For the Quarter Ending June 2025
North America
• The Expanded Polystyrene Price Index in the USA displayed a fluctuating trend during Q2 2025, shaped by downstream construction demand and changing styrene costs.
• Prices rose significantly during April and May due to restocking activity from packaging firms and marginal improvement in housing insulation demand.
• In June 2025, prices dropped by 3.1% as procurement slowed down and upstream styrene values weakened, pressuring the market.
• The Expanded Polystyrene Production Cost Trend declined slightly in June, in line with reduced styrene monomer prices and normalized freight rates.
• Despite the dip in prices, the Expanded Polystyrene Demand Outlook remained steady, with moderate performance in both construction and packaging applications across key states.
Why did the price of Expanded Polystyrene change in July 2025 in North America?
• In July 2025, the Price Index rose notably, driven by seasonal pickup in construction insulation demand.
• The Q3 Expanded Polystyrene Price Forecast expects cautious optimism as supply remains balanced.
APAC
• In India, the Expanded Polystyrene Price Index exhibited a mixed trajectory throughout Q2 2025, influenced by variable demand from the packaging and electronics sectors.
• Prices increased in April due to steady demand from food-grade and insulation packaging firms, supported by consistent offtake in FMCG.
• May witnessed continued strength, driven by seasonal restocking and a modest recovery in domestic electronics component packaging.
• By June 2025, the price trend turned slightly bearish as procurement slowed amid inventory saturation and reduced feedstock cost pressures.
• The Expanded Polystyrene Production Cost Trend declined towards late Q2 due to falling styrene monomer prices and eased logistics constraints.
• The Expanded Polystyrene Demand Outlook in India remained moderate with short-term stability from packaging but subdued interest from downstream construction activity.
Why did the price of Expanded Polystyrene change in July 2025 in Asia?
• In July 2025, the Price Index showed recovery due to resumed packaging orders.
• The Q3 Expanded Polystyrene Price Forecast projects steady to moderate growth in Q3 amid festive season stock build-up.
Europe
• The Expanded Polystyrene Price Index in Germany displayed fluctuations through Q2 2025, driven by the changes in styrene costs and downstream sentiment in the construction and packaging industries.
• Prices rose during April and May due to summer stockpiling by insulation manufacturers and increase in domestic packaging orders.
• In June 2025, prices dropped by 1.6% as inventory levels stabilized and demand from civil construction reduced amid macroeconomic uncertainty.
• The Expanded Polystyrene Production Cost Trend reduced in late Q2 owing to a decline in styrene feedstock costs and reduction in energy prices.
• The Expanded Polystyrene Demand Outlook remained moderate, with the construction sector showing cautious activity and packaging firms limiting their procurement activity amid uncertain demand.
Why did the price of Expanded Polystyrene change in July 2025 in Europe?
• In July 2025, the Price Index fell by 3.6% as reduced construction output and lower orders from packaging segments pushed prices down.
• The Q3 2025 Expanded Polystyrene Price Forecast indicates potential stabilization if seasonal orders pick up in August.
For the Quarter Ending March 2025
North America
The Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) market in North America exhibited a cautious trend throughout Q1 2025, shaped by seasonal reduction in construction activities and moderate demand from packaging applications. Especially in USA, during January, EPS prices remained relatively steady amid limited procurement, as harsh winter weather suppressed insulation demand. February saw a marginal decline in prices, attributed to subdued industrial activity and high inventories in key distribution hubs.
However, March brought moderate improvements to the EPS market, with early construction restocking and a slight growth in packaging demand supporting price sentiment. Traders reported increased inquiries from insulation companies as weather conditions began to improve. Feedstock styrene prices remained largely stable, helping manufacturers manage their production costs efficiently.
Despite some competitive pressure from imports, suppliers in the region maintained consistent production rates and inventory control. The quarter concluded with EPS prices assessed at USD 1,200/MT by the end of March 2025, supported by gradually improving domestic consumption and expectations of seasonal construction growth in Q2.
APAC
Across the Asia-Pacific region, EPS market trends varied significantly by country but generally remained bearish through the first two months of the quarter. China witnessed continuous price decrease through January and February due to weak post-holiday demand and average downstream resumption, particularly in packaging and construction segments. Styrene feedstock prices also declined during this period, offering limited cost support. In early March, prices stabilized as seasonal construction activity picked up and downstream companies resumed operations more fully. In South Korea, EPS prices reduced slightly in February following a moderate rise in January, driven by modest export orders and a restocking push from packaging sectors. By March, prices showed signs of recovery due to tighter inventories and increased demand from infrastructure projects. In India, prices dropped significantly by February end amid bearish demand and increased import competition and then remained largely stable through March despite slight recovery in construction. Regional dynamics were shaped by a mix of cost-led pricing strategies and supply adjustments.
Europe
In Europe, during Q1 2025, quotes for EPS were influenced by moderate volatility and seasonally driven trends. January opened the market with relatively stable prices supported by ongoing insulation demand from cold-weather construction activity, particularly in Northern and Central Europe. However, February saw slight downward adjustments in prices, as the region faced reduced demand and average industrial production. Packaging demand, while consistent, failed to balance the decline in construction-related consumption. Producers managed to maintain operating efficiency, aided by stable styrene feedstock pricing, but rising competition from imports further affected the margins. By March, sentiment stabilized as pre-spring construction inquiries got increased, prompting some restocking activity across select markets like Germany and France. Nonetheless, the demand rebound was slow, and suppliers remained cautious with planning and maintaining their production rates. Overall, the European EPS market trend moved within a narrow price range through the quarter, with no major disruptions but limited growth rate due to continuous market hesitation and weak export demand.
For the Quarter Ending December 2024
North America
In Q4 2024, the Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) market in North America faced a period of adjustment amid shifting economic conditions and consumer preferences. The construction industry, historically a strong driver of EPS demand, encountered significant challenges due to rising interest rates that curtailed new housing projects and renovations. As a result, many EPS manufacturers reported decreased orders from construction firms, particularly for insulation applications.
However, the packaging sector emerged as a bright spot. The continued growth of e-commerce fuelled demand for EPS in protective packaging solutions, especially for fragile items. Companies focused on enhancing the performance characteristics of EPS packaging to meet the rising expectations for durability and sustainability.
Additionally, environmental regulations prompted manufacturers to invest in recycling technologies and explore bio-based alternatives to traditional EPS. By December, while some producers adjusted their inventories in response to fluctuating demand from construction, the overall market sentiment remained cautiously optimistic. Stakeholders anticipated that innovations in sustainable EPS solutions would drive recovery and growth into 2025, aligning with broader industry trends toward eco-friendliness.
APAC
In Q4 2024, the Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) market in the APAC region, particularly in China, saw dynamic shifts influenced by both demand and regulatory changes. The construction sector remained a primary driver, with EPS being increasingly adopted for thermal insulation in residential and commercial buildings. This trend was bolstered by government initiatives aimed at enhancing energy efficiency and reducing carbon footprints in line with sustainability goals.
The packaging industry also played a crucial role, with EPS used extensively for protective packaging in the booming e-commerce sector. As online shopping surged, companies sought lightweight and durable materials to ensure product safety during transit.
However, the market faced challenges from rising raw material costs and growing environmental concerns regarding plastic waste. In response, manufacturers began exploring biodegradable alternatives and enhancing recycling processes for EPS products. By December, while some companies adjusted their production schedules due to fluctuating demand, overall sentiment remained positive. Stakeholders anticipated continued growth into 2025, driven by innovations in sustainable EPS applications and increasing regulatory support for eco-friendly materials across the region, because of which prices of EPS were observed to be around USD 1,265 per MT.
Europe
In Q4 2024, the Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) market in Germany encountered significant headwinds, primarily driven by shifts in construction activity and regulatory pressures. The construction sector, which traditionally relies heavily on EPS for insulation, faced a downturn as rising interest rates dampened new housing projects and renovations. This slowdown led to reduced demand for EPS in thermal insulation applications, particularly in residential buildings.
Conversely, the packaging industry showed resilience, with EPS maintaining its role as a preferred material for protective packaging in e-commerce and food delivery services. The trend toward sustainable packaging solutions prompted manufacturers to innovate, exploring biodegradable alternatives and enhanced recycling processes for EPS products.
Additionally, regulatory changes aimed at reducing plastic waste further influenced market dynamics. Companies began investing in research to develop EPS formulations with lower environmental impacts, aligning with Germany's stringent sustainability goals. By December, while inventory levels adjusted due to reduced construction demand, the overall sentiment remained cautiously optimistic. Stakeholders anticipated a gradual recovery into 2025, driven by ongoing innovations and a potential rebound in construction activities.
For the Quarter Ending September 2024
North America
In Q3 2024, the North American Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) market experienced a continuous decline in prices, driven by a combination of factors affecting demand and supply dynamics. The market faced challenges such as reduced demand from key sectors like packaging and construction, alongside an oversupply scenario that further pressured prices downward. Additionally, economic uncertainties led to cautious purchasing strategies, while seasonal factors contributed to lower industrial activity.
In the United States, where these trends were most evident, the market observed a -3.0% decline in prices compared to the previous quarter. This trend highlighted the sustained pricing pressure, and the difficulty faced by producers in maintaining price stability amidst weakening demand. The second half of Q3 saw a sharper decline in prices, with a notable drop in September, driven by continued demand softness and high inventory levels.
The quarter concluded with the price of Expanded Polystyrene White DEL Texas at 1881 USD/MT, reflecting the lowest point of the period. This quarter-ending price underscored the overall bearish market sentiment and the ongoing challenges in the EPS sector, characterized by persistent downward pressure on pricing and subdued market conditions.
APAC
During Q3 2024, the Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) market in the APAC region exhibited a mild but consistent decline in prices, influenced by several contributing factors. Subdued demand from critical sectors like construction and packaging, coupled with an oversupply situation driven by high inventory levels and steady production rates, played a pivotal role in pushing prices downward. Market participants adopted a cautious purchasing approach amid global economic uncertainties, which further pressured prices. Additionally, a decrease in feedstock styrene costs helped lower production expenses, fostering a competitive pricing environment among manufacturers. In China, where the price changes were most pronounced, the market faced seasonal effects, with a typical slowdown in construction activities as winter approached, further diminishing demand. This decline was compounded by broader economic challenges, weakening export demand, and the buildup of inventories, contributing to the downward pressure on prices. The EPS market recorded a -1.3% decrease from the previous quarter and a -2% decline between the first and second halves of Q3. The quarter concluded with EPS prices at 1365 USD/MT FOB Qingdao, underscoring a challenging pricing environment shaped by oversupply and weaker demand.
Europe
In Q3 2024, the Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) market in Europe faced a pronounced decline in prices, driven by a range of factors that put downward pressure on market dynamics. A key theme throughout the quarter was subdued demand from vital sectors like construction and packaging, as economic uncertainties dampened industrial activities across the region. Additionally, the market struggled with an oversupply situation, exacerbated by high inventory levels and stable production rates, which further contributed to the downward pricing trend. Competitive pressures, particularly from imports originating in Asia, compelled domestic producers to adjust their prices downward to remain competitive. The decline in feedstock styrene costs also contributed to lower production expenses, facilitating these price adjustments. Germany, as a major player in the European market, saw significant price fluctuations. The overall trend in Germany was marked by a steady decline, with seasonal slowdowns in construction activities and broader economic challenges further influencing the pricing environment. Compared to the same quarter last year, prices were down by around 1%. The quarter-on-quarter change indicated a sharper decline of about 4.3%. By the end of Q3, EPS prices settled at USD 2049/MT on an FD Hamburg basis, highlighting the sustained pressures in the market and the challenging conditions for producers throughout the period.
FAQs
What is the current price trend of Expanded Polystyrene in July 2025?
In July 2025, the Expanded Polystyrene Price Index showed a mixed trend globally, with average growth in some regions and continued pressure in others.
Who are the leading producers of Expanded Polystyrene globally?
Top producers include Styropek, BASF Corporation, and NOVA Chemicals, catering to insulation, packaging, and automotive markets.
What is the Expanded Polystyrene Price Forecast for Q3 2025?
The Expanded Polystyrene Price Forecast suggests cautious optimism in Q3, driven by seasonal construction activity and stable upstream styrene costs.
How is the Expanded Polystyrene Production Cost Trend influencing market dynamics?
The Production Cost Trend remained moderate in Q2 2025 due to falling styrene costs and average demand from downstream packaging and electronics industries.
