The Styrene Copolymer market in India is set to experience a gradual recovery in prices in the coming months, after a bearish April 2025. ChemAnalyst’s observations showed that the prices had got reduced by 1.5% compared to March. This decrease in quotes was mainly because of average demand for Styrene Copolymer from downstream sectors, particularly packaging and electronics, which showed moderate production activity. The packaging sector operated largely on pre-existing inventories, while electronics manufacturers followed a cautious approach due to weak consumer sentiment. This resulted in overall moderate offtakes in the Styrene Copolymer market.

In April, importers and traders were seen offering discounts to increase sales volumes in a declining market. On the cost side, feedstock Styrene prices dropped further, due to lower benzene prices and limited trading activity. However, there was some relief in terms of logistics, as stabilization in freight charges improved the shipping conditions. Despite this, higher Styrene Copolymer stock levels kept the market sentiment moderate. The outlook remained unfavourable in April, although expectations began to build for a seasonal growth in Styrene Copolymer demand in the near future.

In terms of supplies, India continued to rely heavily on imports to fulfil its Styrene Copolymer needs. Shipments constantly arrived from South Korea and Taiwan for flexible packaging and electronics’ applications. Domestic production was limited and focused on specialty grades. Indian Styrene Copolymer manufacturers were sceptical due to reduced downstream orders, while traders and downstream companies had surplus inventory. This affected the purchase volumes despite falling prices. International producers continued their dispatches to Indian ports, ensuring stable availability in the market. The firm expects the average monthly prices for Styrene Copolymer to have got increased by 1% in May 2025.

Looking Forward, as per ChemAnalyst, prices are likely to show a 1.5% increase in June and further growth in July 2025. Growth in Styrene Copolymer costs would be supported by the potential changes in demand from the packaging sector as FMCG and retail manufacturers prepare for the monsoon season. Stable freight rates may reduce cost-side fluctuations, supporting margin recovery for importers, and they might also resume restocking their inventories, expecting gradual improvements in orders from downstream companies.

In June, increase in infrastructure activities and consumer-driven markets are likely to push the demand higher for Styrene Copolymer grades used in electronics housings and flexible films. At the same time, tighter regional supply conditions, especially in Southeast Asia, could lead to higher import offers. July may continue this trend, as the electronics manufacturing sector remains active. Strong international price movements and stability in the forex market are expected to support the purchase interests of downstream companies, keeping the Styrene Copolymer market on an upward trajectory.