Styrene Price Trends and Forecast Report 2025 Edition

The Expert Market Research pricing report on Styrene provides insights into the top 10 leading trading countries and regions.

Styrene pricing analysis shows lower prices during 2024, with only a slight recovery anticipated during the latter half as inventory adjustments and prudent demand showed restraint. During Q1 2025, Styrene prices were to remain under prudent pressure on account of muted global demand and softening feedstock costs. North America experienced initial fluctuations before settling down, while Asia endured oversupply as well as restricted growth. Europe also had a soft market outlook considering economic uncertainty and sluggish industrial demand. For the spot market from FOB Rotterdam and FOB South Korea, prices during June 2025 have notably crossed a significant threshold. In NW Europe, price for the period was reportedly settled at Euro 1,430 per tonnes, reflecting a decline of Euro 40 per MT from May 2025.

Get Real-Time Prices (Monthly, Quarterly, and Yearly) - Download Free Sample

The most significant contribution of the styrene industry is its role in contributing to the global manufacturing environment, since styrene is a primary building block used in the manufacturing of plastics and synthetic rubbers. Both products are well used in many industries, such as construction, automotive, packaging, electronics, and consumer goods. General products that come from styrene include insulation products, pipes, auto parts, food packaging, carpet backing, and printer cartridges. Styrene is most notably utilised in the manufacture of polystyrene, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), and styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR), which are the foundation for most industrial and consumer uses.

Styrene Price Forecast

Styrene prices remained under constant pressure from declining prices worldwide on account of economic slowing globally and excess supply. Poor demand from the automotive and construction industries, particularly in North America and Europe, put great pressure on prices. Volatility of feedstock prices remained in the initial part of the year but eased by mid-2024, bringing some stability. Limited assistance came from the packaging industry, mainly across Asia and South America. As 2025 started, the Styrene market showed region-dependent price trends and price realignments based on macroeconomic indicators, downstream recovery, and inventory rebalancing. In all the regions, the price direction of styrene was expected to trade within a confined range, with upstream cost pressures relaxing and subdued global demand conditions precluding big gains.

Get Real-Time Prices (Monthly, Quarterly, and Yearly) - Download Free Sample

Global Trade and Supply Chain Implications

In 2024, the global styrene market was projected to face a complex interplay of cost pressures and shifting demand patterns. During the first half of the year, price actions were likely to be subdued on account of weak construction activity, especially in Europe and North America, where elevated interest rates and uncertainties regarding the economy stifled insulating-related styrene consumption. The Asia-Pacific region, driven by China and India, was projected to experience oversupply situations, particularly since production remained unchecked even as demand slowed down from the construction and consumer durables industries.

But the packaging industry in all regions, particularly in e-commerce-based economies, was expected to create a consistent cushion of demand. The shift towards sustainable packaging materials started impacting product innovation, with recycled and bio-based styrene derivatives becoming popular. This was expected to drive moderate price increases in niche segments. The latter part of 2024 was projected to see gradual recovery with reduced surplus inventories and construction activity began to normalize, particularly in developing countries. Price fluctuations in feedstock benzene and ethylene were to ease somewhat, offering relative cost stability.

Feedstock Analysis

Styrene manufacturing is largely affected by two principal feedstocks, benzene and ethylene. They are blended by alkylation to give ethylbenzene, which is dehydrogenated to create styrene monomer. Benzene, making up about 80% of the weight of the styrene molecule, is a major component of cost. Its price movements, having hindered by crude markets and local supply-demand conditions, directly affect styrene prices. Ethylene, although making up approximately 20% of the styrene molecule, is from natural gas or naphtha and is volatility dependent on petrochemical feedstock markets. During early 2025, both prices for benzene and ethylene suffered drops due to decreased demand and lower crude prices. This resulted in lower production costs for styrene, adding to its market price falling into a declining trend.

Demand and Supply Outlook for Styrene

The global styrene market outlook is likely to stay under pressure with pricing experiencing a downward view because of structural oversupply, poor downstream demand, and macroeconomic uncertainty continue to pressure prices. In the United States, slowing export activity and sufficient Asian supply have driven prices lower, further pressured by decreasing benzene and energy prices. Asian markets, especially China and India, experience muted trading on account of holidays, shipping holdups, and weak buyer demand, while recent revivals in Chinese and Japanese plants will further contribute to the supply boom. In Europe, while there were some production setbacks, demand continued to be firm owing to adequate inventories. Absent a meaningful recovery in packaging and automotive demand or a supplier tightening, Styrene prices will remain weak over the next few weeks.

Gain a competitive edge with Expert Market Research's comprehensive price forecasting reports. Dive deep into the latest market dynamics and price outlook for your specific materials, ensuring you stay ahead of the curve with actionable insights and strategic foresight.

What Our Reports Include:

Historical Price Data and Analysis:

• In-depth review of prices (including feedstock) over the past 5 years.
• Visualizations and trend analysis to identify historical patterns and seasonality.

Supply and Demand Analysis:

• Detailed industry analysis of current current supply and demand trends shaping the market, along with projections for how these dynamics are expected to evolve during the forecast period.
• Insights from our extensive supplier and trader network, government websites, industry bodies, and global trade data.

Latest Industry News:

• Up-to-date information on recent developments and geopolitical events.
• Pricing analysis of how these events are likely to impact future prices.

Key Macroeconomic Indicators:

• Evaluation of economic indicators such as GDP growth, inflation rates, and PMI.
• Insights into how these indicators affect prices.

Price Outlook:

• Forecasted price trends analysis for the next 2 years using statistical modelling and fundamental & technical price analysis.
• Scenario analysis and potential price fluctuations.

Why Choose Our Reports?

• Accurate Data: Our reports are based on reliable data sources, including primary interviews, government websites, and industry bodies.
• Comprehensive Insights: We offer a holistic view of the market, considering all factors related to demand, supply, macroeconomic environment, and input costs.
• Timely Updates: Reports are updated monthly, with options for quarterly or semi-annual subscriptions.
• Expert Support: Our team of analysts is available for consultations and customized requirements.

Key Benefits:

• Informed Procurement Decisions: Gain insights on when to buy and how to negotiate better, mitigating the impact of price volatility.
• Competitive Advantage: Leverage our robust and time-tested forecasting methodology to stay ahead in the market.
• Actionable Insights: Make better market decisions with detailed market forecasts and analysis.