For the Quarter Ending June 2025
North America
• Styrene price index in USA showed a volatile trend in Q2 2025, with prices first declining in April before rebounding sharply in late May and then stabilizing in June.
• Styrene demand outlook remained moderate from packaging and consumer goods sectors, while construction-related applications offered periodic support.
• Feedstock benzene prices remained average in April but strengthened in late May, increasing production costs.
• The country experienced some logistic improvements post-April storms, improving regional cargo flow. However, cautious procurement among domestic buyers due to economic uncertainties limited consistent price gains.
• Inventory levels stayed manageable as traders adjusted purchases amid upstream volatility.
• Styrene production continued without major outages, supported by steady feedstock availability.
Why was the price of Styrene stable in July 2025 in the US?
• In July 2025, Styrene price index in USA remained relatively stable with mild fluctuations. Constant seasonal demand from packaging and electronics balanced out upstream volatility.
• Although feedstock benzene costs showed a minor increase, the production cost pressure was limited. Styrene Production Cost Trend reflected mild upward momentum.
• Styrene Price Forecast for Q3 suggests potential upward momentum from sustained packaging demand and moderate construction activity.
APAC
• Styrene price index in China witnessed high volatility in Q2 2025. Prices dropped in early April and May due to lower benzene costs and oversupply.
• This was followed by a significant growth in the third week of both May and June amid short-term restocking and supply constraints.
• The packaging sector operated cautiously due to high inventories, while the automobile sector showed notable growth but failed to result proportionally into styrene offtake.
• By late June, some balance was restored as restocking increased, supporting prices.
• Supply was steady, with few shutdowns and consistent imports from South Korea and Japan. However, high inventory levels and bearish sentiment continued to affect trading activities.
Why did the price of Styrene change in July 2025 in Asia?
• In July 2025, Styrene Price Index in China experienced stabilization.
• The stability was supported by constant demand from the packaging industry and continuous productions. Moderate import volumes also contributed to price firmness.
• The production cost trend reflected no upward pressure from feedstock benzene market.
• Price Forecast suggests modest gains through Q3, provided downstream restocking continues and macroeconomic sentiment remains stable.
Europe
• Styrene price index in Germany trended downward in Q2 2025, with notable drops in April and May, followed by brief stabilization in June.
• Demand outlook remained moderate from packaging and automotive sectors, and buyer sentiment was further affected by economic uncertainties and high inventory levels.
• Feedstock benzene prices were low in early Q2 but saw partial recovery by June.
• Supply conditions remained stable with continuous imports from Asia and domestic production maintaining contractual output.
• Logistical challenges at major terminals delayed shipments but did not disrupt the overall product availability.
Why did the price of Styrene change in July 2025 in Europe?
• In July 2025, Styrene Price Index in Germany showed decrease in prices. Market participants noted reduced procurement from downstream packaging and automobile sectors.
• Despite some plant shutdowns, Styrene availability was higher.
• The production cost trend showed decline in feedstock benzene prices.
• Price Forecast suggests limited growth potential in Q3 unless derivative demand strengthens.
MEA
• Styrene price index in Saudi Arabia remained mostly stable during Q2 2025, with minor fluctuations.
• While Styrene spot prices dipped slightly in April and early May, they rebounded towards the end of June amid improved downstream demand.
• Demand from packaging and construction sectors supported the market. However, regional producers faced challenges from imported cargo competition, especially from Asia.
• Domestic production was stable with no major shutdowns, and local distribution improved post-Ramadan.
• Export orders from Africa and South Asia added support to the market sentiment, but overall trading activity remained conservative.
Why did the price of Styrene decline in July 2025 in Saudi Arabia?
• In April 2025, Styrene price index Saudi Arabia declined due to lower benzene prices and reduced demand post-Eid. Inventory levels were high, and procurement was moderate.
• The production cost trend was bearish due to upstream weakness.
• Price forecast suggests a mild recovery in Q3 driven by infrastructure demand and festive restocking cycles.
South America
• Styrene price index in Brazil declined through April and May 2025 but showed a marginal increase in June.
• Price corrections were driven by lower feedstock benzene costs, moderate domestic demand, and global bearishness.
• Demand from packaging and EPS segments remained average, with buyers showing caution due to currency volatility and inflation.
• Feedstock prices offered little cost support. Local production was consistent, but imports from the US and Europe increased the supply.
• Port congestion in Brazil occasionally delayed cargoes, leading to short-term inventory mismatches.
Why did the price of Styrene change in July 2025 in Brazil?
• In July 2025, Styrene prices in Brazil dropped due to lower feedstock costs, average demand, and cautious buying amid high inflation.
• The production cost trend reflected weak benzene prices, and there were no major production outages.
• Price forecast for Q3 2025 remains conservative, with expectations of only modest improvement in demand from packaging and construction sectors.
For the Quarter Ending March 2025
North America
During Q1 2025, the Styrene market in the USA was characterized by initial volatility followed by a period of stabilization. February saw a surge in prices, largely driven by a spike in benzene costs and a sharp increase in demand from downstream packaging and ABS sectors. However, this momentum changed in March, with prices stabilizing at USD 1,160/MT in the first week.
By mid-March, prices declined by 3.4% due to falling benzene and ethylene costs, as well as reduced buying interest. Market participants adopted a cautious approach, avoiding overstocking amid macroeconomic uncertainty. Domestic production operated steadily throughout the quarter with few disruptions, and most facilities managed inventories carefully. The packaging sector maintained firm demand, particularly in food-grade applications.
Automobile demand improved slightly, with strong sales in light trucks and SUVs supporting the usage of styrene. Export demand remained limited due to uncompetitive pricing and decreased overseas demand. The quarter ended with prices holding steady as balanced supply and moderate demand provided stable quotes.
APAC
The Asia Pacific Styrene market showed different regional dynamics throughout Q1 2025. China experienced the sharpest decline, with cumulative March losses exceeding 6% due to high inventory levels, oversupply from continuous production, and subdued demand from EPS and ABS sectors. India saw prices rise until mid-February, before slipping by 2.2% in early March as downstream activity slowed. The packaging sector showed signs of stagnation in March, and automobile procurement remained cautious. Japan exhibited relative stability, with prices peaking mid-February amid strong automobile and packaging sector demand, before reducing slightly in late March due to tariffs and global uncertainty. Meanwhile, South Korea started March with a 2.4% drop in prices, affected by limited demand growth, despite strong performance in the EV and food packaging sectors. Across the region, Lunar New Year restocking, variable production rates, and uneven recovery across downstream segments contributed to price fluctuations. Feedstock volatility, especially in benzene and ethylene, played a significant role in shaping the APAC market sentiment during the quarter.
Europe
In Q1 2025, the European Styrene market remained broadly stable, though under moderate downward pressure. The region began the year with flat to slightly declining prices, as market activity remained average following the year-end holidays. February saw a short-lived price growth driven by a modest recovery in construction-related demand and tightening supplies in Northern Europe. However, as March progressed, prices began to ease again amid macroeconomic challenges, especially in Germany and France. Packaging demand remained relatively firm, supported by consistent FMCG activity, yet it lacked the momentum to drive significant price growth. Automobile-related usage showed decrease, with electric vehicle manufacturing lagging due to constrained battery material supply chains. Export demand across the bloc remained moderate, limited by average global trade flows. Domestic production operated steadily, with only a few plant closures, though producers maintained cautious inventory strategies to prevent oversupply. Feedstock prices for benzene and ethylene remained relatively benign, providing some cost relief. Overall, the European Styrene market settled into a cautious stance by the end of March 2025.
MEA
The Styrene market in the Middle East and Africa region during Q1 2025 was shaped by external pricing trends, shifting trade flows, and region-specific usage dynamics. February experienced a moderate rise in prices due to higher freight charges and reduced availability of imports from Asian suppliers during the Lunar New Year period. However, these gains were largely offset in March as demand from downstream packaging and consumer goods sectors reduced. In Saudi Arabia, import volumes from Asia normalized by late February, reducing supply tightness. Meanwhile, domestic processors maintained conservative purchasing patterns, contributing to average market movement in March. Feedstock prices for benzene remained steady across most weeks, offering manufacturers some degree of cost predictability. There were no major production outages, and plant operations continued without major disruptions. Nonetheless, oversupply risks persisted as restocking from February led to higher local inventories. By the end of March, market sentiment became neutral to slightly bearish, driven by a lack of strong export demand from Africa and limited downstream activity.
South America
In Q1 2025, South America's Styrene market was driven by external factors and domestic usage trends. February witnessed a modest uptrend as seasonal packaging demand peaked in Brazil and Argentina, supported by inventory restocking and exports. This momentum slowed in March, with prices falling by around 2%, influenced by high inventories, reduced industrial output, and currency depreciation across key economies. The packaging sector remained the primary consumer of styrene, with stable demand from food-grade and personal care product segments. However, the automobile sector underperformed amid declining vehicle production and cautious consumer spending. Imports from the US and Asia remained critical to meeting regional demand, but a slowdown in international trade and higher freight costs posed logistical challenges. Feedstock cost pressures remained moderate as benzene and ethylene prices reduced, easing some of the input cost burdens on local producers. Overall, the quarter closed with a subdued sentiment as decreased external demand and economic uncertainties kept procurement conservative, and buyers refrained from aggressive restocking strategies.
For the Quarter Ending December 2024
North America
In Q4 2024, the styrene market in North America faced a challenging landscape characterized by oversupply and fluctuating demand across key sectors. The construction industry experienced a slowdown due to rising interest rates that curtailed new housing projects and renovations. This decline led to reduced orders for styrene products used primarily for insulation applications, creating pressure on manufacturers to adjust their production levels accordingly.
However, the packaging sector emerged as a bright spot as e-commerce continued to drive demand for lightweight and protective packaging solutions. Manufacturers focused on enhancing product performance while addressing sustainability concerns through innovations in recycled content and alternative materials that align with consumer preferences for greener options.
By December, while some producers adjusted their inventories due to shifting demand patterns from construction and consumer goods sectors, overall sentiment remained cautiously optimistic. Stakeholders anticipated gradual recovery into 2025 as construction activities began to stabilize and innovations in sustainable packaging gained traction within regulatory frameworks aimed at reducing plastic waste. The emphasis on eco-friendly practices was expected to shape future market dynamics significantly across North America.
APAC
In Q4 2024, the styrene market in the APAC region, particularly in China, faced significant challenges due to a combination of oversupply and weakening demand. The construction sector, a major consumer of styrene for insulation and other applications, experienced a notable slowdown as economic uncertainties led to reduced infrastructure spending and new project delays. This decline was exacerbated by high inventory levels among manufacturers, which pressured pricing and profitability across the board.
Conversely, the packaging industry showed resilience, with styrene being widely used in protective packaging solutions driven by the booming e-commerce sector. As online shopping surged, companies sought lightweight and durable materials to ensure product safety during transit. However, increasing environmental regulations prompted manufacturers to innovate towards more sustainable materials, leading to investments in research and development for biodegradable alternatives.
By December, while some manufacturers struggled with excess inventory and fluctuating demand patterns, there was cautious optimism about a potential recovery in 2025. Stakeholders anticipated that strategic investments in sustainability and technological advancements would drive future growth as the region adapts to evolving consumer preferences and regulatory landscapes.
Europe
In Q4 2024, the styrene market in Europe encountered significant headwinds primarily due to economic uncertainties impacting major industries such as construction and automotive. The construction sector saw a marked decline in new projects as rising interest rates curtailed investment decisions and increased borrowing costs. Consequently, this led to reduced demand for styrene insulation products and other applications critical to building projects.
On the other hand, the packaging industry displayed some resilience amid growing e-commerce activity. Styrene continued to be utilized for protective packaging solutions; however, increasing regulatory pressures regarding plastic waste prompted many companies to explore alternative materials and sustainable practices. This shift included investments in research aimed at developing recyclable or biodegradable options compliant with stricter EU regulations.
By December, manufacturers grappled with high inventory levels due to decreased consumption across various sectors. So, styrene prices decreased moderately and was getting traded at USD 993 per MT on FD – Hamburg basis. Despite these challenges, there was cautious optimism regarding future growth driven by innovations in sustainable materials and recycling initiatives. Stakeholders anticipated that regulatory support for eco-friendly practices would significantly influence market dynamics moving into 2025 as industries adapt to stricter environmental standards.
South America
In Q4 2024, the styrene market in South America demonstrated resilience despite ongoing economic fluctuations affecting various industries. The construction sector continued to be a significant driver of demand for styrene products used in insulation and structural applications. Government-led infrastructure projects across Brazil and Argentina supported this trend as part of broader efforts to stimulate economic growth following pandemic-related slowdowns.
The packaging industry also contributed positively as consumer preferences shifted towards online shopping, increasing the need for effective protective packaging solutions utilizing styrene-based materials. However, challenges such as inflationary pressures and currency fluctuations impacted production costs and pricing strategies for manufacturers operating in this volatile environment.
By December, while some manufacturers faced supply chain disruptions affecting raw material availability and logistics costs, overall market sentiment remained optimistic. Stakeholders anticipated growth into 2025 driven by ongoing infrastructure investments and innovations aimed at enhancing sustainability within styrene applications. The focus on eco-friendly alternatives was expected to significantly shape future market dynamics across South America as companies sought to align with global sustainability trends while navigating local economic challenges.
For the Quarter Ending September 2024
North America
The third quarter of 2024 witnessed a decline in Styrene prices in the North American region, contrary to initial market expectations. Supply constraints, particularly in feedstocks like benzene, limited production capacities and created tight inventories. However, these challenges were not sufficient to counterbalance the impact of weakening demand from key sectors, such as automotive and electronics. The tightness in supply did create some temporary support for prices, but it wasn't enough to change the overall downward trend.
Despite isolated price upticks like the 1.8% rise seen in the second week of September in Mexico, the general trend showed a decline through Q3. Compared to the earlier part of the year, the market saw softer prices as demand weakened and market adjustments continued throughout the quarter. The downward pressure on prices was most evident in the gradual softening seen over the months, reflecting the impact of supply-demand imbalances in the region.
Despite these fluctuations, market sentiment remained cautiously optimistic due to signs of potential recovery in demand by the end of the quarter. Stakeholders observed that inventory adjustments and easing supply chain bottlenecks could provide some stability moving forward. The quarter-ending price of USD 1322/MT suggests a still-volatile market environment, indicating that while challenges persist, the market may be poised for a more balanced outlook in the coming months. Overall, the third quarter has been a period of adjustment and recalibration for the Styrene market.
APAC
In Q3 2024, the Styrene market in the APAC region exhibited a clear downward pricing trend, driven by several key factors. A pervasive oversupply in the market resulted from heightened production levels and significant import volumes. Demand from major sectors, including automotive and construction, weakened due to ongoing macroeconomic uncertainties and volatile global conditions. The market faced additional challenges from logistical disruptions and elevated inventory levels, all of which combined to put downward pressure on prices. In China, where price fluctuations were more noticeable, the Styrene market reflected broader regional trends. Seasonal factors, particularly the monsoon season, further hindered industrial activity, leading to reduced demand. These factors contributed to a 2.7% decrease in prices compared to the previous quarter. Notably, the first half of Q3 saw a sharper decline compared to the latter half, as market dynamics gradually stabilized. By the end of Q3, the Styrene price had settled at 1125 USD/MT on a CFR Shanghai basis. Overall, the quarter was characterized by a negative pricing environment, dominated by factors that maintained a downward trend in market prices.
Europe
The Styrene market in Europe during Q3 2024 experienced a noticeable downward trend in prices, reflecting a softer pricing environment. Key factors influencing market prices included fluctuations in raw material costs like benzene and ethylene, along with changing demand dynamics and broader economic conditions. These factors contributed to a bearish market sentiment, with supply levels remaining moderate to high while demand weakened across various sectors. The Netherlands observed the most significant price changes, following the overall regional trend. Despite a relatively stable pricing environment compared to the same period last year, the market recorded a decrease of around 2.8% from the previous quarter, indicating a period of price softening. Additionally, the first half of the quarter saw a more pronounced decline in prices, with some stabilization emerging later in the quarter. The quarter ended with Styrene priced at USD 1125/MT FOB Rotterdam in the Netherlands, signalling a challenging pricing environment. Overall, the market dynamics in Q3 were characterized by fluctuating demand, supply adjustments, and broader economic uncertainties, contributing to the decline in prices across the region.
MEA
In Q3 2024, the Styrene market in the MEA region experienced a noticeable increase in prices, driven by several critical factors. Strong demand from key industries, including packaging, automotive, and construction, stimulated higher purchasing activities, fostering positive business expectations. Additionally, the availability of Styrene in the domestic market, coupled with relatively stable feedstock costs, supported this upward price trend throughout the quarter. In Saudi Arabia, the market mirrored regional trends, showing a gradual price increase. The pricing environment in the country reflected a consistent 2.6% rise from the previous quarter, indicating steady market growth. The price changes between the first and second halves of the quarter were more moderate, with a slight uptick in demand contributing to the observed trends. The quarter concluded with Styrene priced at USD 1133/MT on a FOB Dammam basis in Saudi Arabia. This quarter-ending price highlights the overall positive sentiment and the stable yet gradual growth trajectory in the region’s Styrene market during Q3 2024, despite the fluctuations in global economic conditions. The market outlook remains optimistic as demand continues to support prices.
South America
Throughout Q3 2024, the Styrene market in South America exhibited a mixed pricing trend, characterized by fluctuations rather than a consistent upward trajectory. Various factors influenced the market dynamics, including changing feedstock costs, logistical challenges, and varying demand from key sectors such as automotive and construction. These elements contributed to periods of both price increases and declines, shaping the market's movement over the quarter. In Brazil, the Styrene market mirrored these broader regional trends. While the quarter saw a -6.9% decrease in average prices compared to the previous quarter, there was some recovery in August as demand showed signs of improvement, contributing to a temporary rise in prices. However, the market remained below the levels observed earlier in the year, highlighting the lingering effects of supply chain disruptions and economic uncertainties. The quarter concluded with a Styrene price of 1319 USD/MT CFR Santos in Brazil, reflecting a cautious market sentiment. Despite some positive developments, the overall pricing environment in Q3 2024 was marked by a struggle to sustain growth, with resilience tempered by external challenges and fluctuating market conditions.
FAQs
What is the current price of Styrene?
As of the third week of July 2025, Styrene prices ranged around USD 905/MT on CFR Shanghai basis.
Who are the top Styrene producers globally?
Major global producers include LyondellBasell, INEOS Styrolution, TotalEnergies, Shell Chemicals, and SABIC.
What is the Styrene Price Forecast for Q3 2025?
The Styrene Price Forecast suggests moderate upward movement across most regions driven by seasonal restocking and potential cost increases in benzene, though demand-side risks remain.
How is the Styrene Production Cost Trend impacting global prices?
Lower feedstock benzene costs provided downward pressure in early Q2, but growth during late May added to cost-side price support, especially in Asia and North America.
