For the Quarter Ending December 2025
APAC
• In South Korea, the Polyphenylene Sulfide Price Index rose by 0.13% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting export-driven shipments.
• The average Polyphenylene Sulfide price for the quarter was approximately USD 5026.67/MT, reflecting FOB settlements.
• Polyphenylene Sulfide Spot Price softened in December as demand slowed, contributing to downward Price Index.
• Polyphenylene Sulfide Production Cost Trend remained stable due to reliable feedstock inflows and energy tariffs.
• Polyphenylene Sulfide Demand Outlook depends on automotive export recoveries and seasonal restocking among overseas compounders.
• Polyphenylene Sulfide Price Forecast suggests modest upside if automotive orders resume and logistical delays ease.
• Inventories rose slightly, pressuring margins while contract volumes sustained nameplate utilization and Price Index stability.
• Stable Busan loading and contained freight rates supported FOB availability and prevented Polyphenylene Sulfide volatility.
• Producers offered small year-end concessions to clear inventories, maintaining export competitiveness within Price Index parameters.
Why did the price of Polyphenylene Sulfide change in December 2025 in APAC?
• Export demand softened seasonally as automotive and electronics buyers reduced orders ahead of year-end shutdowns.
• Adequate feedstock supplies and steady energy contracts kept production costs contained, limiting upward price pressure.
• Minimal Busan port congestion and typical freight stability maintained logistics reliability, reducing urgency for spot purchases.
Europe
• In Germany, the Polyphenylene Sulfide Price Index fell by 1.1% quarter-over-quarter, pressured by export demand.
• The average Polyphenylene Sulfide price for the quarter was approximately USD 8503.33/MT, reflecting balanced supply.
• Polyphenylene Sulfide Spot Price remained pressured amid comfortable inventories and competition from expanded Asian capacity.
• Polyphenylene Sulfide Price Forecast indicates modest near-term stability as export demand slowly recovers post holidays.
• Polyphenylene Sulfide Production Cost Trend remained elevated because industrial power tariffs kept conversion costs high.
• Polyphenylene Sulfide Demand Outlook stays cautious as automotive and electrical buyers draw down inventories seasonally.
• Price Index movements reflected FOB export competitiveness, eased congestion, and scheduled year-end plant shutdowns periodically.
• Export logistics and warehouse inventories pressured offers, keeping Polyphenylene Sulfide Price Index narrow period.
Why did the price of Polyphenylene Sulfide change in December 2025 in Europe?
• Export competition from expanded Asian capacity and muted Central European buying reduced German export quotations.
• High industrial power tariffs sustained conversion costs, discouraging replenishment and encouraging inventory draw-downs before year-end.
• Pre-holiday factory shutdowns and warehouse stocks reduced buying urgency, prompting sellers to trim FOB offers.
North America
• In North America, the Polyphenylene Sulfide Price Index remained largely range-bound during the quarter ending December 2025, supported by stable domestic production and consistent export allocations.
• Polyphenylene Sulfide Spot Price softened slightly in December as seasonal slowdowns in automotive and electronics procurement reduced spot buying urgency.
• The Polyphenylene Sulfide Price Forecast indicates modest near-term stability, contingent on automotive component restocking and easing of logistics bottlenecks.
• The Polyphenylene Sulfide Production Cost Trend remained stable, supported by reliable feedstock supplies and consistent energy tariffs across US and Canadian production hubs.
• The Polyphenylene Sulfide Demand Outlook stayed cautious, reflecting seasonal inventory draw-downs among automotive, electronics, and industrial compounders.
• Distributors held moderate inventories, balancing nameplate production volumes and limiting immediate upward pressure on the Price Index.
• Logistics remained smooth, with Gulf Coast and East Coast port operations running reliably, supporting FOB availability and mitigating short-term spot volatility.
• Producers offered minor year-end allocations to manage inventories, maintaining competitiveness for export-oriented contracts within Price Index parameters.
Why did the price of Polyphenylene Sulfide change in December 2025 in North America?
• Seasonal softening of automotive and electronics demand reduced spot purchasing and contributed to Price Index stability.
• Stable feedstock inflows and consistent energy tariffs kept production costs contained, limiting upward pricing pressure.
• Smooth port operations and reliable logistics minimized urgency for immediate procurement, tempering December Price Index movements.
For the Quarter Ending September 2025
Europe
• In Germany, the Polyphenylene Sulfide Price Index fell by 3.08% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting weaker automotive demand.
• The average Polyphenylene Sulfide price for the quarter was approximately USD 8600.00/MT, reported FOB Hamburg.
• Polyphenylene Sulfide Spot Price activity remained muted as the Price Index reacted to logistics constraints.
• The Polyphenylene Sulfide Price Forecast indicates limited upside due to balanced supply and cautious buying.
• Polyphenylene Sulfide Production Cost Trend remained stable as feedstock costs showed limited directional movement only.
• Polyphenylene Sulfide Demand Outlook is mixed; EV growth offsets otherwise cautious automotive and industrial procurement.
• High inventories and logistics disruptions weighed on the Price Index, prompting suppliers to moderate offers.
• Seasonal factory holidays and fewer working days reduced procurement, softening Polyphenylene Sulfide Price Index momentum.
Why did the price of Polyphenylene Sulfide change in September 2025 in Europe?
• Port congestion, rail closures, low Rhine levels delayed shipments, increasing inland costs and constraining exports.
• Weaker automotive output and elevated inventories prompted cautious buying, reducing spot demand, softening Price Index.
• Stable feedstock costs limited upstream pressure; seasonal factory holidays reduced production days, causing transient imbalances.
APAC
• In South Korea, the Polyphenylene Sulfide Price Index rose by 0.0% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting export flows.
• The average Polyphenylene Sulfide price for the quarter was approximately USD 5020/MT, supported by exports.
• Port congestion at Busan influenced Polyphenylene Sulfide Spot Price timing, creating scheduling risk for prompt shipments.
• Company operating rates remained high, keeping supply and informing the Polyphenylene Sulfide Production Cost Trend.
• Regional automotive recovery underpins Polyphenylene Sulfide Demand Outlook, supporting contractual volumes despite softer spot inquiry.
• Short-term Polyphenylene Sulfide Price Forecast suggests limited downside, as inventories and contractual exports balance flows.
• Domestic mill stability and exports maintained the Polyphenylene Sulfide Price Index, mitigating deviations in offers.
• Buyers shifted toward contracted volumes, reducing Polyphenylene Sulfide spot purchasing, limiting immediate upside for prices.
Why did the price of Polyphenylene Sulfide change in September 2025 in APAC?
• Balanced export flows and steady domestic production kept market equilibrium, limiting any significant price movement.
• Busan port scheduling disruptions caused delivery timing uncertainty, discouraging prompt buying and pressuring spot offers.
• Stable feedstock costs and conservative seller pricing strategies reduced volatility, maintaining flat quarter-over-quarter Price Index.
North America
• Domestic production remained stable with minimal disruptions.
• Port delays and rail backlogs affected shipment timing.
• Demand from automotive and industrial sectors was steady, supported by long-term contracts.
• Inventory levels were sufficient, enabling smooth supply management.
• Regional manufacturing activity sustained operational flow.
• Energy feedstock availability supported ongoing production.
• Suppliers focused on contract fulfillment, moderating spot market activity.
Why did operational and market activity change in September 2025 in the USA?
• Port and rail congestion created timing uncertainty, moderating spot purchasing.
• Steady production and adequate inventories reduced supply pressures.
• Contractual demand from key industries helped maintain stable flow despite broader market caution.
For the Quarter Ending June 2025
North America
• The Polyphenylene Sulfide (PPS) Price Index in the U.S. market was modest and steady in Q2 2025, with very little price change observed among the major delivery bases like EX-Midwest and FOB Gulf Coast.
• Engineered plastics had their base demand from the automotive and electronics sectors, but buying remained at a cautious level, with buyers adjusting their procurement to ensure they were not overspending on re-stocks.
• Why did the price of Polyphenylene Sulfide (PPS) change in July 2025?
The PPS Price Index in the U.S. remained largely unchanged, as excess inventories and flat automotive output kept spot market activity subdued. No notable July-specific upward triggers were reported.
• Domestic logistics remained steady with minimal freight disruptions, though international container space tightness was intermittently noted.
• The Polyphenylene Sulfide (PPS) Demand Outlook for Q3 remains neutral, with only mild recovery signs expected due to constrained capital expenditure in the auto sector and mixed signals from EV manufacturing.
• The Polyphenylene Sulfide (PPS) Production Cost Trend in North America stayed stable in Q2, with no major raw material shocks; however, competitive overseas imports continued to put margin pressure on domestic converters.
• Polyphenylene Sulfide (PPS) Spot Price remained flat, reflecting limited transaction volume and strategic inventory management by buyers.
• Polyphenylene Sulfide (PPS) Price Forecast for Q3 2025 indicates continued price stagnation unless stronger OEM pull-through or import disruptions arise.
Europe (Germany)
• The Polyphenylene Sulfide (PPS) Price Index (FOB Hamburg) fell by 1.12% in June 2025, ending the quarter at USD 8800/tonne, following a muted May and stable April.
• Subdued automotive production in Germany and neighboring markets, compounded by inflationary drag and limited capital deployment by Tier-1 suppliers, pressured demand.
• Why did the price of Polyphenylene Sulfide (PPS) change in July 2025?
July extended the bearish sentiment from June. The Price Index weakened due to elevated stock levels, lower spot inquiries, and persistent bottlenecks at North Sea ports, especially Hamburg, which impaired export readiness.
• German port congestion continued in July, driven by customs delays and vessel bunching, further straining PPS exporters’ timelines.
• The Polyphenylene Sulfide (PPS) Demand Outlook for Q3 shows mixed prospects: while global EV production supports high-spec PPS offtake, European economic deceleration may weigh on conventional applications.
• The Polyphenylene Sulfide (PPS) Production Cost Trend remained flat, as raw material costs (notably aromatic derivatives) were stable. However, inefficiencies due to extended warehouse stays raised holding costs for some suppliers.
• Automotive OEMs increased plug-in hybrid and EV registrations by over 60% YoY, lending structural support to PPS used in insulation, connectors, and under-the-hood components.
• Polyphenylene Sulfide (PPS) Price Forecast for Q3 in Germany is cautiously steady, with limited upside due to demand headwinds but downside support from stable cost conditions.
Asia Pacific (South Korea)
• South Korea’s Polyphenylene Sulfide (PPS) Price Index (FOB Busan) rose 0.40% in both May and June 2025, settling at USD 5040/tonne, after a sharp 3.10% decline in April.
• Export demand from India and Southeast Asia (Thailand, Vietnam) remained strong, particularly for PPS used in EV thermal systems and hybrid powertrain insulation.
• Why did the price of Polyphenylene Sulfide (PPS) change in July 2025?
PPS prices in July showed stability, supported by resilient overseas orders, despite slower domestic manufacturing activity and freight delays at Busan port.
• Port congestion at BNCT (Busan) remained moderate, with wait times of 48–72 hours. While not pricing into FOB directly, these logistical issues caused scheduling inefficiencies.
• The Polyphenylene Sulfide (PPS) Demand Outlook for Q3 is cautiously positive, especially from India’s rising EV ecosystem and Thai NEV production capacity expansions.
• The Polyphenylene Sulfide (PPS) Production Cost Trend remained balanced, with no feedstock shocks, but vessel delays did marginally increase operational friction.
• Polyphenylene Sulfide (PPS) Spot Price stability was driven by consistent international demand, even as domestic sales were challenged by contraction in South Korea’s manufacturing index (47.7 in May).
• Polyphenylene Sulfide (PPS) Price Forecast for Q3 2025 signals a stable-to-firm tone, contingent on continued strength from ASEAN and Indian downstream sectors.
For the Quarter Ending March 2025
North America
In Q1 2025, the U.S. Polyphenylene Sulfide (PPS) market experienced continued price growth, driven by robust demand from the automotive and electronics sectors. Building on the momentum of Q4 2024, the expanding electric vehicle (EV) industry played a key role in supporting higher PPS consumption. PPS remained a preferred material for EV components due to its exceptional thermal resistance, lightweight properties, and durability—critical for battery housings, connectors, and thermal management systems.
The automotive industry's recovery, coupled with a projected 30% rise in global EV sales in 2025, further bolstered PPS demand. Additionally, the electronics sector maintained stable uptake, supported by increasing adoption of automotive electronics such as ADAS, infotainment, and connectivity modules. These applications rely heavily on high-performance polymers like PPS for miniaturization and long-term reliability.
Despite minor supply chain disruptions and rising input costs, the U.S. market benefited from a strong domestic manufacturing base and efficient logistics networks, which helped maintain consistent supply. As a result, PPS prices saw a steady upward trend throughout the quarter, supported by firm demand fundamentals and a positive industry outlook, particularly in sectors focused on sustainability and advanced mobility.
APAC
In Q1 2025, PPS prices in Thailand registered a net increase, with January and February witnessing cumulative growth of 2.9%, followed by a slight 0.38% dip in March. Price trends were shaped by rising input and freight costs, stable yet pressured supply chains, and subdued demand recovery. Compared to Q4 2024’s sharp price hikes—driven by booming NEV demand and robust exports—Q1 2025 marked a cooling phase, with market sentiment stabilizing amid logistical hurdles and slower demand momentum. Production remained stable throughout Q1, with domestic manufacturers operating at high capacity. Imports from China and South Korea continued, though freight rate hikes and minor trade disruptions elevated costs. Despite no major port issues, logistical inefficiencies weighed on the supply chain.
Domestic demand showed mixed signals—EV growth remained a bright spot, while conventional automotive and electronics sectors lagged. Weaker demand from China and South Korea also impacted exports. Overall, demand was stable to low, keeping market conditions balanced but cautious.
Europe
In Q1 2025, the European PPS market showed a relatively stable to slightly bearish price trend. January began with a 1.12% price increase driven by firm demand from Southeast Asia and Europe’s automotive and electronics sectors, alongside constrained supply due to Red Sea tensions and higher raw material and freight costs. February maintained this momentum with flat pricing, as balanced supply-demand dynamics offset production cost pressures and rising fuel-related freight expenses. However, March saw a modest 0.89% price decline amid ongoing port disruptions, labor strikes in France, and weakening automotive demand in Germany and France—particularly in the BEV segment.
Compared to Q4 2024, when PPS prices rose significantly due to strong PHEV sales and tight supply, Q1 2025 reflected a more cautious market. While demand from EV and renewable energy sectors persisted, broader economic uncertainty and uneven automotive performance dampened bullish sentiment. Supply chains remained under strain, yet production stability prevented major price volatility. Overall, Q1 2025 marked a shift from the sharp upward momentum of Q4 2024 to a more tempered and balanced pricing environment.
