
In Q4 2024, the styrene market in South America demonstrated resilience despite ongoing economic fluctuations affecting various industries. The construction sector continued to be a significant driver of demand for styrene products used in insulation and structural applications. Government-led infrastructure projects across Brazil and Argentina supported this trend as part of broader efforts to stimulate economic growth following pandemic-related slowdowns.
The packaging industry also contributed positively as consumer preferences shifted towards online shopping, increasing the need for effective protective packaging solutions utilizing styrene-based materials. However, challenges such as inflationary pressures and currency fluctuations impacted production costs and pricing strategies for manufacturers operating in this volatile environment.
By December, while some manufacturers faced supply chain disruptions affecting raw material availability and logistics costs, overall market sentiment remained optimistic. Stakeholders anticipated growth into 2025 driven by ongoing infrastructure investments and innovations aimed at enhancing sustainability within styrene applications. The focus on eco-friendly alternatives was expected to significantly shape future market dynamics across South America as companies sought to align with global sustainability trends while navigating local economic challenges.