For the Quarter Ending December 2025
North America
• In USA, the Styrene Price Index fell by 11.11% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting weaker domestic demand pressures.
• The average Styrene price for the quarter was approximately USD 832.00/MT, based on FOB assessments.
• Styrene Spot Price swings were driven by export liftings from the Gulf, tightening domestic availability.
• Styrene Production Cost Trend stayed subdued with benzene and ethylene availability keeping production costs stable.
• Styrene Demand Outlook remains mixed as packaging destocking contrasts with steady ABS and construction-related offtake.
• Styrene Price Index recovered mid-November before December weakness, reflecting balanced supply and year-end demand lull.
• High inventories and steady Gulf Coast run-rates constrained upside, while export windows provided limited support.
• Styrene Price Forecast indicates modest recovery into early quarter as seasonal restocking offsets inventory destocking.
Why did the price of Styrene change in December 2025 in North America?
• Sustained plant operating rates and ample benzene, ethylene supplies maintained availability, reducing domestic price pressure.
• Elevated inventories and customary year-end demand slowdown limited buyer urgency, weighing on spot physical bids.
APAC
• In Japan, the Styrene Price Index fell by 12.2% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting oversupply and weak demand.
• The average Styrene price for the quarter was approximately USD 784.67/MT, reflecting inventory adjustments seasonally.
• Persistent inventory builds pressured the Styrene Spot Price, while the Styrene Price Index signalled weakness.
• Styrene Demand Outlook remains subdued as packaging and automotive purchasing stayed measured amid elevated inventories.
• Near-term Styrene Price Forecast indicates modest upside if restocking proceeds, otherwise prices likely remain rangebound.
• Regional cracker maintenance and export draws tightened prompt availability, lifting the Styrene Price Index locally.
Why did the price of Styrene change in December 2025 in APAC?
• Oversupply from steady domestic output and smooth feedstock inflows elevated inventories, weakening market bargaining positions.
• Year-end muted procurement, moderate freight tightness and sluggish automotive packaging demand constrained prompt offtake levels.
Europe
• In Germany, the Styrene Price Index fell by 14.96% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting weakened downstream demand and import competition.
• The average Styrene price for the quarter was approximately USD 864.33/MT, reflecting CFR Hamburg market assessment.
• Spot and prompt demand weakness pressured the Styrene Spot Price even as the Price Index showed late-quarter firmness.
• Elevated energy and freight costs influenced the Styrene Production Cost Trend, providing intermittent cost-push support.
• Styrene Demand Outlook remains mixed with restocking by packaging and automotive buyers partially offset by high inventories.
• Inventory accumulation earlier in the quarter depressed the Styrene Price Index, while end-quarter restocking restored some upward momentum.
• Stable domestic operating rates and steady import arrivals lengthened lead times, moderating export demand and spot liquidity.
Why did the price of Styrene change in December 2025 in Europe?
• Oversupply from steady domestic production and steady Asian imports created inventory overhang, pressuring spot pricing.
• Elevated energy and freight costs increased production margins, but import competitiveness limited pass-through to domestic prices.
• Buyer caution and high terminal inventories reduced procurement, while anti-dumping actions and closures tightened availability later.
MEA
• In Saudi Arabia, the Styrene Price Index fell by 5.08% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting easing demand overall.
• The average Styrene price for the quarter was approximately USD 779.00/MT per FOB Dammam reports.
• Regional Styrene Spot Price remained pressured by elevated inventories, limited exports, and stable domestic production.
• The Styrene Production Cost Trend eased as benzene and ethylene feedstock costs softened during quarter.
• Styrene Demand Outlook points to cautious restocking from packaging and construction amid elevated inventory levels.
• Short-term Styrene Price Forecast suggests rangebound movement with occasional upticks from export and seasonal restocking.
• High operating rates sustained supply, pressuring the Styrene Price Index despite project-related pockets of demand.
• Elevated inventories and muted Asian pull constrained arbitrage, limiting upward momentum in Styrene Spot Price.
Why did the price of Styrene change in December 2025 in MEA?
• Oversupply from steady domestic runs increased stocks, diminishing local price bargaining power in December period.
• Weakened benzene cost support reduced producers' incentive to defend prices, allowing sellers to concede offers.
• Muted export enquiries and year-end cautious procurement limited uplift, keeping Styrene spot conversations subdued regionally.
South America
• In Brazil, the Styrene Price Index fell by 9.24% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting subdued downstream demand levels.
• The average Styrene price for the quarter was USD 907.00/MT on a CFR Santos basis.
• Styrene Spot Price momentum was muted amid comfortable importer inventories and careful converter procurement strategies.
• Styrene Price Forecast indicates modest sequential recovery driven by seasonal restocking and constrained import availability.
• Styrene Production Cost Trend remained stable as benzene and ethylene feedstock costs showed limited pressure.
• Styrene Demand Outlook remains cautious with weak packaging and automotive procurement restraining price momentum overall.
• Styrene Price Index showed mid-quarter stability, then softened as seaborne arrivals alleviated short-term tightness conditions.
• Elevated port inventories and steady export flows limited upside, while selective restocking could support stabilization.
Why did the price of Styrene change in December 2025 in South America?
• Ample seaborne imports and port inventories reduced urgency for spot purchases, weighing on domestic price levels.
• Muted downstream procurement from packaging and appliances, coupled with cautious inventories, suppressed demand-led upward pressure.
For the Quarter Ending September 2025
North America
• In the USA, the Styrene Price Index fell by 11.64% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting weak downstream demand.
• The average Styrene price for the quarter was approximately USD 936.00/MT, reflecting subdued procurement activity.
• U.S. Styrene Spot Price weakness persisted as ample supply and limited export demand constrained offtake.
• Styrene Production Cost Trend showed limited upward pressure as benzene and gas prices remained stable.
• Elevated stocks and weak exports pressured the Styrene Price Index despite regional plant operating rates.
• Inventory accumulation and uninterrupted production kept sellers competitive, limiting upside in the Styrene Price Forecast.
Why did the price of Styrene change in September 2025 in North America?
• Elevated inventories and uninterrupted production maintained ample supply, preventing price recovery despite seasonal restocking attempts.
• Reduced procurement from packaging and automotive sectors cut offtake, sustaining downward pressure on Price Index.
• Stable feedstock costs limited cost-driven increases, while weak exports and logistical constraints amplified domestic oversupply effects.
APAC
• In Japan, the Styrene Price Index fell by 5.20% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting oversupply and weak downstream offtake.
• The average Styrene price for the quarter was approximately USD 893.67/MT, reflecting spot buying and elevated inventories.
• Styrene Spot Price pressure remained as Styrene Price Index weakened, supported by domestic output and import availability.
• Styrene Production Cost Trend showed easing benzene and ethylene costs, further pressuring Price Index downward.
• High distributor inventories and export demand maintained downward pressure on the Styrene Price Index and spot discussions.
Why did the price of Styrene change in September 2025 in APAC?
• Ample domestic production and steady feedstock inflows increased availability, exerting downward pressure on spot prices.
• Weak downstream offtake from packaging and automotive sectors left inventories elevated and reduced procurement urgency.
• Logistics remained mixed with firm freight costs offset by improved port operations, moderating cost passthrough to buyers.
Europe
• In Germany, the Styrene Price Index fell by 20.27% quarter-over-quarter, driven by weak downstream demand.
• The average Styrene price for the quarter was approximately USD 1016.33/MT, reflecting sustained oversupply domestically.
• Weak offtake pressured the Styrene Spot Price while the domestic Price Index remained bearish, subdued.
• Stable benzene and ethylene feedstocks kept the Styrene Production Cost Trend muted, offering limited support.
• Lead times and steady imports pressured the Styrene Price Index, constraining rapid price rebound prospects.
• Domestic producers' steady run-rates maintained availability, prompting discounts that pressured the Styrene Spot Price domestically.
Why did the price of Styrene change in September 2025 in Europe?
• Uninterrupted feedstock inflows and continuous plant operations increased supply, intensifying domestic oversupply and pressuring prices.
• Muted downstream purchasing, elevated inventories reduced offtake, weakening bids and sustaining the bearish Price Index.
• Competitive imports and logistics variances kept availability high, limiting upward price momentum despite derivative pull.
MEA
• In Saudi Arabia, the Styrene Price Index fell by 8% quarter-over-quarter, due to lower benzene costs.
• The average Styrene price for the quarter was approximately USD 820.67/MT, reflecting stable runs and moderate downstream offtake.
• Styrene Spot Price remained pressured amid ample domestic inventories and subdued export demand, keeping spot volumes muted.
• Styrene Production Cost Trend showed easing as benzene and crude cost reductions alleviated input pressure for producers.
• Styrene Price Index volatility constrained by stable plant run-rates, high inventories, and balanced logistics across regional supply chains.
Why did the price of Styrene change in September 2025 in MEA?
• Ample domestic production and elevated inventories reduced urgency to buy, weakening prices despite steady runs.
• Weaker benzene and crude feedstock costs lowered production expenses, easing upward price pressure across region.
• Subdued export movement, cautious buyer procurement, and balanced logistics kept market sentiment bearish, limiting rallies.
South America
• In Brazil, the Styrene Price Index fell by 10.72% quarter-over-quarter in Q3 2025, driven by weak imports.
• The average Styrene price for the quarter was approximately USD 999.33/MT, reflecting subdued demand and ample imports.
• Styrene Spot Price exhibited sustained weakness, with the Price Index reflecting consecutive weekly declines amid elevated inventories.
• Styrene Production Cost Trend remained benign as Benzene costs held stable, limiting upstream pressure on domestic margins.
• Export flows and steady seaborne supply pressured local Price Index, while freight stability kept import economics competitive.
• Major producers operated reliably; inventories remained ample, compelling sellers to offer concessions to clear volumes quickly.
Why did the price of Styrene change in September 2025 in South America?
• Ample U.S. export availability and healthy seaborne flows increased supply, overwhelming subdued domestic demand levels.
• Stable Benzene costs removed upward pressure, failing to offset waning converter procurement and inventory destocking.
• Normal port operations and steady freight kept imports economical, enabling buyers to delay purchases, destock.
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.
