For the Quarter Ending June 2026
Expanded Polystyrene Prices in North America
- In USA, the Expanded Polystyrene Price Index rose by 21.08% quarter-over-quarter, feedstock pressures elevating offers.
- The average Expanded Polystyrene price for the quarter was approximately USD 1818.67/MT delivered Gulf Coast.
- Expanded Polystyrene Spot Price momentum softened in June as styrene declines reduced immediate replacement-cost pressures.
- Expanded Polystyrene Price Forecast indicates modest near-term weakness before seasonal restocking supports moderate midsummer recovery.
- Expanded Polystyrene Production Cost Trend eased after styrene FOB declines, reducing short-term producer margin pressure.
- Expanded Polystyrene Demand Outlook remains balanced with construction insulation steady and packaging demand subdued overall.
- Expanded Polystyrene Price Index volatility reflected early-quarter inventory draws, later builds amid weaker summer buying.
- Gulf Coast plants operated reliably without outages, keeping supplies available and limiting upward price pressure.
- Import freight costs eased and geopolitical tensions normalized, moderating landed import premiums and pricing spikes.
Why did the price of Expanded Polystyrene change in June 2026 in North America?
- Styrene feedstock fell sharply in June, reducing production costs and pressuring EPS offers lower further.
- Improved supply flows and import arrivals eased tightness, limiting sellers' ability to sustain higher pricing.
- Subdued construction and packaging buying dampened consumption, early seasonal restocking insufficient to reverse bearish momentum.
Expanded Polystyrene Prices in APAC
- In Indonesia, the Expanded Polystyrene Price Index rose 17.38% quarter-over-quarter due to higher styrene and freight.
- The average Expanded Polystyrene price for the quarter was approximately USD 1600.67/MT based on assessments.
- Expanded Polystyrene Spot Price fell as South Korean and Thai exporters raised allocations, increasing pressure.
- Expanded Polystyrene Price Forecast indicates short-term rebound followed by renewed downside as inventories remain comfortable.
- Expanded Polystyrene Production Cost Trend rose on styrene and benzene strength, easing as feedstock weakened.
- Expanded Polystyrene Demand Outlook remains subdued as construction and appliance sectors reduce procurement and inventories.
- Expanded Polystyrene Price Index tracked import offers, ample port stocks, limited buying pressure from converters.
- Korean and Thai export allocations increased, pressuring margins while Indonesian inventories remained near four-week averages.
Why did the price of Expanded Polystyrene change in June 2026 in APAC?
- Weaker export offers and abundant import availability reduced landed EPS values, pressuring Indonesian price levels.
- Easing styrene and benzene quotations improved production cost, allowing exporters to trim CFR Jakarta offers.
- Seasonally muted construction, appliance demand after Lebaran reduced procurement, keeping inventories comfortable and prices subdued.
South Korea
- In South Korea, the Expanded Polystyrene Price Index rose by 25.15% quarter-over-quarter, driven by feedstock cost increases.
- Expanded Polystyrene Spot Price volatility reflected weekly feedstock swings and short-term shipping disruptions affecting Busan export availability.
Vietnam
- In Vietnam, the Expanded Polystyrene Price Index rose by 17.96% quarter-over-quarter, due to higher styrene.
- Expanded Polystyrene Spot Price fell June as the Price Index tracked weaker Chinese export offers.
Expanded Polystyrene Prices in Europe
- In Germany, the Expanded Polystyrene Price Index rose by 41.02% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting feedstock cost pressure.
- The average Expanded Polystyrene price for the quarter was approximately USD 2564.67/MT across Hamburg hubs.
- Expanded Polystyrene Spot Price volatility eased in June as styrene and energy costs declined notably.
- Expanded Polystyrene Price Forecast suggests correction into July given comfortable inventories and subdued spot demand.
- Expanded Polystyrene Production Cost Trend eased late June as styrene and gas settlements softened expenses.
- Expanded Polystyrene Demand Outlook remains stable with insulation support, while packaging export variability tempers growth.
- Expanded Polystyrene Price Index movements reflected domestic allocations and export interest impacting regional competitiveness materially.
- Operational stability at Ludwigshafen and Burghausen maintained supply, preventing urgent spot shortages despite feedstock rallies.
Why did the price of Expanded Polystyrene change in June 2026 in Europe?
- Sharp styrene feedstock declines reduced production costs, allowing sellers to trim offers and ease pricing.
- Lower natural gas settlements cut steam and power expenses at integrated plants, relieving margin pressure.
- Balanced domestic inventories and steady contractual shipments limited urgent spot buying, helping stabilize German prices.
Netherlands
- In the Netherlands, the Expanded Polystyrene Price Index rose 40.24% quarter-over-quarter, driven by styrene cost surges.
- Expanded Polystyrene Spot Price followed upstream styrene swings, transmitting volatility into the regional Price Index.
UK (United Kingdom)
- In United Kingdom, the Expanded Polystyrene Price Index rose by 39.08% quarter-over-quarter, driven by feedstock.
- Weekly Expanded Polystyrene Spot Price rallies reflected upstream styrene spikes and constrained continental shipping volumes.
For the Quarter Ending March 2026
Expanded Polystyrene Prices in North America
- In USA, the Expanded Polystyrene Price Index rose by 4.67% quarter-over-quarter, driven by styrene costs.
- The average Expanded Polystyrene price for the quarter was approximately USD 1502.00/MT, reflecting measured market stability.
- Expanded Polystyrene Spot Price strengthened in March as coastal inventories tightened and Asian imports slowed.
- Expanded Polystyrene Price Forecast shows near-term firmness as styrene-driven conversion costs sustain upward pressure now.
- Expanded Polystyrene Production Cost Trend rose with benzene and styrene inflation plus higher freight premiums.
- Expanded Polystyrene Demand Outlook remains constructive as construction and packaging offtake offset substitution, regulatory headwinds.
- Expanded Polystyrene Price Index movements were amplified in March by restocking, turnover and exporters reducing domestic offers.
- U.S. producer operating rates stayed normal supporting availability while spot scarcity tightened EPS market balances.
Why did the price of Expanded Polystyrene change in March 2026 in North America?
- Higher styrene and benzene costs increased production margins, transmitting cost-push inflation into domestic EPS prices.
- Reduced Asian import availability and trans-Pacific logistics tightened spot availability on Gulf and East Coasts.
- Strengthened construction demand and restocking ahead of spring elevated offtake, overcoming some regulatory substitution headwinds.
Expanded Polystyrene Prices in APAC
- In Indonesia, the Expanded Polystyrene Price Index rose by 19.48% quarter-over-quarter, driven by tighter imports.
- The average Expanded Polystyrene price for the quarter was approximately USD 1363.67/MT via CFR assessments.
- Export constraints and firm styrene feedstock elevated offers, pressuring Expanded Polystyrene Spot Price availability regionally.
- Shipping delays and container tightness amplified landed costs, pushing Expanded Polystyrene Production Cost Trend higher.
- Robust construction and appliance procurement supported the Expanded Polystyrene Demand Outlook despite seasonal variability persisting.
- Port inventories tightened and merchant stocks fell, sustaining a stronger Expanded Polystyrene Price Index overall.
- Short-term sellers defended offers amid thin prompt availability, shaping the Expanded Polystyrene Price Forecast now.
- Domestic plants operated normally but import dependence kept markets sensitive to regional supply shifts recently.
Why did the price of Expanded Polystyrene change in March 2026 in APAC?
- Higher Asian styrene costs raised production expenses and export offers, tightening supply into Indonesia.
- Container space shortages, longer voyage times increased landed costs and reduced prompt cargo availability.
- Buyers reduced panic buying after spikes, tempering immediate demand yet leaving bullish momentum.
Expanded Polystyrene Prices in Europe
- In Germany, Expanded Polystyrene Price Index rose by 5.65% quarter-over-quarter, driven by styrene cost pressures.
- The average Expanded Polystyrene price for the quarter was approximately USD 1818.67/MT, reflecting regional stability.
- Expanded Polystyrene Spot Price tightened in March, lifting the Price Index amid lower import flows.
- Expanded Polystyrene Production Cost Trend accelerated as styrene and freight costs rose amid geopolitical tensions.
- Expanded Polystyrene Demand Outlook remains weak, with construction and packaging buying cautious and inventory restraint.
- Expanded Polystyrene Price Forecast indicates near-term firmness, contingent on styrene stability and easing freight pressures.
- German offers and constrained exports supported the Price Index, while inventories remained closely monitored domestically.
- Major plants operated steadily, limiting supply shocks and suppressing moves in Expanded Polystyrene Spot Price.
Why did the price of Expanded Polystyrene change in March 2026 in Europe?
- Styrene feedstock surged due to crude naphtha and benzene increases, raising EPS production cost pressures.
- Strait of Hormuz disruptions and higher freight rates constrained imports, materially tightening available regional supply.
- Buyers engaged in precautionary purchases amid volatility while downstream demand remained subdued, limiting supply-demand rebalancing.
For the Quarter Ending December 2025
Expanded Polystyrene Prices in North America
- In USA, the Expanded Polystyrene Price Index fell by 8.75% quarter-over-quarter, driven by ample supply.
- The average Expanded Polystyrene price for the quarter was approximately USD 1435.00/MT based on reported assessments.
- Expanded Polystyrene Spot Price remained pressured by high inventories and subdued purchasing, limiting upward momentum.
- Expanded Polystyrene Production Cost Trend remained benign as styrene and benzene costs stayed subdued throughout.
- Expanded Polystyrene Demand Outlook shows moderate packaging support but autos and construction demand remain muted.
- Expanded Polystyrene Price Forecast suggests modest near-term declines followed by seasonal recovery during spring activity.
- Expanded Polystyrene Price Index remained stable as steady operating rates and imports maintained market balance.
- High distributor inventories and muted export demand compelled sellers to offer concessions, keeping negotiations subdued.
Why did the price of Expanded Polystyrene change in December 2025 in North America?
- Persistent domestic oversupply with steady plant operating rates increased availability, reducing upward price pressure materially.
- Subdued feedstock styrene and benzene costs removed cost-push support, limiting producers' ability to raise prices.
- Moderate export demand and normal port operations failed to offset domestic destocking, weak converter procurement.
APAC
- In Indonesia, the Expanded Polystyrene Price Index fell by 4.8% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting subdued post-festive procurement.
- The average Expanded Polystyrene price for the quarter was approximately USD 1141.33/MT, CFR Jakarta assessment.
- Expanded Polystyrene Spot Price remained range-bound on steady imports and freight stability, supporting neutral dynamics.
- Expanded Polystyrene Production Cost Trend showed limited pressure from stable styrene and benzene, moderating margins.
- Expanded Polystyrene Demand Outlook is steady with packaging and automotive sectors providing baseline offtake year-end.
- Expanded Polystyrene Price Forecast indicates modest near-term softening, followed by gradual recovery with seasonal restocking.
- Expanded Polystyrene Price Index movements mirrored steady inventories and improving export demand, keeping pressure limited.
- Major regional exporters operated normally, supporting supply continuity and preventing price shocks in the Jakarta CFR market.
Why did the price of Expanded Polystyrene change in December 2025 in APAC?
- Stable styrene and benzene feedstock limited cost-push, keeping landed costs largely unchanged for most importers.
- Container freight and bunker fuel stability prevented additional surcharges, supporting flat CFR Jakarta landed prices.
- Construction and appliance offtake provided baseline demand while single-use EPS policy discussions constrained discretionary procurement.
Europe
- In Germany, the Expanded Polystyrene Price Index fell by 5.37% quarter-over-quarter, driven by oversupply pressure.
- The average Expanded Polystyrene price for the quarter was USD 1721.33/MT per regional market assessments.
- Supply remained ample; Expanded Polystyrene Spot Price faced downward pressure from imports and elevated inventories.
- Expanded Polystyrene Production Cost Trend stayed muted as styrene and benzene feedstocks remained largely stable.
- Demand Outlook is cautious; packaging and construction provided seasonal support but overall offtake remained subdued.
- Commentary showed a neutral Price Index reflecting balanced supply, stable costs and restrained buying interest.
- Expanded Polystyrene Price Forecast suggests limited downside near term before potential seasonal recovery in spring.
- Export demand remained steady while German plants operated normally, keeping inventories comfortable, limiting price upside.
Why did the price of Expanded Polystyrene change in December 2025 in Europe?
- Oversupply from steady domestic production and higher Asian imports pressured spot values despite normal logistics.
- Muted procurement and seasonal construction slowdown reduced offtake, keeping the Price Index subdued across Europe.
- Stable styrene and benzene costs limited producers' ability to raise prices, preserving narrow margins overall.
For the Quarter Ending September 2025
North America
- In the USA, the Expanded Polystyrene Price Index fell by 4.09% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting inventory build-up.
- The average Expanded Polystyrene price for the quarter was approximately USD 1572.67/MT, reflecting managed inventories.
- Expanded Polystyrene Spot Price fluctuated this quarter as cold-chain demand intermittently tightened regional distribution availability.
- Expanded Polystyrene Production Cost Trend eased as benzene and styrene input costs softened, improving margins.
- Expanded Polystyrene Price Index weakness reflected elevated inventories, modest export activity and conservative converter purchasing.
- Domestic production ran at normal rates, import flows were steady and logistics frictions affected timing.
Why did the price of Expanded Polystyrene change in September 2025 in North America?
- Sustained upstream styrene availability and normal plant operations increased inventories, reducing pricing pressure across markets.
- Lower benzene and styrene feedstock costs eased manufacturing expenses, removing upward pressure on EPS pricing.
- Post-peak construction slowdown, conservative converter buying plus modest export demand reduced offtake and pressured prices.
APAC
- In Indonesia, the Expanded Polystyrene Price Index fell by 5.99% quarter-over-quarter, driven by weak imports.
- The average Expanded Polystyrene price for the quarter was approximately USD 1198.33/MT, CFR Jakarta basis.
- Expanded Polystyrene Spot Price softened amid steady styrene availability and comfortable import-parity, pressuring local offers.
- Expanded Polystyrene Production Cost Trend softened as regional styrene and benzene eased, reducing cost-push pressures.
- Expanded Polystyrene Price Index softened as rising inventories and stable imports constrained export price spikes.
- Import dependence and freight fluctuations pressured Expanded Polystyrene offers as domestic processors maintained conservative procurement.
Why did the price of Expanded Polystyrene change in September 2025 in APAC?
- Higher import volumes and steady regional styrene supply eased cost pressures, increasing EPS spot volumes.
- Monsoon construction delays curtailed converter purchasing, weakening domestic demand and broadly softening price negotiations locally.
- Stable freight and currency reduced import-cost volatility, but cautious buyers and inventories limited price recovery.
Europe
- In Germany, the Expanded Polystyrene Price Index fell by 5.41% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting oversupply and weak demand.
- The average Expanded Polystyrene price for the quarter was approximately USD 1819/MT, industry-weighted and regional.
- Expanded Polystyrene Spot Price remained under pressure amid elevated inventories and conservative converter procurement strategies.
- Expanded Polystyrene Production Cost Trend eased as lower styrene and benzene prices reduced margin pressure.
- Elevated inventories pressured the Expanded Polystyrene Price Index, while modest export demand provided limited offsetting support.
- Domestic production remained steady with no major outages, keeping supply ample and near term pricing subdued.
Why did the price of Expanded Polystyrene change in September 2025 in Europe?
- Stronger packaging and retrofit construction orders in September helped absorb inventories, tightening domestic supply balances.
- Lower styrene and benzene costs eased production pressures, restricting upstream cost pass to EPS prices.
- Logistics bottlenecks and elevated inland freight increased delivered costs, while cautious buyers delayed restocking decisions.
