Expanded Polystyrene Prices

Expanded Polystyrene Prices June 2024

The expanded polystyrene prices in the United States for Q2 2024 reached 2170 USD/MT in June. The prices dropped significantly due to low consumption and excess product availability. The market faced pressure from reduced feedstock costs and cautious purchasing. Inventory adjustment and seasonal factors also played a role, driving considerable price shifts and a prolonged downward trend across the quarter.

The price of expanded polystyrene in South Korea for Q2 2024 settled at 1560 USD/MT in June. The market saw notable price fluctuations, fueled by strong construction and packaging demand. Supply limitations and peak construction season drove prices upward, aligning with the broader regional bullish trend and underscoring high seasonal demand for EPS products.

In Germany, the expanded polystyrene prices for Q2 2024 reached 2160 USD/MT in June. The prices remained stable throughout, reflecting Europe's overall market balance. Minimal seasonal impact kept prices steady, while ample inventory and consistent demand from industries like construction supported the stable pricing landscape observed across the region.

Expanded Polystyrene Prices December 2023

The expanded polystyrene prices in the United States for Q4 2023 reached 1910 USD/MT in December. The market was characterized by reduced demand, especially across the automotive sector, leading to softer prices. Additionally, the decline in crude oil prices impacted production costs, adding to the bearish market trend.

Regional Coverage

The report provides a detailed analysis of the expanded polystyrene market across different regions, each with unique pricing dynamics influenced by localized market conditions, supply chain intricacies, and geopolitical factors. This includes price trends, price forecast and supply and demand trends for each region, along with spot prices by major ports. The report also provides coverage of ex-works, FOB, and CIF prices, as well as the key factors influencing the expanded polystyrene price trend.

Global Expanded Polystyrene Price

The report offers a holistic view of the global expanded polystyrene pricing trends in the form of expanded polystyrene price charts, reflecting the worldwide interplay of supply-demand balances, international trade policies, and overarching economic factors that shape the market on a macro level. This comprehensive analysis not only highlights the current price but also provides insights into expanded polystyrene historical price trends, enabling stakeholders to understand past fluctuations and their underlying causes.

The report also delves into expanded polystyrene price forecast models, projecting future price movements based on a variety of indicators such as expected changes in supply chain dynamics, anticipated policy shifts, and emerging market trends. By examining these factors, the report equips industry participants with the necessary tools to make informed strategic decisions, manage risks, and capitalize on market opportunities. Furthermore, it includes a detailed expanded polystyrene demand analysis, breaking down regional variations and identifying key drivers specific to each geographic market, thus offering a nuanced understanding of the global pricing landscape.

Europe Expanded Polystyrene Price

Q2 2024:

The European expanded polystyrene (EPS) market in Q2 2024 maintained steady prices due to stable demand and supply dynamics and upstream costs. With ample inventories, the region saw minimal price fluctuations as product consumption in packaging and construction sectors remained stable. Germany saw the most significant shifts, although the seasonal influence was limited, contributing to an overall consistent market. The price movement mirrored that of other regional markets, and there were no substantial fluctuations within the quarter, signaling a stable pricing sentiment across Europe.

Q4 2023:

Europe’s market experienced a decline during Q4 2023, marked by a general bearish outlook. The EPS market was characterized by high supply levels and a notable decline in prices across major European regions. Despite the high supply, the market remained under pressure from declining prices. Specific regions like Antwerp in Belgium and Felixstowe in the UK also witnessed price drops, reflecting the broader trend. The European market’s performance during this period was influenced by fluctuating feedstock costs and varying regional demand.

This analysis can be extended to include detailed expanded polystyrene price information for a comprehensive list of countries.

North America Expanded Polystyrene Price

Q2 2024:

In Q2 2024, North America's EPS market saw a distinct downward price trend due to low consumption from packaging and construction sectors. This lower demand led to excess availability, intensifying price drops across the region. A decline in raw material costs also helped reduce production expenses, further pressuring EPS prices downward. Economic challenges fueled cautious buying behavior, and, notably, in the USA, price fluctuations were more notable due to inventory shifts and seasonal influences. Despite periodic demand from certain sectors, high inventories and a conservative economic outlook kept prices on a continuous decline as suppliers lowered prices to manage excess stock, reflecting a consistently bearish trend in the EPS market.

Q4 2023:

During the fourth quarter of 2023, the market maintained a consistent supply chain alongside strong demand and fixed pricing. The market's potential to adapt to changes in supply and demand kept prices stable, even though there was a significant decrease in feedstock styrene costs. Market stability was aided by high demand from the construction and automotive industries. However, a decrease in local need and general market participation, combined with the UAW strike impacting big car manufacturers, resulted in a decrease in prices. In addition, the drop in crude oil prices decreased energy expenses, leading to further effects on production costs.

Specific expanded polystyrene historical data within the United States and Canada can also be provided.

Middle East and Africa Expanded Polystyrene Price

The report explores the expanded polystyrene pricing trends in the Middle East and Africa, considering factors like regional industrial growth, the availability of natural resources, and geopolitical tensions that uniquely influence market prices.

In addition to region-wise data, information on expanded polystyrene prices for countries can also be provided.

Asia Pacific Expanded Polystyrene Price

Q2 2024:

The Asia Pacific region experienced strong upward momentum in EPS prices during Q2 2024, mainly driven by robust consumption from insulation, packaging, and other sectors. This demand was coupled with rising raw material prices. Supply chain issues and increased freight expenses exacerbated supply constraints, which in turn drove prices higher. In South Korea, market prices fluctuated considerably, largely due to steady consumption in various sectors, alongside seasonal effects. The upward trend remained firm through the quarter, indicating solid market growth underpinned by limited supply channels.

Q4 2023:

The analysis of expanded polystyrene prices in Asia Pacific provides a detailed overview, reflecting the unique market dynamics in the region influenced by economic policies, industrial growth, and trade frameworks.

This expanded polystyrene price analysis can be expanded to include a comprehensive list of countries within the region.

Latin America Expanded Polystyrene Price

The analysis of expanded polystyrene prices in Latin America provides a detailed overview, reflecting the unique market dynamics in the region influenced by economic policies, industrial growth, and trade frameworks.

This comprehensive review can be extended to include specific countries within the region.

Expanded Polystyrene Price Trend, Market Analysis, and News

IMARC’s newly published report, titled “Expanded Polystyrene Prices, Trend, Chart, Demand, Market Analysis, News, Historical and Forecast Data Report 2024 Edition,” offers an in-depth analysis of expanded polystyrene pricing, covering an analysis of global and regional market trends and the critical factors driving these price movements.

It encompasses an in-depth review of spot price of expanded polystyrene at major ports, a breakdown of prices including Ex Works, FOB, and CIF, alongside a region-wise dissection of expanded polystyrene price trend across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, the Middle East and Africa.

The report examines the elements influencing expanded polystyrene price fluctuations, such as changes in raw material costs, supply-demand dynamics, geopolitical factors, and industry-specific developments. Additionally, it integrates the latest market news, providing stakeholders with up-to-date information on market shifts, regulatory changes, and technological advancements, thereby offering a comprehensive overview that aids in strategic decision-making and forecasting.

Expanded Polystyrene Market Analysis

The global expanded polystyrene market size reached US$ 10.7 Billion in 2023. By 2032, IMARC Group expects the market to reach US$ 15.2 Billion, at a projected CAGR of 3.80% during 2023-2032.

• Rapid expansion of the automotive sector, which utilizes EPS for components that contribute to vehicle safety and fuel efficiency, underscores the material's integral role.
• Urbanization and industrial development continue to increase, and the need for efficient insulation materials in the construction industry has become more pronounced, propelling the market forward.
• The versatility of EPS allows for its customization in various applications, ranging from flotation devices in marine applications to lightweight construction blocks, catering to a broad spectrum of industrial needs.
• Strategic collaborations and research initiatives aimed at enhancing EPS properties for specific industrial applications further stimulate market growth, ensuring EPS remains at the forefront of material innovation and application diversity.
• The healthcare sector’s rising reliance on EPS for the safe transport of medical equipment and sensitive pharmaceuticals, owing to its insulative and hygienic properties, represents another growth avenue.
• Continual advancement in EPS recycling techniques and the development of biodegradable EPS alternatives, which address environmental concerns and regulatory pressures for sustainable materials.
• Ongoing development of smart and sustainable cities also presents new opportunities for EPS usage, especially in innovative urban infrastructure projects that prioritize energy efficiency and environmental conservation.
• Government and regulatory bodies worldwide are implementing policies that favor energy-saving materials, providing a regulatory push that complements the market's natural growth.
• The increasing consumer awareness and demand for sustainable living practices encourage industries to adopt eco-friendly materials like EPS, further enriching its market expansion and diversification.
• The augmenting demand for lightweight and efficient packaging solutions in the logistics and e-commerce sectors, particularly in emerging economies, the need for durable, cost-effective packaging that ensures product safety during transit is more crucial than ever.
• Changing demographic shifts, such as urban migration, increase the need for urban infrastructure and housing, further providing a boost to EPS demand.
• Increasing consumer awareness about the benefits of EPS, particularly its insulation properties and impact on energy efficiency, supports market growth.

Expanded Polystyrene News

The report covers the latest developments, updates, and trends impacting the global expanded polystyrene market, providing stakeholders with timely and relevant information. This segment covers a wide array of news items, including the inauguration of new production facilities, advancements in expanded polystyrene production technologies, strategic market expansions by key industry players, and significant mergers and acquisitions that impact the expanded polystyrene price trend.

Latest developments in the expanded polystyrene industry:

• On September 21, 2023, BASF launched "MyCarbonFootprint", a digital app for customers to calibrate their purchase about BASF products like CO2 savings and share of renewables. The 700 products, including pharma ingredients and amino resins, are going to be featured and it was only initially made available to select customers with over 50 users having this already.
• On March 14, 2024, NOVA Chemicals Corporation launched its Centre of Excellence for Plastics Circularity, a collaborative hub aimed at advancing the circular economy for plastics through knowledge sharing and technology development, involving industry innovators and Canadian research institutions.
• In March 2022, Synthos and OMV have vowed to supply sustainable butadiene for the eco-friendly synthetic rubber in tires using renewable resources while targeting reduced CO2 emissions and transition to circular economy with the pyrolysis oil from the end-of-life tires by 2030. Their collaboration will contribute to the tire industry sustainability targets and Synthos has already examined OMV's butadiene recycling that aligns with their 100% sustainable products by 2030 plan. OMV aspires to become one of the leading producers of environment-friendly chemicals aiming at 300,000 tonnes of production by 2030.

Product Description

Extruded polystyrene (EPS) is an open-cell, plastic foam insulation material constructed from beads of solid polystyrene. The manufacturing process contains this bead expansion method as its key process wherein in intense heat, the beads fuse, producing a material that is both tough and weightless.

In construction, EPS is majorly applied for the insulation of walls, roofs, and foundations as a result of its capacity to reduce energy consumption and promote the sustainability of buildings. EPS keeps packages safe, which is one of the reasons that packaging business people like it. It can support fragile packaging because of its shock-absorbing capabilities.

In addition, EPS is not only used in the manufacture of disposable cups, and helmets but also in making floating devices, showcasing its versatility. The advantages of EPS are many; they include low costs, strength, and lightweight nature, which make the costs for shipping and installation easier. It is recyclable therefore lowers considerably the environmental impact and this stresses its suitability in various sustainable development practices.

Report Coverage

Key Benefits for Stakeholders:

• IMARC’s report presents a detailed analysis of expanded polystyrene pricing, covering global and regional trends, spot prices at key ports, and a breakdown of Ex Works, FOB, and CIF prices.
• The study examines factors affecting expanded polystyrene price trend, including raw material costs, supply-demand shifts, geopolitical impacts, and industry developments, offering insights for informed decision-making.
• The competitive landscape review equips stakeholders with crucial insights into the latest market news, regulatory changes, and technological advancements, ensuring a well-rounded, strategic overview for forecasting and planning.
• IMARC offers various subscription options, including monthly, quarterly, and biannual updates, allowing clients to stay informed with the latest market trends, ongoing developments, and comprehensive market insights. The expanded polystyrene price charts ensure our clients remain at the forefront of the industry.