For the Quarter Ending September 2025
North America
• In United States, the Methacrylate Butadiene Styrene Price Index rose quarter-over-quarter in Q3 2025, driven by increased production costs.
• MBS production costs increased in Q3 2025, with CPI rising 3.0% (September) and PPI 2.6% (August) year-over-year.
• Energy costs for MBS manufacturing increased in Q3 2025, with Henry Hub natural gas prices trending upward.
• Overall demand for chemicals, including MBS, deteriorated in major customer markets during Q3 2025.
• Retail sales increased 5.42% year-over-year in September 2025, supporting some MBS consumer goods demand.
• Industrial production grew marginally 0.1% year-over-year in September 2025, while unemployment remained stable at 4.3%.
• US chemical manufacturers accelerated MBS inventory destocking in Q3 2025; finished goods levels were negative.
Why did the price of Methacrylate Butadiene Styrene change in September 2025 in North America?
• Increased input and raw material costs, with CPI rising 3.0% year-over-year in September 2025.
• Higher energy costs for chemical manufacturing, as Henry Hub natural gas prices trended upward.
APAC
• In China, the Methacrylate Butadiene Styrene Price Index remained stable to slightly fell in Q3 2025, influenced by deflationary pressures.
• MBS demand faced headwinds from a -0.3% CPI and -2.3% PPI decrease year-over-year in September 2025.
• The Manufacturing Index was Contracting in September 2025, signaling reduced industrial activity impacting MBS demand.
• Industrial production increased by 6.5% year-over-year in September 2025, providing some counterbalancing support.
• Retail sales grew by 3.0% year-over-year in September 2025, positively influencing consumer-facing MBS applications.
• A 5.2% unemployment rate and low consumer confidence (89.6 index) dampened overall consumer purchasing power.
• Robust automotive production and sales growth throughout Q3 2025 served as a significant demand driver for MBS.
• Production costs for Methacrylate Butadiene Styrene remained stable in Q3 2025, supported by stable crude oil prices.
Why did the price of Methacrylate Butadiene Styrene change in September 2025 in APAC?
• Deflationary pressures from -0.3% CPI and -2.3% PPI in September 2025 impacted MBS pricing.
• Contracting Manufacturing Index in September 2025 signaled weaker industrial demand for raw materials.
• Low consumer confidence (89.6 index) and 5.2% unemployment limited overall demand for MBS products.
Europe
• In Germany, the Methacrylate Butadiene Styrene Price Index fell quarter-over-quarter in Q3 2025, driven by declining feedstock costs and weak industrial demand.
• Methacrylate Butadiene Styrene production costs decreased in Q3 2025, supported by a 1.7% year-over-year decline in Producer Price Index in September 2025.
• Overall Methacrylate Butadiene Styrene demand faced headwinds as industrial production declined 1.0% year-over-year in September 2025.
• The Manufacturing Index indicated contracting activity in Q3 2025, signaling weakening industrial demand for Methacrylate Butadiene Styrene.
• Automotive sector demand for Methacrylate Butadiene Styrene rebounded in September 2025, with new car registrations rising in Germany.
• Elevated styrene inventories in Germany during September 2025 contributed to downward pressure on Methacrylate Butadiene Styrene prices.
• High energy costs continued to burden German chemical production in Q3 2025, impacting naphtha-derived feedstock costs.
• Consumer Price Index rose 2.4% year-over-year in September 2025, while retail sales increased slightly by 0.2% year-over-year.
Why did the price of Methacrylate Butadiene Styrene change in September 2025 in Europe?
• Styrene monomer feedstock costs sharply declined in Q3 2025, reducing Methacrylate Butadiene Styrene production expenses.
• Industrial production decreased 1.0% in September 2025, alongside a contracting Manufacturing Index, weakening demand.
• Elevated styrene inventories in September 2025 exerted significant downward pressure on Methacrylate Butadiene Styrene pricing.
