In January 2025, the Styrene Acrylonitrile market in South Korea showed a notable stability, with prices being the same throughout the month. This stability followed a moderate decline in December 2024, where Styrene Acrylonitrile prices decreased by 1.8% due to reduced domestic usage and downstream demand. The average market conditions entered into the new year, with average downstream demand from industries such as automobiles and packaging remaining moderate.

During the first week of January 2025, Styrene Acrylonitrile prices stabilized, showing no variation from the closing levels of December 2024. Market conditions remained moderate, with average downstream demand from industries such as automobiles and packaging, further compounded by limited export activity to key regions like China and the US. Feedstocks styrene and acrylonitrile prices remained stable, holding pressure on margins. Domestic supply levels were sufficient, but manufacturers reported average market sentiment due to the ongoing uncertainties regarding the economy.

Hence, production rates were changed to be in par with the reduced demand from both domestic and international markets. Inventory levels were slightly high as downstream usage continued to be moderate, while manufacturers faced continuous challenges in maintaining operational efficiency.

In the second week, Styrene Acrylonitrile prices in South Korea remained the same due to stable market conditions. Acrylonitrile prices remained steady, confirming no changes in production costs for Styrene Acrylonitrile manufacturers. Additionally, styrene prices remained average, providing further support to the cost structure of Styrene Acrylonitrile. Consistent demand from downstream electronics and automobile industries, along with stable domestic production levels, contributed to maintaining a balance in the market.

During the third week of the month, while feedstock acrylonitrile prices increased, styrene prices remained stable, and again Styrene Acrylonitrile prices did not change. This consistency in Styrene Acrylonitrile prices was because of multiple factors, including minor price changes in the Asia-Pacific region and a balanced supply-demand dynamic due to reduced demand from key sectors such as automobiles and packaging. Broader economic uncertainties also affected the market sentiment, contributing to the consistency in Styrene Acrylonitrile prices in South Korea during the week.

Economic uncertainties in South Korea have been driven by bearish domestic demand, a slowdown in export growth, and geopolitical risks. The country's economy is also struggling with structural challenges such as an aging population, reducing birth rates, and increased competition in various industries and among sectors.

In the fourth week of January 2025, the prices of both styrene and acrylonitrile increased. Yet, Styrene Acrylonitrile prices remained stable due to the balancing effect of the overall market conditions and the stable demand from key sectors.

As the final week of January 2025 approached, styrene prices remained stable while acrylonitrile prices increased further. Despite these fluctuations in feedstock costs, Styrene Acrylonitrile prices continued to hold steady due to the stability in the product to demand ratio. This shows a robust yet cautious outlook for the Styrene Acrylonitrile market in South Korea, as manufacturers and market participants overcome the ongoing economic uncertainties while maintaining a stable trajectory in Styrene Acrylonitrile pricing.