As of October 2025, ASA prices in South Korea were stable as decreasing styrene and acrylonitrile prices by 5.41% and 3.17% respectively compensated weak demand. Sufficient supply, smooth logistics and stable output led to steady prices, but weaker consumption was constrained by slowing automotive and construction industries.
In South Korea, prices for Acrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate (ASA) were largely stable throughout the month of October 2025, as lower costs for feedstock compensated for relatively weaker downstream demand and overall tariff-induced headwinds. Price stability can also come down to supply and demand dynamics being balanced aided by consistent production costs from manufacturers, as well as availability of feedstock. In terms of pricing for styrene and acrylonitrile, two of the primary raw materials that are necessary to produce ASA, both declined by 5.41% and 3.17%, respectively, assisting in alleviating production costs and consequently allowing suppliers to maintain stable production rates and output for ASA without vastly modifying their pricing.
From the industrial front, LG Chem's Petrochemicals Company, which holds a promising position in the sector, disclosed revenues of KRW 4.4609 trillion and an operating profit of KRW 29.1 billion during the quarter, demonstrating improvement in its product spreads largely attributed to improved costs. Overall sales were down from the previous quarter, partly due to weaker export performance and U.S. tariffs, but the fact that the company returned to profitability showed that reduced feedstock prices and efficient production helped it. Market participants, however, suggest that the company may be challenged in the fourth quarter, given global demand weakness which could limit production output.
In terms of supply, ASA availability in South Korea was adequate this month. Surplus inventories of styrene and acrylonitrile supported uninterrupted production. Port activity was smooth, with distribution across domestic and regional markets occurring in a timely manner. Supply shortfalls were not observed, and logistical networks were functioning efficiently, reaffirming the market’s ability to address industrial needs in the near-term.
South Korea manufacturing's slowdown in October lowered demand for ASA consumption. Manufacturing's decline impacted two key consuming markets, the automotive and construction sectors. The domestic sales of light vehicles fell 17.7% year-on-year, at 102,364 units, which impacted demand for ASA used in exterior trims and components requiring weather-resistance. Construction also saw a decline in litigation and projects starting, with estimates down 16%, which also negatively impacted demand for ASA used in panelling, window frames, and outdoor structures. High financing costs and delays in project completions, also limited demand for materials.
Nevertheless, external demand delivered some respite. The firm pace set by automobile sales in the United States (1,273,378 units with 1.35% growth m-o-m) and China (3,322,000 units with 2.98% growth m-o-m) retained export prospects although construction activity remains strong in Vietnam with its USD 28.54 billion in foreign direct investment, South Korean ASA shipments remained active.
According to ChemAnalyst's expectation, ASA price trend is expected to remain under pressure in the upcoming sessions. The expectation of the fluctuation on ASA price is associated with the anticipation of no major change in the demand from the global market. The adequate inventories level among the market participants are expected to showcase lower accumulation activities which is expected to impact the ASA price in near term.
