For the Quarter Ending March 2026
Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) Prices in North America
- In the USA, the Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene Price Index rose by 8.92% quarter-over-quarter, driven by feedstock and logistics pressures.
- The average Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene price for the quarter was approximately USD 1725.67/MT, based on regional assessments.
- Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene Spot Price tightened as seaborne inflows and inventories failed to meet converter demand.
- Regional Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene Price Forecast revised higher reflecting prolonged styrene cost inflation and constrained Atlantic Basin exports.
- Observed Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene Production Cost Trend showed rising styrene and freight costs eroding producer margins.
- Short-term Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene Demand Outlook remains firm from automotive and appliance sectors, supporting immediate near-term procurement.
- The Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene Price Index reflected volatile March spikes tied to Middle East disruption and SM maintenance.
- Elevated freight, insurance, and diesel influenced Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene Spot Price and restrained distributor replenishment activity.
Why did the price of Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene change in March 2026 in North America?
- Severe Middle East conflict pushed crude and freight costs higher, transmitting through to styrene and transport expenses.
- Planned Gulf Coast styrene unit maintenance tightened domestic SM availability, increasing ABS production variable costs.
- Downstream buyers accelerated purchases to secure resin, reducing prompt inventories and amplifying short-term price pressure.
Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) Prices in APAC
- In Japan, Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene Price Index rose by 7.20% quarter-over-quarter, driven by feedstock tightness.
- The average Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene price for the quarter was approximately USD 2234.00/MT, weighted regionally.
- Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene Spot Price gained as import availability tightened, lifting the domestic Price Index.
- Rising benzene and styrene costs firmed Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene Production Cost Trend, pressuring producer margins.
- Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene Demand Outlook improved due to automotive and appliance restocking ahead of year-end.
- Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene Price Forecast remains upward short term amid tight feedstocks and constrained imports.
- Unplanned cracker outage and strike activity reduced domestic throughput, elevating Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene Price Index.
- Export inquiries accelerated as inventories thinned, lifting Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene Spot Price across regional hubs.
- Energy-linked tariff rises and reduced naphtha tightened margins, pushing Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene Production Cost Trend.
Why did the price of Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene change in March 2026 in APAC?
- Mizushima cracker fire and outages slashed feedstock availability, sharply increasing replacement costs and tightening supply.
- Middle East conflict elevated crude and monomer benchmarks, increasing styrene, acrylonitrile and freight insurance costs.
- Fiscal year-end front-loading, depleted coastal inventories and labour strikes accelerated procurement, magnifying short-term pricing pressures.
Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) Prices in Europe
- In Germany, the Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) Price Index rose by 4.77% quarter-over-quarter, driven by firmer feedstock and steady demand.
- The average Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) price for the quarter was approximately USD 2130/MT assessed.
- Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) Spot Price tightened mid-quarter as constrained imports and elevated freight reduced available cargoes.
- Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) Price Forecast near-term projects modest firmness amid ongoing feedstock-driven upward pressure.
- Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) Production Cost Trend showed increases as styrene and energy costs rose, pressuring producer margins.
- Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) Demand Outlook remains steady with automotive and appliance restocking gradually supporting consumption.
- Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) Price Index strength coincided with distributor inventory draws and firmer export demand.
- Producers operated at normal run-rates with no major turnarounds, limiting supply shocks despite logistical and geopolitical risks.
Why did the price of Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene change in March 2026 in Europe?
- Tighter styrene and acrylonitrile availability raised production costs, transmitting upward pressure onto regional ABS pricing.
- Export inquiries and reduced import cargoes tightened domestic availability, allowing sellers to moderately lift offers.
- Higher freight, insurance and energy costs, plus Middle East disruptions, increased logistics expenses and cost-pass-through.
Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) Prices in South America
- In Brazil, the Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene Price Index rose by 7.58% quarter-over-quarter, and freight pressure.
- The average Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene price for the quarter was approximately USD 1519.00/MT, per assessments.
- Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene Spot Price firmed on reduced arrivals and rising replacement costs across Santos.
- Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene Price Forecast indicates near-term firmness as logistical constraints and feedstock costs persist.
- Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene Production Cost Trend rose as crude and naphtha increases lifted monomer expenses.
- Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene Demand Outlook steady as automotive and appliance demand supports cautious spot buying.
- Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene Price Index strengthened after US volume redirections and seller discipline limited concessions.
- Logistical bottlenecks and higher bunker costs constrained arrivals, raising landed values prompting distributor restocking behavior.
Why did the price of Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene change in March 2026 in South America?
- Escalating Middle East conflict pushed crude and naphtha prices, raising ABS feedstock costs sharply.
- Severe freight increases and vessel shortages reduced import arrivals, tightening supply into Santos warehouses.
- Distributors re-priced to cover higher replacement costs as automotive and appliance demand remained supportive.
For the Quarter Ending December 2025
North America
- In USA, the Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene Price Index fell by 6.25% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting weaker automotive demand.
- The average Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene price for the quarter was approximately USD 1584.33/MT, per FOB and DEL data.
- Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene Spot Price remained range-bound amid balanced inventories and steady Gulf-Coast production, limiting volatility.
- Market participants' Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene Price Forecast shows modest recovery early next year, conditioned by seasonal restocking.
- Stable shale-derived butadiene and acrylonitrile supported Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene Production Cost Trend, while styrene volatility added upward pressure.
- Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene Demand Outlook remains subdued as automotive and electronics buying softened amid uncertain incentives.
- Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene Price Index faced downward pressure from elevated stocks and competitive imports, partially offset by higher freight.
- Gulf-Coast producers ran steady operating rates, keeping supply stable while converters delayed restocking, sustaining subdued spot activity.
- Export demand remained muted, constraining upside despite expectations in regional Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene Price Forecast.
Why did the price of Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene change in December 2025 in North America?
- Balanced domestic supply and steady imports stabilized prices despite softer converter buying and cautious procurement.
- Feedstock cost relief from shale butadiene and acrylonitrile contained production pressures, while styrene volatility pressured margins.
- Logistics remained fluid across Gulf and Atlantic ports, supporting inventory balance and limiting short-term price spikes.
APAC
- In Japan, the Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene Price Index fell by 12.9% quarter-over-quarter, due to oversupply.
- The average Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene price for the quarter was approximately USD 1318.33/MT, per market assessment.
- Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene Spot Price stayed range-bound as inventories remained high, limiting sellers' pricing power.
- Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene Price Forecast points to limited upside amid persistent oversupply and cautious buying.
- Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene Production Cost Trend remained stable as styrene rose slightly, leaving costs flat.
- Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene Demand Outlook remains subdued due to falling vehicle sales and cautious procurement.
- Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene Price Index reflected exporter discounts and weak spot buying, pressuring offers downward.
- Export demand weakness and elevated stocks pressured offers while major producers maintained normal plant operations.
Why did the price of Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene change in December 2025 in APAC?
- Oversupply from domestic run-rates and Asian imports reduced spot tightness, forcing sellers to cut offers.
- Mixed feedstock movements and slight styrene rise failed to offset flat acrylonitrile and butadiene costs.
- Weak automotive demand, cautious procurement, and regional flood-related logistics disruptions further dampened December pricing momentum.
Europe
- In Germany, the Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene Price Index fell by 3.36% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting ample supply.
- The average Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene price for the quarter was approximately USD 2108.00/MT, FD Hamburg.
- Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene Spot Price remained range-bound as steady operating rates and manageable inventories limited volatility overall.
- Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene Price Forecast indicates modest recovery potential supported by seasonal restocking and automotive demand.
- Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene Production Cost Trend showed flat feedstock costs, constraining rationale for significant price gains.
- Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene Demand Outlook remained cautious with automotive stability offsetting weaker industrial and appliance orders.
- Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene Price Index showed mild downward bias driven by distributor destocking and ample upstream availability.
- ABS Spot Price and export flows tempered upside despite logistical delays and normalised port operations.
Why did the price of Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene change in December 2025 in Europe?
- Balanced domestic production and adequate inventories limited upward price pressure despite localized disruptions at terminals.
- Stable feedstock and flat feedstock cost environment reduced production cost pass-through to resin offers by suppliers.
- Cautious procurement, distributor destocking and muted downstream demand outweighed seasonal restocking support during early December.
South America
- In Brazil, the Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene Price Index fell by 4.87% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting elevated import availability.
- The average Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene price for the quarter was approximately USD 1412.00/MT, per CFR Santos data.
- Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene Spot Price movements remained muted amid balanced imports and calm distributor inventory levels.
- Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene Price Forecast points to modest volatility with limited upside unless automotive demand accelerates.
- Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene Production Cost Trend showed stability as feedstock and freight remained broadly unchanged during Q4.
- Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene Demand Outlook remains cautious with automotive recovery offset by weaker retail and slower industrial orders.
- Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene Price Index reflected pressure from abundant imports and distributor discounting across domestic merchant channels.
- Logistics bottlenecks intermittently tightened local availability, but steady vessel arrivals largely prevented significant inventory swings.
Why did the price of Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene change in December 2025 in South America?
- Elevated import volumes and distributor discounting increased local availability, exerting downward pressure on market pricing.
- Stable feedstock costs and steady freight limited production cost inflation, reducing incentives for producers to raise offers.
- Automotive demand recovery was modest while downstream buying remained cautious, moderating immediate upward price momentum.
For the Quarter Ending September 2025
North America
- In USA, the Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene Price Index fell by 6.08% quarter-over-quarter, driven by imports.
- The average Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene price for the quarter was approximately USD 1690.00/MT, reported nationally.
- Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene Spot Price remained pressured by elevated imports and competitive Asian offers nationwide.
- Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene Price Forecast anticipates muted recovery as seasonal restocking offsets excess inventory pressure.
- Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene Production Cost Trend showed stability, steady styrene feedstock and stable energy costs.
- Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene Demand Outlook remains cautious as automotive restocking offsets weak consumer electronics procurement.
- Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene Price Index volatility moderated late quarter as balanced inventories limited further declines.
- Export demand weakness and improved port throughput constrained domestic pricing despite uninterrupted domestic producer operations.
Why did the price of Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene change in September 2025 in North America?
- Elevated imports increased available supply, outweighing demand and pressuring spot markets across several end-use segments.
- Stable styrene feedstock and muted energy costs removed cost-push support for prices during September effectively.
- Cautious downstream buying, inventory rebuilds, and competitive Asian offers limited upward momentum mid-September across regions.
APAC
- In Japan, the Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene Price Index fell by 2.8% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting persistent oversupply.
- The average Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene price for the quarter was approximately USD 2225.33/MT, supported by balanced inventories.
- Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene Spot Price softened amid steady plant run-rates, ample monomer supply and subdued domestic inquiries.
- Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene Production Cost Trend eased as benzene and butadiene prices declined, reducing pressure on the Price Index.
- Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene Demand Outlook remains weak due to substitution by PC/ABS blends and conservative converter procurement.
- Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene Price Forecast points to modest further declines if feedstock surplus and substitution persist into Q4.
- Export demand supported niche grades, while the Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene Price Index remained pressured by high domestic availability.
- Balanced inventories and efficient logistics limited volatility, as currency and energy tariffs modestly influenced production margins.
Why did the price of Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene change in September 2025 in APAC?
- Persistent feedstock abundances and high operating rates increased supply, driving the Price Index lower further.
- Substitution by PC/ABS blends and cautious converter procurement weakened domestic demand and limited upward price momentum.
- Reduced intra-Asia freight and softer benzene prices depressed import parity, while geopolitics kept suppliers cautious.
Europe
- In Germany, the Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene Price Index rose by 0.96% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting balanced supply.
- The average Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene price for the quarter was approximately USD 2181.33/MT, steady procurement.
- Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene Spot Price movements limited as distributors maintained cautious inventory and minimal buying.
- Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene Price Forecast remains range-bound, with maintenance-related supply tightness offering intermittent upward pressure.
- Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene Production Cost Trend eased due to lower energy and stable styrene prices.
- Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene Demand Outlook mixed; automotive restocking supports volumes while appliances demand remains weak.
- Moderate inventory and stable imports plus logistics improvements reduced disruptions, limiting Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene volatility.
- Regional producers operated steadily; occasional maintenance balanced production, supporting near-term Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene spot resilience.
Why did the price of Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene change in September 2025 in Europe?
- Sustained domestic production and steady imports maintained ample availability, limiting upward pressure on Price Index.
- Lower energy, steady styrene costs eased Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene production costs, reducing price push.
- Improved logistics shortened lead times, lowering spot volatility and tempering Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene demand impulses.
South America
- In Brazil, the Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene Price Index fell by 5.66% quarter-over-quarter, weaker import fundamentals.
- The average Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene price for the quarter was approximately USD 1484.33/MT nationally reported.
- Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene Spot Price remained range-bound amid steady imports and balanced converter inventories overall.
- Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene Production Cost Trend eased as global styrene softness limited feedstock pass-through impact.
- Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene Price Forecast signals muted near-term upside amid ample imports and cautious procurement.
- Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene Demand Outlook remains subdued; automotive weakness offset by appliance and electronics orders.
- Elevated inventories and competitive U.S. export offers pressured the Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene Price Index recently.
- Domestic plant operations stayed stable; import inflows, freight dynamics moderated Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene Price recovery.
Why did the price of Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene change in September 2025 in South America?
- U.S. export offers and ample imports reduced landed costs, weakening Brazilian ABS buying interest.
- Stable global styrene limited production cost pressure while diversified ports mitigated logistical disruptions supply.
- Subdued automotive production and cautious converter procurement constrained domestic demand, preventing upward price momentum.
For the Quarter Ending June 2025
North America
- In April 2025, ABS prices remained mostly steady across the U.S. due to balanced domestic production and average downstream interest.
- The ABS Price Index fell by 2.6% in May as overseas suppliers, especially from Vietnam and Southeast Asia, increased exports, leading to higher domestic availability.
- In June, the Price Index rose 2.8% due to a temporary rebound in automotive orders and buyer replenishment ahead of expected import arrivals.
- U.S. ports, particularly Los Angeles (+29.1%) and Long Beach (+18.8%), handled larger volumes during Q2, bolstering the ABS supply landscape.
- Freight costs declined during Q2, with Drewry’s World Container Index dropping 2.6%, easing the landed cost of imports.
- Pre-tariff inventory buildup led to sellers competing on price, increasing downward pressure on the Price Index by late June.
- Domestic production remained largely undisrupted through Q2, ensuring stable supply from U.S. manufacturers.
- Vietnamese ABS displaced some Chinese-origin volumes due to price competitiveness, intensifying market rivalry.
- In the downstream market, high average transaction prices (~USD 46,233) and tight financing conditions weighed heavily on U.S. auto sector demand by June.
- Demand in consumer electronics and appliance sectors showed prolonged weakness due to inflationary impacts and inventory discipline among retailers.
Why did the ABS Price Index change in July 2025 in North America?
- The ABS Price Index in North America decreased in July 2025 due to higher import availability, reduced freight costs, and cooling demand across automotive and consumer sectors.
Asia
- In April, ABS prices in Asia showed minimal movement as production remained aligned with moderate downstream activity.
- In May, buyer sentiment was cautious amid macroeconomic uncertainty, contributing to slower procurement across the region.
- Through June, the ABS Price Index held steady as reduced run rates at Kumho Petrochemical’s Ulsan plant limited Korean exports into Southeast Asia.
- Imports from China continued flowing into Thailand and nearby markets, creating an oversupplied regional scenario.
- Freight rates in intra-Asia lanes dropped by approximately 13% during Q2, reducing landed costs and stabilizing the ABS Production Cost Trend.
- Thai converters maintained high stock levels and deferred fresh purchases throughout Q2 due to weak feedstock pricing and seasonal demand lull.
- ABS feedstock prices, especially styrene, remained low during April–June, keeping cost pressure subdued for producers and importers.
- Thailand's EV market grew strongly during Q2, partially supporting ABS demand, despite sluggish performance from traditional electronics and appliance sectors.
- Regional procurement remained limited to need-based volumes due to limited confidence in downstream demand revival.
Why did the ABS Price Index change in July 2025 in Asia?
- The ABS Price Index in Asia remained stable in July 2025 due to balanced supply-demand dynamics, where reduced Korean supply was offset by weak non-automotive demand and high inventory levels.
Europe
- In April, ABS prices in Germany were mostly stable amid subdued market activity and no major production interruptions.
- The ABS Price Index declined by 0.7% in May due to weak feedstock support and sluggish demand across automotive and industrial sectors.
- June saw stable pricing supported by lower energy input costs and improved logistics at key ports such as Hamburg and Bremerhaven.
- ABS producers operated steadily in Q2, benefitting from smoother distribution flows and no significant force majeures.
- Feedstock prices, particularly for styrene and butadiene, trended lower during the quarter, maintaining a flat ABS Production Cost Trend.
- Inventory levels built up throughout Q2 as many converters avoided restocking ahead of the typical August production downtime.
- Weak consumption across household goods, appliances, and the auto sector remained a consistent drag on market momentum.
- Even as core inflation dropped to 2.7%, consumer sentiment remained weak, discouraging discretionary purchases and limiting ABS conversion rates.
- Real estate-related plastic demand provided only marginal support to the broader market scenario.
Why did the ABS Price Index change in July 2025 in Europe?
- The ABS Price Index in Europe decreased in July 2025 due to oversupply, sluggish demand in key sectors, and a lack of seasonal buying momentum.
South America
- In April, ABS prices in Brazil began to weaken amid rising inventories and early signs of softening demand in automotive applications.
- The ABS Price Index fell by 1.9% in May due to declining vehicle production and a downturn in key export orders.
- In June, prices stabilized as buying resumed at conservative volumes and port congestion at Santos improved marginally.
- U.S. and South Korean imports met most of Brazil’s ABS needs during Q2, ensuring no major supply bottlenecks despite regional logistical challenges.
- Freight rates increased slightly by June, though improved handling efficiency helped offset cost escalations at major terminals.
- Inventory rotation slowed, and many converters adopted cautious strategies by delaying fresh procurement or relying on existing stock.
- Domestic production remained limited, with the market heavily reliant on imported material throughout the quarter.
- Auto production dropped by 6.5% in June, and vehicle sales fell 5.7%, directly impacting ABS demand from OEMs and component suppliers.
- Market participants hesitated to place speculative orders amid rising uncertainties related to international trade, especially U.S.-China policy shifts.
Why did the ABS Price Index change in July 2025 in South America?
- The ABS Price Index in South America declined in July 2025 due to reduced auto output, cautious buying behaviour, and continued availability of U.S. and Asian-origin ABS.
