For the Quarter Ending December 2025
North America
• In the USA, the Styrene Copolymer Price Index fell by 2.03% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting packaging demand.
• The average Styrene Copolymer price for the quarter was approximately USD 1528.33/MT, reflecting subdued activity.
• Tight merchant inventories supported firmer Styrene Copolymer Spot Price levels, constraining availability for immediate shipments.
• Styrene Copolymer Price Forecast indicates modest volatility as seasonal restocking competes with Asian export pressure.
• Stable feedstock styrene supported the Styrene Copolymer Production Cost Trend, limiting incentive for price increases.
• Near-term Styrene Copolymer Demand Outlook remains muted as packaging and electronics slow, automotive provides support.
• Improved exports to Mexico and Canada tightened supply, supporting firmer Styrene Copolymer Price Index late-quarter.
• Producers ran steady operating rates with routine logistics, helping avoid volatility in the Price Index.
Why did the price of Styrene Copolymer change in December 2025 in North America?
• Tighter merchant inventories and producer allocation discipline reduced prompt volumes, marginally supporting December price firming.
• Improved exports to Mexico and Canada tightened domestic availability, counterbalancing weak downstream purchasing sentiment late-quarter.
• Stable feedstock styrene limited production costs, enabling producers to hold offers despite cautious buyer behavior.
APAC
• In India, the Styrene Copolymer Price Index fell by 2.08% quarter-over-quarter, from softer Asian offers
• The average Styrene Copolymer price for the quarter was approximately USD 1848.27/MT, reflecting import-driven volatility.
• Tight port inventory and stronger freight lifted Styrene Copolymer Spot Price, reducing availability for shipment.
• The Styrene Copolymer Price Forecast suggests near-term firmness before post-holiday demand normalization in early 2026.
• Strong electronics and packaging restocking improved the Styrene Copolymer Demand Outlook, sustaining buying interest year-end.
• Export discipline from Korea and Taiwan tightened offers, supporting the Styrene Copolymer Price Index momentum.
• Import dependence, curtailed spot availability and seller nominations elevated landed costs and constrained supply flows.
Why did the price of Styrene Copolymer change in December 2025 in APAC?
• Reduced export discounts from Northeast Asia with tighter freight elevated landed import costs, limiting supply.
• Festive restocking Asian Lunar New Year buying increased demand, prompting earlier shipments and firmer offers.
• Rupee depreciation, low port inventories and just-in-time procurement raised replacement cost pressures, supporting price increases.
Europe
• In Europe, the Styrene Copolymer Price Index declined moderately quarter-over-quarter, reflecting subdued downstream demand from packaging and consumer goods sectors.
• Styrene Copolymer Spot Price availability remained constrained as producers prioritized contractual deliveries, limiting prompt volumes in the spot market.
• The Styrene Copolymer Price Forecast points to mild volatility, with early-2026 restocking expected to offset weak year-end consumption.
• Stable feedstock styrene costs kept the Styrene Copolymer Production Cost Trend largely flat, reducing pressure for immediate price revisions.
• The Styrene Copolymer Demand Outlook remained mixed, as softer packaging and electronics demand was partially offset by steady automotive offtake.
• Import inflows from Asia were limited by higher freight and longer lead times, supporting the Styrene Copolymer Price Index late in the quarter.
• Producers operated at steady utilization rates, while smooth inland and port logistics prevented sharp price swings.
Why did the price of Styrene Copolymer change in December 2025 in Europe?
• Seasonal slowdown in packaging and consumer goods manufacturing reduced immediate demand during December.
• Restricted spot availability due to producer allocation discipline limited downside price pressure.
• Stable feedstock styrene availabilities and elevated freight costs helped suppliers maintain offers despite cautious buyer sentiment.
For the Quarter Ending September 2025
North America
• In the USA, the Styrene Copolymer Price Index fell by 2.1% quarter-over-quarter, indicating reduced demand.
• The average Styrene Copolymer price for the quarter was approximately USD 1560.00/MT.
• Styrene Copolymer Spot Price remained subdued as buyers delayed purchases amid elevated inventories and caution.
• Styrene Copolymer Price Forecast suggests limited upside from seasonal restocking and constrained upstream styrene availability.
• Styrene Copolymer Production Cost Trend rose modestly due to firmer styrene and benzene feedstock pressures.
• Styrene Copolymer Demand Outlook remains mixed as packaging restocking offsets weaker electronics and industrial consumption.
• Styrene Copolymer Price Index was pressured by ample inventories and softer export enquiries throughout quarter.
• Domestic production largely operated near-normal, maintenance impacted feedstock availability, but logistics disruptions remained minimal overall.
Why did the price of Styrene Copolymer change in September 2025 in North America?
• Upstream styrene availability improved after turnarounds, but prior tightness supported elevated input costs and margins.
• Ample inventories and cautious procurement from packaging and electronics buyers suppressed spot demand pricing significantly.
• Moderate export enquiries and stable logistics reduced market volatility, preventing stronger upward price movements seasonally.
APAC
• In India, the Styrene Copolymer Price Index fell marginally by 0.5% quarter-over-quarter, due to cautious buying.
• The average Styrene Copolymer price for the quarter was approximately USD 1887.56/MT.
• Styrene Copolymer Spot Price remained rangebound as Asian styrene softness offset packaging and electronics demand.
• Regional Styrene Copolymer Price Forecast indicates modest volatility, with short-term upside from freight or feedstock.
• Styrene Copolymer Production Cost Trend softened as lower benzene prices partially eased feedstock-driven margin pressure.
• Styrene Copolymer Demand Outlook remains steady, supported by FMCG packaging and expanding electronics manufacturing activity.
• Inventories remained average while export arbitrage limited buying, keeping the Styrene Copolymer Price Index subdued.
• Limited domestic production sustained import dependency, influencing Styrene Copolymer Spot Price levels.
Why did the price of Styrene Copolymer change in September 2025 in APAC?
• Reduced Asian styrene costs and benzene weakness lowered production costs, capping upward pressure on import parity.
• Import dependence and selective Asian plant maintenance constrained availability, creating localized tightness despite adequate regional supply.
• Shipping delays and port congestion increased logistics costs, while cautious downstream buying restrained procurement and inventories.
Europe
• The Styrene Copolymer Price Index in Germany edged lower through Q3 2025, reflecting weaker downstream demand.
• The average Styrene Copolymer Spot Price for the quarter softened, pressured by sluggish procurement and elevated inventories.
• Spot Price weakness was reinforced by reduced offtake in automotive plastics and building materials, though packaging and healthcare applications provided partial stability.
• The Styrene Copolymer Price Forecast points to a cautious outlook, with potential stabilization if styrene costs firm and packaging demand strengthens.
• The Styrene Copolymer Production Cost Trend was influenced by fluctuations in styrene and acrylonitrile feedstocks, with benzene price movements adding volatility.
• The Price Index stayed under pressure as sellers offered discounts to clear stocks amid limited restocking activity.
• The Styrene Copolymer Demand Outlook in Germany was muted, with the weak construction sector dragging on consumption, though packaging, healthcare, and adhesives provided some resilience.
Why did the price of Styrene Copolymer change in September 2025 in Europe?
• Prices decreased slightly in September 2025, driven by weak demand from automotive and construction industries.
• Elevated inventories and cautious procurement behaviour added downward pressure on the Price Index.
• Feedstock styrene costs softened, limiting cost push support and resulting in lower Spot Prices despite stable demand in packaging and healthcare.
For the Quarter Ending June 2025
North America
• The Styrene Copolymer Spot Price in the U.S. increased marginally through Q2 2025, with the Price Index showing steady improvement by the end of June.
• In April, market prices held flat as buyers assessed inventory levels amid muted construction and appliance demand.
• May witnessed moderate price growth supported by renewed procurement from downstream automotive and packaging industries.
• In June 2025, prices rose further as producers faced cost-side pressure and demand from domestic converters gained pace.
• The Styrene Copolymer Production Cost Trend reflected upstream fluctuations in styrene and acrylonitrile, especially with benzene cost movements.
• The Styrene Copolymer Demand Outlook remained positive as the building materials sector showed signs of recovery and packaging orders stabilized.
Why did the price of Styrene Copolymer remain stable in July 2025 in USA?
• In July 2025, the Price Index remained largely stable as demand from key downstream sectors stabilized amid steady input costs.
• The Q3 Styrene Copolymer Price Forecast points to range-bound movement as inventories adjust to typical summer demand.
APAC
• The Styrene Copolymer Spot Price in India declined steadily through Q2 2025, with the Price Index registering a clear downtrend by June.
• In April, demand from the household appliance and electrical component segments remained subdued, prompting traders to lower offers.
• May saw continued price pressure as imports increased and converters operated with existing inventory under a cautious procurement environment.
• In June 2025, prices dropped further due to a bearish buying trend, despite slight recovery in automotive parts manufacturing.
• The Styrene Copolymer Production Cost Trend moved lower in line with falling styrene monomer and acrylonitrile feedstock costs.
• The Styrene Copolymer Demand Outlook remained weak for most of Q2, especially from consumer electronics and FMCG packaging segments.
Why did the price of Styrene Copolymer remain under pressure in July 2025 in Asia?
• In July 2025, the Price Index remained under slight pressure due to slow downstream offtake and abundant inventory.
• The Q3 Styrene Copolymer Price Forecast indicates minimal near-term improvement unless seasonal restocking intensifies.
Europe
• The Styrene Copolymer Spot Price in Germany remained mostly stable during Q2 2025, with the Price Index showing minor fluctuations across the quarter.
• In April, prices dipped slightly due to limited automotive production and weak demand from the consumer electronics sector.
• May brought marginal improvement as packaging-related inquiries improved, though volumes remained below seasonal expectations.
• In June 2025, the market held flat as both feedstock cost pressures and demand trends balanced out, keeping prices in a narrow band.
• The Styrene Copolymer Production Cost Trend reflected moderate fluctuations in upstream styrene and acrylonitrile inputs.
• The Styrene Copolymer Demand Outlook for Q2 was relatively restrained, with no significant surge from major downstream sectors.
Why did the price of Styrene Copolymer remain stable in July 2025 in Europe?
• In July 2025, the Price Index remained largely unchanged as demand from packaging and appliance sectors failed to gain traction.
• The Q3 Styrene Copolymer Price Forecast suggests continued stability unless feedstock volatility re-emerges.
For the Quarter Ending March 2025
North America
In Q1 2025, the North American Styrene Copolymer market showed a mixed price trajectory influenced by feedstock costs, demand fluctuations, and supply chain dynamics. In USA, January began with a 3.6% price increase, driven by strong demand from the automobile and packaging sectors and increased feedstock styrene prices, which pushed production costs higher. Manufacturers responded by scaling up production and adjusting inventories to meet procurement needs, despite some logistical delays affecting delivery times.
February continued the upward trend, supported by robust demand from the automobile and consumer electronics industries. Tight upstream supplies due to reduced refinery throughput and elevated energy costs sustained price pressure. However, in March, prices decreased by 1.2%, settling at USD 1,650 per MT. This decline was due to reduced feedstock prices, cautious buying behaviour by automobile companies amid uncertain future costs, and reduced packaging sector procurement due to rising inventories and a shift toward sustainable alternatives.
Overall, the quarter reflected a cautious balance between steady demand and fluctuating input costs, with manufacturers maintaining stable production rates amid moderate market optimism.
APAC
The APAC region, specifically India, experienced a pronounced price growth in Styrene Copolymer during Q1 2025, largely driven by supply constraints and strong downstream demand. January prices rose by 3.6%, fuelled by strong automobile and packaging sector demand, higher feedstock styrene costs, and logistical challenges including increased freight charges. This trend continued in February, with prices rising significantly by 8%, showing intensified cost pressures from limited feedstock availability and port congestion, alongside firm import demand. Domestic production remained limited, increasing reliance on imports from Northeast Asia, which faced delays and supply shortages. Despite these challenges, downstream sectors such as automobiles and packaging maintained strong procurement activity, supported by record passenger vehicle sales and growing flexible packaging demand. In March, the market stabilized with a marginal 0.1% price increase, as feedstock prices decreased slightly and import flows normalized. The packaging sector’s steady growth and moderate automobile sales gains sustained demand, while supply chain improvements prevented further price changes. Thus, the market was characterized by sharp early-quarter price rises followed by stabilization amid supply-demand balancing.
Europe
In Q1 2025, the Styrene Copolymer market in Europe showed a fluctuating price trend, shaped by feedstock availability, changes in downstream demand, and economic conditions. Especially in Germany, during January, prices increased notably, driven by strong demand from the automobile and construction sectors, along with the growth in feedstock styrene costs. Supply chain disruptions, including port congestion and increased freight rates, further contributed to the price hikes. February saw continued price growth, supported by the constant demand from packaging and consumer electronics industries. Limited domestic production and constrained imports from Asia led to tight supply conditions, maintaining the upward price momentum. However, in March, prices were observed to have got decreased, as downstream procurement slowed due to cautious buying behaviour, particularly in the automobile and packaging sectors. Rising inventories and a shift toward recycled alternatives also affected the demand. Overall, the quarter reflected early price surges followed by stabilization, with manufacturers maintaining steady production rates amid moderate market optimism and improved supply conditions.
