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.
For the Quarter Ending March 2025
North America
In Q1 2025, the North American ABS market experienced a gradual upward trend. The quarter began with modest gains in February, as tight feedstock supply and rising styrene costs pushed prices up by 2.2%. Supply constraints, coupled with strong export activity, especially to Europe and Asia, reinforced bullish sentiment.
Throughout March, ABS prices remained firm, supported by stable domestic production, scheduled maintenance outages, and resilient demand from the automotive and electronics sectors. The U.S. auto industry posted a 4.8% year-on-year growth in Q1 sales, with strong SUV and EV demand sustaining downstream consumption. Supply chain improvements and balanced inventory levels helped stabilize market dynamics despite global economic uncertainties.
April opened with a sharp 2% price surge, driven by higher feedstock costs and tightening regional supply. Overall, the quarter was characterized by strong demand fundamentals, export-driven momentum, and firm upstream costs creating a favorable environment for ABS producers to implement gradual price hikes. The outlook remains cautiously optimistic, with demand expected to remain steady and upstream volatility continuing to shape pricing trends.
APAC
During Q1 2025, Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) prices in the Asian market, particularly China, exhibited a moderate declining trend, reflecting a quarterly drop of approximately 6.5%. Prices fell from USD 1595/MT in early January to around USD 1490/MT by the end of March, driven by a persistent imbalance between ample supply and subdued demand. The Chinese ABS market remained under pressure throughout the quarter as domestic production stayed elevated, leading to significant inventory accumulation. Feedstock costs, including acrylonitrile, butadiene, and styrene, offered limited to no support, with most remaining weak amid bearish fundamentals. On the demand side, sluggish procurement from downstream sectors, especially automotive and electronics, constrained any meaningful recovery. Post-holiday restarts were slow, and buying interest remained conservative, contributing to delayed order placements and downward price momentum. Meanwhile, in Japan, ABS prices were largely stable, supported by balanced supply-demand fundamentals and resilient export flows. Despite challenges in the automotive sector, disciplined inventory control and steady offtake helped preserve pricing stability. Overall, the first quarter of 2025 marked a phase of weak consolidation for ABS in Asia, with China leading the regional decline due to oversupply and lackluster downstream consumption.
Europe
During Q1 2025, Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) prices in Europe followed an overall upward trajectory, supported by rising feedstock costs, supply disruptions, and periodic demand recovery. Prices surged in early January, driven by tight supply following INEOS Styrolution’s force majeure and elevated styrene costs, peaking at USD 2230/MT in mid-March. February witnessed steady-to-firm pricing amid rising upstream costs and logistical bottlenecks, including strikes and port incidents, which limited import availability and encouraged reliance on domestic supply. In March, while the first half of the month sustained bullish momentum due to stable automotive and appliance sector demand, the second half saw a correction as oversupply concerns and weak automotive sales emerged. By quarter-end, prices settled at around USD 2180/MT, reflecting a mild drop but still above January’s early levels, reinforcing the quarterly gain. Overall, ABS prices in Q1 2025 increased on a quarterly average basis, underpinned by cost-push inflation, intermittent supply constraints, and selective downstream restocking, particularly from the automotive sector, despite broader macroeconomic headwinds.
South America
In Q1 2025, Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) prices in South America followed an overall upward trend, underpinned by resilient demand from the automotive sector and evolving global supply dynamics. Prices opened the quarter at around USD 1,615/MT in January and climbed to USD 1,625/MT by early April, reflecting an approximate 0.6% quarterly gain. The quarter began with firm cost support from rising freight and oil prices, as well as supply disruptions tied to U.S. tariffs and shipping constraints. Brazil’s strong vehicle production and growing electric vehicle segment continued to bolster ABS consumption throughout the period. Although February saw brief price dips amid cautious demand and lower import costs from South Korea, March brought stability, followed by a modest rebound in April amid tight overseas supply due to maintenance at South Korean plants. Despite macroeconomic challenges like high interest rates and tempered consumer confidence, Brazil’s auto sector remained a key growth engine. Robust import planning and steady procurement helped maintain balanced market conditions. As a result, domestic ABS suppliers upheld firm pricing strategies, supporting a modest yet positive price trajectory for the quarter.
For the Quarter Ending December 2024
North America
In Q4 2024, the ABS market in North America experienced a downward price trend influenced by softened manufacturing costs, supply chain disruptions, and fluctuating demand dynamics. October saw a 3.2% price decline, driven by lower crude oil and feedstock styrene costs, alongside eased production expenses. Supply-side challenges, including potential East Coast and Gulf Coast port disruptions and delays, added pressure on pricing.
By November, prices dipped significantly, supported by the stable automotive demand, ample supplies, and lowered feedstock Styrene costs. Moreover, holiday-related disruptions and delayed imports limited supply-chain flexibility. In December, further geopolitical tensions and port congestion exacerbated logistical challenges, while extended winter holidays dampened end-year purchases. Despite these factors, automotive demand remained stable, with light vehicle sales increasing 2.4% year-on-year in December.
Overall, while lower feedstock and production costs softened ABS prices early in the quarter, stable automotive sector demand and tighter supply conditions prevented further declines. This balance maintained moderate price stability heading into early 2025.
APAC
The Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) market in Asia exhibited a marginally decreasing price trend in Q4 2024 due to persistent supply-demand imbalances and cost-side fluctuations. During October, weak demand from downstream industries, including home appliances, and high inventory levels pressured spot prices. While the "Golden September and Silver October" period provided some early support, it failed to sustain demand momentum, leading to a price decline by mid-November. Supply levels remained ample throughout the quarter, with key producers like Tianjin Dagu and Jilin Petrochemical operating at elevated rates despite maintenance activities. Inventory levels, although reduced slightly in December, continued to exert downward pressure on prices. On the demand side, government subsidies and shopping festivals in November and December boosted short-term sales and inventory digestion, particularly in the home appliance sector. Export-oriented procurement also improved market circulation. However, concerns over overdrawn future consumption and subdued terminal stocking activity constrained a significant recovery in prices. By the end of December, steady production rates and sufficient stock availability maintained the market balance, while declining styrene costs offered moderate relief. Overall, ABS prices in Asia remained stable but leaned slightly downward amid ongoing supply surpluses and modest demand recovery.
Europe
The European ABS market witnessed a marginally decreasing price trend in Q4 2024, influenced by oversupply, subdued demand in key sectors, and fluctuations in upstream costs. Early in the quarter, the price decline in Germany was driven by lower styrene prices. Logistical challenges, including port congestion and disrupted shipping routes, further weighed on the market. Despite stable domestic production, the automotive sector, the primary consumer of ABS, faced significant headwinds. Volkswagen's 60% profit slump and plant closures, alongside challenges at Stellantis, underscored the sector's struggles, as a 6% year-on-year rise in October vehicle registrations was offset by weak EV sales and declining private car registrations. As the quarter progressed, demand for ABS remained steady, supported by government measures and stable requirements from the appliance and electronics sectors. Freight rate increases from Asia in December caused minimal disruption to local supply chains, while anti-dumping duties on imports from South Korea and Taiwan hinted at potential future support for European producers. By December, balanced supply-demand dynamics and steady feedstock costs stabilized ABS prices, but the sector's recovery remains contingent on transformative changes in the automotive industry and broader economic revitalization in Europe.
South America
In Q4 2024, ABS prices in South America, particularly in Brazil, exhibited a marginally declining trend due to a combination of weak demand and abundant supply. Prices dropped, as subdued import costs from Asia and lower upstream crude oil and Styrene prices influenced the market. Brent crude oil prices fell to USD 75.29 per barrel, driving down production costs. Oversupply persisted due to increased imports from South Korea and China, where softened regional demand and competitive pricing strategies maintained high export volumes. On the demand side, Brazil’s automotive sector demonstrated mixed performance. Domestic vehicle sales rose by 12.1% in October, with production climbing 8.3% month-over-month. However, rising imports of auto components and a cautious economic outlook, including inflation reaching 4.76% year-on-year in October, limited broader ABS demand. The impact of a customs strike disrupting major ports like Santos was mitigated by efficient domestic production, ensuring market stability despite logistical challenges. Overall, the South American ABS market faced downward price pressure in Q4 2024, driven by oversupply and economic uncertainties, with moderate support from the recovering automotive sector.
For the Quarter Ending September 2024
North America
In the third quarter of 2024, the Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) market in the North American region experienced a stable pricing environment, as the demand and supply remained balanced throughout this quarter.
The US ABS market was influenced by factors such as balanced demand and supply dynamics, steady production rates, and stable feedstock prices. The USA exhibited the most significant price changes, with fluctuations driven by reduced production rates, higher export selling costs, and the impact of natural disasters like Hurricane Francine.
Moreover, compared to the previous quarter in 2024, prices remained unchanged, indicating a period of price stability. The price comparison between the first and second half of the quarter also showed no significant changes, further highlighting the stable pricing trend. As Q3 2024 came to a close, the price of ABS Natural Grade in the USA stood at USD 1883/MT, DEL Texas in the last week of the quarter, underscoring the continued stability in the market despite various external factors influencing pricing.
APAC
In the quarter ending September 2024, the Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) market in the APAC region experienced a period of marginal decline in prices. This trend was primarily influenced by several significant factors, including weak demand in key sectors such as automotive and home appliances, an adequate supply of ABS in the market, and paused trading activity. From the ABS demand perspective, As we enter August 2024, there has been no improvement in the export demand for ABS in the APAC region. Some home appliance manufacturers are continuing to display need-based demand scenarios in the domestic market, and downstream factories are operating at low capacities, focusing mainly on necessities and showing weak stocking activity. While some traders are attempting to sell at lower prices amid heightened competition in the regional market, overall market momentum remains sluggish in the ABS industry. The overall supply chain disruptions, especially due to heavy rains, further tightened the ABS supplies for the time being. Specifically focusing on Japan, the market witnessed the most substantial price changes during the quarter. There was a slight uptick of 1.6% from the previous quarter in 2024. The price comparison between the first and second half of the quarter showed a decrease of 1%. The quarter-ending price for ABS Injection Moulding FOB Tokyo in Japan was recorded at USD 1450/MT in the last week of September 2024, reflecting the prevailing negative pricing environment in the region.
Europe
In the third quarter of 2024, the European Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) market witnessed a stable trend in prices, driven by various factors. The quarter began with a surge in production input costs, particularly raw materials and energy, prompting buyers in the Eurozone to seek price concessions. Additionally, fluctuating upstream crude oil prices added to the market uncertainty, while surging container shipping costs from Asia further complicated the pricing landscape. Despite seasonal demand fluctuations and economic uncertainties, market participants closely monitored potential price increases throughout the quarter. In Germany, the market experienced the most significant price changes, reflecting overall trends in the region. The quarter exhibited a 1% increase from the previous quarter. The price comparison between the first and second half of the quarter showed a 1.1% increase. Ultimately, the quarter-ending price for ABS Compounding Grade FD Hamburg in Germany stood at USD 2115/MT in the last week of September 2024 and signaled a slow upward trajectory in the pricing environment.
South America
In the quarter ending September 2024, the Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) market in South America experienced a significant downward trend in prices, heavily influenced by various factors. One key factor contributing to the price decline was the persistent oversupply of ABS in the market, leading to increased competition and price pressures. Additionally, weakening demand from downstream industries, such as automotive and home appliances, further exacerbated the pricing challenges faced by ABS producers in the region. The ongoing global economic uncertainties and trade tensions also played a role in dampening ABS prices, as market participants navigated through volatile conditions. Brazil, in particular, witnessed the most substantial price changes within the region during Q3 2024. The ABS pricing landscape in Brazil reflected a consistent negative trend. Despite a slight uptick of 2% from the previous quarter in 2024, the overall price comparison between the first and second half of the quarter showed a 2.2% decrease. The quarter-ending price for ABS High Injection Moulding CFR Santos in Brazil stood at USD 1720/MT in the last week of September 2024, marking a continuation of the prevailing downward sentiment in the pricing environment.
FAQs
Q1. What is the current price trend of ABS across regions?
The ABS Price Index exhibited marginal declines in July 2025 in North America (-0.8%), Europe (-0.5%), and South America (-1.0%), while it remained stable in Asia.
Q2. Who are the top ABS producers in Asia?
Key producers include Kumho Petrochemical (South Korea), LG Chem, and Formosa Chemicals & Fibre Corp. (Taiwan).
Q3. What factors influenced the ABS Production Cost Trend in Q2 2025?
Soft feedstock prices (styrene, butadiene, acrylonitrile), steady energy costs, and logistical improvements were the primary factors driving a flat to soft production cost environment.
Q4. What is the ABS Demand Outlook for H2 2025?
Demand is expected to remain subdued across automotive and electronics sectors globally, though Thailand’s EV sector and Latin American vehicle exports offer pockets of resilience.
