Acrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate (ASA) prices in South Korea had slightly softened, and prices stabilized in September 2025. This slight decline in the ASA price indicates broader cost containment, in the face of increased consumption in major segments that highlight the continued demand for this material in weather-resistant applications in the automotive and construction industries.
Mixed feedstock input signals drove the price trend. Styrene, which remains a major component, slipped down 1.7% amid continued oversupply, and acrylate monomers were also lower providing some cushion to a 0.45% rise in acrylonitrile. These movements continued to support manufacturers in maintaining ASA production costs in a range that mitigated sharp pricing volatility.
In terms of supply, ASA availability was adequate and inventories were enough to cover the growing demands of South Korea's recovering construction and manufacturing sectors. Demand has outstripped expectations, driven mostly by government-sponsored housing initiatives, such as the 9.7 Housing Supply Strategy, and the introduction of new product offerings. Producers adjusted output schedules and redirected resources to priority areas while also improving distribution logistics. Due to the proactive chain optimization, screening and inland access showed no delays at the ports. Being well-stocked in both styrene and acrylate provided additional support as costs could be managed to allow limited capacity expansions based on global signals without getting ahead of over-supplying.
Demand indicators illustrated resilience, albeit with opposing forces. Manufacturing activities in Korea rose into expansion territory, supported by new product launches and an increase in export orders of 15 percent. This momentum directly resulted in stronger ASA uptake especially at domestic heavyweights manufacturing vehicle exteriors and structural panels. Automotive sales by the top 5 makers in the country were 124,515 units last month, representing a month-over-month increase of 12.22 percent and a year-over-year increase of 18.1 percent, increasing overall requirements for lightweight, UV-durable components such as bumpers and trim.
Construction echoed this cautious optimism. The Construction Business Sentiment Index (CBSI) edged up to 73.3, with residential sentiment brightening amid policy pushes for affordable units. Yet, ASA's role in sealants, cladding, and roofing faced headwinds from escalating input prices, skilled labor gaps, and funding squeezes. South Korean ASA shipments overseas remained steady as auto markets diverged in recovery.
As per the ChemAnalyst anticipation, the ASA price is expected to showcase bearishness in the upcoming sessions. This anticipation of fall in the ASA price is primarily linked to tariff discussions and variability in feedstock availability, suppliers may rationalize volumes with an emphasis on flexibility rather than aggressive growth.
