U.S. benchmark and international crude benchmarks both fell as investors took profits following prior gains on the announcement of sweeping new U.S. sanctions targeting Iran. The 'Operation Economic Outcast' campaign imposes global sanctions with no exemption for China, creating uncertainty around Iranian oil flows. Prices remain volatile as markets assess whether the sanctions will successfully isolate Iran's energy sector or be circumvented.
Trinseo has restarted the sale of its 50% stake in the Americas Styrenics joint venture with Chevron Phillips Chemical, which produces styrene and polystyrene, following Trinseo's bankruptcy declaration earlier this year. The ownership uncertainty at one of the key styrene and polystyrene production platforms introduces supply risk for those commodity chemicals, likely supporting firmer pricing as market participants assess potential output disruptions.
| Product | Region | Incoterm Basis | Price | Last Updated Month |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Polystyrene | China | FOB | USD 1,394.35/MT | July 2026 |
| Polystyrene | USA | CIF | USD 1,581.00/MT | July 2026 |
| Polystyrene | Germany | CIF | USD 1,528.00/MT | July 2026 |
| Polystyrene | India | CIF | USD 1,501.00/MT | July 2026 |
| Polystyrene | Japan | CIF | USD 1,427.00/MT | July 2026 |
| Polystyrene | China | FOB | USD 1,481.46/MT | June 2026 |
| Polystyrene | USA | CIF | USD 1,636.46/MT | June 2026 |
| Polystyrene | Germany | CIF | USD 1,602.46/MT | June 2026 |
| Polystyrene | India | CIF | USD 1,569.46/MT | June 2026 |
| Polystyrene | Japan | CIF | USD 1,514.46/MT | June 2026 |
Stay updated with the latest Polystyrene prices, historical data, and tailored regional analysis
Asia
During the second quarter of 2026, polystyrene prices in China were ~USD 1,649.99/MT in April and ~USD 1,481.00/MT in June, showing a ~10.2% decrease. The market faced pressure from excess styrene capacity, competitive exports and cautious downstream purchasing. Although export activity provided temporary support, supply growth remained higher than demand recovery. Downstream demand from packaging, electronics housings, disposable products and insulation materials remained stable, but weak property activity and cautious manufacturing procurement limited stronger recovery. Producers continued facing margin pressure as styrene supply remained ample and downstream consumption improved slowly.
Europe
Polystyrene prices in Germany declined from ~USD 1,775.99/MT to ~USD 1,602.00/MT in the last month of the quarter, showing a ~9.8% decrease. European markets remained pressured by high production costs, weaker industrial activity and limited downstream recovery. Lower manufacturing momentum restricted demand from packaging, consumer goods and industrial applications. Construction-related demand for expandable polystyrene insulation remained cautious due to slower building activity. Producers focused on supply management and operating discipline as energy costs and regulatory requirements affected production economics. Food packaging and consumer applications provided relatively stable demand but were insufficient to support higher prices.
North America
Polystyrene prices in the United States declined to ~USD 1,736.99/MT in April and ~USD 1,636.00/MT in June, showing a ~5.8% decrease. The market was influenced by domestic styrene availability, changing import economics and moderate downstream demand. Integrated petrochemical supply chains supported regional availability, but cautious consumer-goods manufacturing limited demand growth. Packaging applications remained the main demand support, including foodservice and protective packaging, while appliances, electronics and insulation applications showed slower growth. Changes in benzene and styrene trade flows also affected sourcing strategies and market balance.
Analyst Insight
According to Procurement Resource, polystyrene prices are expected to remain under pressure as styrene oversupply continues, while recovery will depend on improved consumer demand, production adjustments and feedstock cost movements.
Related Report
Need Latest Polystyrene Prices?
Get real-time price assessments, periodic trends, forecasts and price driver insights across key global markets.
Our Clients
Turn price intelligence into action with the Procurement Resource Database. Log in or subscribe to unlock live price trends, historical charts, supplier databases, cost curves, and analyst-backed insights across chemicals, agriculture, energy, packaging, and more. Use these tools to benchmark your contracts, plan budgets with confidence, and stay ahead of market moves on every product you buy.
0
+Products
0
+Regions
0
+Subscriptions
Asia
The Asian polystyrene price curve witnessed upward movement during Q1’26 amid tightening styrene availability and strong feedstock cost support. Reduced refinery operating rates, lower imports, and temporary shutdowns at domestic and overseas styrene facilities constrained supply during the early part of the quarter. Stable downstream demand from the packaging and appliance sectors supported restocking activities. However, demand softened temporarily as some plants restarted operations and downstream processing rates slowed ahead of holidays. Market sentiment strengthened sharply in March after disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz restricted Middle Eastern exports and intensified global supply concerns. Saudi producer SABIC declared force majeure on styrene monomer exports, while Petrokemya also announced force majeure at its Al Jubail facilities. Saudi Arabia accounted for nearly 44% of China’s styrene imports and around 40% of India’s imports, leaving Asian markets highly exposed to supply disruptions. Rising freight and insurance costs further amplified market pressure across the region.
Europe
European polystyrene markets moved upward during Q1’26 due to rising feedstock costs and tightening styrene supply. Supply conditions worsened after disruptions to Middle Eastern cargo flows reduced styrene availability into Europe. Saudi Arabia accounted for nearly 33% of European styrene imports, increasing the region’s vulnerability to Gulf supply interruptions. Europe’s reduced domestic styrene capacity also limited supply flexibility, while buyers increasingly sought alternative cargoes from the US market. Downstream demand from the packaging and consumer goods sectors remained relatively steady despite elevated market conditions.
North America
North American polystyrene markets strengthened as global styrene shortages redirected export demand toward the US. Freight bottlenecks, vessel shortages, and maintenance outages at major US Gulf Coast styrene plants tightened regional availability further. Seasonal improvement in downstream demand from packaging, disposable food containers, and consumer goods sectors also supported the market.
Polystyrene is primarily a synthetic polymer derived from the monomer styrene. It is an aromatic hydrocarbon polymer that can either be solid in appearance or foamed. It is one of the most commonly used plastics and is widely utilised as a protective packaging materials. It is a colourless liquid which can evaporate easily and has a sweet odour. It usually contains other chemicals, which provide it a sharp, unpleasant smell. It dissolves in some liquids but does not dissolve easily in water.
(C8H8)n
Copolymers, Construction materials, Insulation materials, Packaging industry, Resins
PS, Polystyrene
INEOS Capital Limited, Total Petrochemicals USA, Inc., Americas Styrenics LLC (AmSty), SABIC, BASF SE
CurrencyUS$ (Data can also be provided in local currency)
Supplier Database AvailabilityYes
Customization ScopeThe report can be customized as per the requirements of the customer
Post-Sale Analyst Support360-degree analyst support after report delivery
Note: Our supplier search experts can assist your procurement teams in compiling and validating a list of suppliers indicating they have products, services, and capabilities that meet your company's needs.
The polymerisation of styrene in the presence of polybutadiene finally produces Polystyrene. Radical polymerisation is often utilised in the preparation of Polystyrene.
Our Price Analysis Methodology
Senior Business Insights Analyst
Delivering price trend analysis and procurement market insights at Procurement Resource, with expertise in identifying commodity patterns, supporting purchasing strategies, and improving cost efficiency through actionable market intelligence.
Experience how Procurement Resource transforms raw material price data into clear, decision ready intelligence. Optimise your performance with reliable, expert market data and analysis. Schedule your demo today to experience a live walk-through where our experts will showcase interactive price charts, forecasted prices, and insights driving the prices for your key commodities, tailored to your workflows. Contact us now!
Our Team will be happy to assist you
We are just a text away
Still Need Help?
Europe & Africa
+44 7573 171117
Sales@procurementresource.com
USA & Canada
+1 307 363 1045
Sales@procurementresource.com
APAC
+91 8850629517
Sales@procurementresource.com
This report provides the cost structure of polystyrene production by the polymerization method.
Styrene Butadiene Styrene Manufacturing Plant Project Report thoroughly focuses on every detail that encompasses the cost of manufacturing. Our extensive cost model meticulously covers breaking down expenses around raw materials, labour, technology, and manufacturing expenses. This enables precise cost structure optimization and helps in identifying effective strategies to reduce the overall cash cost of manufacturing.
Unlock full access to Procurement Resource's price databases, interactive charts, and short-term forecasts for thousands of commodities. Elevate your sourcing decisions by comparing prices across regions, downloading historical data, and layering in analyst-backed insights, all with our flexible plans that scale as your portfolio grows.
Still have any Questions
Contact Us
Price Trend Dashboard - What's Included
Price trends across a diverse portfolio of categories and products, spanning board to niche chemicals
Coverage extendable to grade-specific chemicals based on procurement requirements
Regular price tracking supported by robust historical datasets
News, policy updates, and key market drivers impacting price movements
Short-term and long-term price outlooks and forecasts
Supply–demand dynamics and capacity-driven market analysis
Track prices, market movements, supply-demand dynamics, and industry developments across hundreds of commodities through a centralized intelligence platform built for informed procurement decisions.
Understand market fluctuations using analyst-backed forecasts, historical pricing patterns, and evolving industry trends to strengthen sourcing strategies and budget planning.
Leverage cost models, pricing benchmarks, and procurement insights to evaluate purchasing opportunities, improve negotiations, and enhance operational efficiency.
Access region-specific price trends, trade activities, capacity changes, and supply chain developments influencing commodity markets worldwide.
.webp&w=1080&q=75)