Why did the Polystyrene Price Change in July 2025? Polystyrene price index in USA showed limited fluctuation during Q2 2025. While April witnessed stable spot prices amid average Polystyrene demand outlook and soft cost support, May 2025 saw mild growth in price index, driven by restocking from downstream packaging and electronics sectors.

Get comprehensive insights into the Polystyrene market, with a focused analysis of the Polystyrene price trend across Asia, Europe, North America, Latin America, and the Middle East Africa.

Why did the Expanded Polystyrene Price Change in July 2025? The Expanded Polystyrene Price Index in the USA displayed a fluctuating trend during Q2 2025, shaped by downstream construction demand and changing styrene costs.

Graph and download economic data for Producer Price Index by Industry: Polystyrene Foam Product Manufacturing: Consumer and Institutional Polystyrene Foam Products (PCU3261403261405) from Dec 1982 to Jun 2025 about consumer, manufacturing, PPI, industry, inflation, price index, indexes, price, and USA.

In 2023, the global price of polystyrene stood at approximately ***** U.S. dollars per metric ton. This represents a slight decrease from the average global price per in the previous year of ***** U.S. dollars per metric ton.

In the United States, the price of general purpose polystyrene (GPPS) reached 1688 USD/MT by December 2023. Likewise, the general purpose polystyrene (GPPS) prices in South Korea hit 1243 USD/MT in the same month. In the last quarter of 2023, prices of general purpose polystyrene (GPPS) in Belgium reached 1674 USD/MT.

In Q1 2025, the Polystyrene (PS) market in North America observed alternating trends amid fluctuations in demand and upstream costs. In USA, January began on a stable note, supported by steady downstream consumption from packaging and automobile sectors. However, mid-month witnessed a marginal drop in prices, followed by a moderate recovery in the fourth week due to rising feedstock costs. By the end of January, prices softened again, mainly driven by reduced demand and high supply.

Get the latest insights on price movement and trend analysis of General Purpose Polystyrene (GPPS) in different regions across the world (Asia, Europe, North America, Latin America, and the Middle East Africa).

The polystyrene market size is projected to grow from USD 29.76 billion in the current year to USD 48.72 billion by 2035, representing a CAGR of 4.58%, during the forecast period till 2035.

The global polystyrene (PS) market attained a volume of 19.68 MMT in 2024. The industry is expected to grow at a CAGR of 1.90% during the forecast period of 2025-2034 to reach a volume of 23.76 MMT by 2034.

The polystyrene market is undergoing structural change, powered by the growing demand from packaging and electronics and regional policy interventions. Governments are also encouraging manufacturers to develop higher-efficiency blends and recycling-integrated processes. Under the Union Budget 2025-26 the government allocated Rs. 1,61,965 crore (USD 18.7 billion) to the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, which includes incentives for clean processing of synthetic polymers, including high-impact polystyrene (HIPS). This initiative is aimed at boosting local manufacturing resilience. Meanwhile, Europe’s Green Deal has added regulatory frameworks for achieving circular economy goals, creating downstream demand for modular and recyclable PS-based products.

South Korea’s Ministry of Environment, on the other hand, partnered with leading petrochemical firms like SK Chemicals to co-develop energy-efficient polymerisation reactors for extruded polystyrene (XPS). These offer significant energy savings and reduce styrene residue as well. From smart labelling in food-grade containers to fire-retardant insulation foam with embedded IoT sensors in construction, the polystyrene’s functionality is being redefined.

Digitised supply chains are also transforming how PS raw materials are sourced and tracked, boosting the polystyrene market dynamics. Companies like TotalEnergies and INEOS Styrolution are piloting blockchain-enabled logistics for waste polystyrene reverse logistics, bridging the gap between producer responsibility and ethical considerations of their brands. As regulations tighten, firms that innovate beyond compliance are poised to capture greater market shares during the forecast period.

In 2024, the global polystyrene market decreased by -2.2% to $29.7B, falling for the second year in a row after two years of growth. In general, consumption saw a relatively flat trend pattern. Global consumption peaked at $36.4B in 2022; however, from 2023 to 2024, consumption failed to regain momentum.

The Polystyrene Market Report Segments the Industry by Resin Type (General Purpose Polystyrene (GPPS), High Impact Polystyrene (HIPS), and Expandable Polystyrene (EPS)), Form Type (Foams, Films and Sheets, and More), End-User Industry (Packaging, Building and Construction, Electrical and Electronics, Consumer Goods, and Other End-User Industries), and Geography (Asia-Pacific, North America, Europe, and More. )

The Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) market in North America exhibited a cautious trend throughout Q1 2025, shaped by seasonal reduction in construction activities and moderate demand from packaging applications. Especially in USA, during January, EPS prices remained relatively steady amid limited procurement, as harsh winter weather suppressed insulation demand. February saw a marginal decline in prices, attributed to subdued industrial activity and high inventories in key distribution hubs.

Graph and download economic data for Producer Price Index by Industry: Polystyrene Foam Product Manufacturing: Building and Construction Polystyrene Foam Products (PCU3261403261403) from Dec 2003 to Jul 2025 about buildings, construction, manufacturing, PPI, industry, inflation, price index, indexes, price, and USA.

The Singaporean polystyrene market rose notably to $595M in 2024, picking up by 5.6% against the previous year. The market value increased at an average annual rate of +1.4% from 2012 to 2024; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded in certain years. Over the period under review, the market reached the maximum level at $671M in 2022; however, from 2023 to 2024, consumption stood at a somewhat lower figure.

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Polystyrene Market Size 2024-2028

The polystyrene (PS) market size is forecast to increase by USD 7.83 billion at a CAGR of 5.02% between 2023 and 2028.

The market is experiencing significant growth, driven primarily by the increasing demand from the electrical and electronics industry. This sector's expansion is attributed to the superior insulation properties of PS, making it an ideal choice for various applications, including transformer housings and electronic components. However, the market faces challenges that may hinder its growth trajectory. One such challenge is the lack of awareness about eco-friendly alternatives to PS. As consumers become more environmentally conscious, there is a growing demand for sustainable and biodegradable materials. Furthermore, the fluctuating crude oil prices pose a significant threat to the PS market.
As a primary raw material for PS production, the price volatility of crude oil directly impacts the cost structure of PS manufacturers. Companies operating in this market must navigate these challenges to capitalize on the opportunities presented by the growing demand from the electrical and electronics industry. To remain competitive, it is crucial for PS producers to explore alternative raw materials and production processes, as well as invest in marketing efforts to promote the eco-friendly attributes of their products.

What will be the Size of the Polystyrene (PS) Market during the forecast period?

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Polystyrene, a versatile plastic material, continues to evolve in various sectors due to its unique properties. In the realm of consumer goods, it finds extensive use in food and electronics packaging for its excellent product protection and insulation capabilities. The material's lightweight nature, coupled with its compressive strength, makes it an ideal choice for thermal insulation in construction materials, including floor and wall insulation. Polystyrene's thermal conductivity is low, ensuring energy efficiency in buildings. Its water resistance and mold resistance make it suitable for use in closed-cell foam for building insulation, adhering to stringent building codes.
Additionally, advancements in polystyrene technology have led to the production of biodegradable and recycled polystyrene, addressing environmental concerns. The material's applications extend beyond insulation, with its use in protective packaging for various industries, including consumer goods. Polystyrene's impact resistance and vibration damping properties make it an essential component in the manufacturing sector. Furthermore, its thermal performance is crucial in LEED certification for green buildings. Polystyrene's continuous evolution is evident in its various manufacturing processes, such as injection molding, extrusion, and compression molding. The material's adaptability and ongoing innovation ensure its relevance in the ever-changing market dynamics.

How is this Polystyrene (PS) Industry segmented?

The polystyrene industry research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in 'USD million' for the period 2024-2028, as well as historical data from 2018-2022 for the following segments.

Resin Type

  Expanded polystyrene (EPS)
  High impact polystyrene (HIPS)
  General purpose polystyrene (GPPS)


End-user

  Packaging
  Electronics
  Construction
  Others


Application

  Food Packaging
  Insulation Panels
  Appliance Housings


Geography

  North America

    US
    Canada


  Europe

    France
    Germany
    Italy
    UK


  Middle East and Africa

    Egypt
    KSA
    Oman
    UAE


  APAC

    China
    India
    Japan


  South America

    Argentina
    Brazil


  Rest of World (ROW)

By Resin Type Insights

The expanded polystyrene (EPS) segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period.

The polystyrene foam market encompasses various applications, including expanded polystyrene (EPS) for floor and wall insulation, product protection, and packaging. EPS offers desirable properties such as high compressive strength, thermal insulation, and impact resistance, making it an attractive choice for construction materials and consumer goods. In the building industry, EPS is utilized for its excellent thermal performance and mold resistance, contributing to LEED certification and green building initiatives. EPS's lightweight nature and water resistance make it a preferred material for insulation, particularly in flooring and wall applications. Additionally, closed-cell foam provides enhanced fire retardancy, further increasing its demand.

EPS is also used extensively in packaging, including food and electronics, due to its protective capabilities and vibration damping properties. The market trends reflect the growing importance of energy efficiency and environmental considerations

The Asian polystyrene market totaled $18.4B in 2024, flattening at the previous year. Over the period under review, consumption recorded a relatively flat trend pattern. The level of consumption peaked at $22.6B in 2022; however, from 2023 to 2024, consumption stood at a somewhat lower figure.

United States - Producer Price Index by Industry: Polystyrene Foam Product Manufacturing: All Other Polystyrene Foam Products Including Transportation Application Uses was 196.32700 Index Jun 2006=100 in July of 2025, according to the United States Federal Reserve. Historically, United States - Producer Price Index by Industry: Polystyrene Foam Product Manufacturing: All Other Polystyrene Foam Products Including Transportation Application Uses reached a record high of 201.86500 in August of 2022 and a record low of 99.80000 in July of 2006. Trading Economics provides the current actual value, an historical data chart and related indicators for United States - Producer Price Index by Industry: Polystyrene Foam Product Manufacturing: All Other Polystyrene Foam Products Including Transportation Application Uses - last updated from the United States Federal Reserve on September of 2025.

Polystyrene Market earned USD 35.1 billion in 2024 and is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 4.3% during forecast, and forecast to touch USD 49.2 billion in 2032

In 2024, the Chinese polystyrene market decreased by -2.6% to $7.3B, falling for the second consecutive year after two years of growth. Overall, consumption saw a relatively flat trend pattern. Polystyrene consumption peaked at $9.1B in 2022; however, from 2023 to 2024, consumption stood at a somewhat lower figure.