Crude oil futures declined sharply on Monday as traders offloaded positions amid weak global cues and soft spot demand. The price drop reflects growing concerns over demand, putting downward pressure on crude oil prices.
Renewed fighting between US and Iran has slowed shipping through the Gulf of Hormuz, disrupting supply routes. Benchmark crude prices have climbed sharply from pre-conflict levels, reflecting heightened geopolitical risk. The upward price pressure is likely to continue while tensions persist.
| Product | Region | Incoterm Basis | Price | Last Updated Month |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Polystyrene | China | FOB | USD 1,620.52/MT | May 2026 |
| Polystyrene | USA | CIF | USD 1,740.19/MT | May 2026 |
| Polystyrene | Germany | CIF | USD 1,714.45/MT | May 2026 |
| Polystyrene | India | CIF | USD 1,688.34/MT | May 2026 |
| Polystyrene | Japan | CIF | USD 1,658.75/MT | May 2026 |
| Polystyrene | China | FOB | USD 1,649.99/MT | April 2026 |
| Polystyrene | USA | CIF | USD 1,736.99/MT | April 2026 |
| Polystyrene | Germany | CIF | USD 1,775.99/MT | April 2026 |
| Polystyrene | India | CIF | USD 1,699.99/MT | April 2026 |
| Polystyrene | Japan | CIF | USD 1,691.99/MT | April 2026 |
Stay updated with the latest Polystyrene prices, historical data, and tailored regional analysis
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.
Analyst Insight
According to Procurement Resource, in the near term, global polystyrene markets are likely to remain firm amid ongoing styrene supply tightness, elevated logistics costs, and continued geopolitical uncertainty.
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Asia
In Asia, polystyrene prices during Q4’25 stayed mostly weak and moved in a narrow range. The market had enough supply, while demand stayed low. Producers continued running plants, which kept material easily available. Styrene costs changed from time to time, but they did not give strong support to polystyrene prices. Buyers from electronics and home appliance sectors bought only small quantities. Packaging demand was steady but not strong. Many buyers preferred to use existing stocks instead of placing new orders. Because of this, prices did not rise and stayed mostly flat to slightly lower during the quarter.
Europe
In Europe, polystyrene prices declined during Q4’25. Demand from major sectors such as electronics, appliances, and insulation stayed weak. Buyers were careful and delayed purchases due to slow business activity and year-end holidays. Supply remained comfortable as producers had enough raw material. This led to higher inventories, which pushed prices down further. Packaging demand provided some support, but stricter rules and a shift toward recycled materials reduced fresh buying. Exports helped limit the fall, but overall market sentiment stayed negative.
North America
In North America, polystyrene prices continued to fall during Q4’25. The market suffered from weak demand and high stock levels. Construction activity slowed, which reduced demand for expanded polystyrene used in insulation. Packaging demand showed mixed results, with stable online sales but weaker industrial use. Producers kept supply steady, while buyers avoided bulk purchases. Most buyers focused on short-term needs only, which kept pressure on prices throughout the quarter.
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.
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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.
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This report provides the cost structure of polystyrene production by the polymerization method.
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