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.

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.

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.

The Polystyrene (PS) market report highlights that in 2023, the Polystyrene (PS) market was valued at USD 20.4 Billion. It is forecasted to reach USD 28.1 Billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 3.6% from 2023 to 2032.

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Polystyrene (PS) 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.

Major Market Trends & Insights

APAC dominated the market and accounted for a 55% growth during the forecast period.
By the Resin Type - Expanded polystyrene (EPS) segment was valued at USD 10.01 billion in 2022
By the End-user - Packaging segment accounted for the largest market revenue share in 2022

Market Size & Forecast

Market Opportunities: USD 48.02 million
Market Future Opportunities: USD 7826.40 million
CAGR : 5.02%
APAC: Largest market in 2022

Market Summary

Polystyrene (PS), a versatile thermoplastic, holds a significant market position in various industries due to its unique properties, including insulation, lightweight, and resistance to moisture. The global PS market size was valued at over USD30 billion in 2021, with the electrical and electronics sector accounting for a substantial share. This sector's growth can be attributed to the increasing demand for lightweight and insulating materials in the production of consumer electronics and electrical equipment. Moreover, the PS market exhibits continuous evolution, with ongoing research and development focusing on enhancing product performance and sustainability. For instance, the development of biodegradable polystyrene is gaining traction as an eco-friendly alternative to traditional PS, addressing growing concerns about plastic waste.
Despite this, challenges persist, such as price volatility due to fluctuating crude oil prices and the need for increased awareness about the benefits of eco-friendly alternatives. Nonetheless, the market's future remains promising, with ongoing advancements and adaptations to meet the evolving needs of industries and consumers.

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

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The market exhibits continuous evolution, driven by advancements in processing parameters, material selection, and regulatory compliance. According to industry estimates, global PS production reached 33 million metric tons in 2020, with a projected growth rate of 3.5% annually. This expansion is influenced by the material's versatility and high tensile strength, which makes it a preferred choice for various applications, including packaging, insulation, and automotive industries. Moreover, the PS market dynamics are shaped by stringent environmental regulations, pushing for increased circular economy practices. For instance, the flexural strength of recycled PS has improved significantly, enabling its use in applications that previously relied on virgin material.
As a result, PS recycling infrastructure has seen substantial growth, with an estimated 2.5 million metric tons of PS recycled in 2020, representing a 5% increase from the previous year. This trend underscores the industry's commitment to reducing the material's carbon footprint and improving resource efficiency.

How is this Polystyrene (PS) Industry segmented?

The polystyrene (ps) 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.

Polystyrene (PS), a versatile thermoplastic, is widely used in various industries due to its unique properties. PS undergoes decomposition through pyrolysis and gasification processes, contributing to energy recovery. The PS market is dynamic, with ongoing advancements in its production methods, including styrene polymerization and injection molding. PS film production is a significant application, with mechanical strength and chemical resistance being key factors. Mechanical recycling and chemical recycling, such as depolymerization, are essential PS recycling methods. Surface modification techniques enhance PS material properties, broadening its applications. The PS market is expanding, with the foam segment experiencing notable growth. In 2020, the PS foam market accounted for approximately 45% of the

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Europe Polystyrene Market Size 2024-2028

The Europe polystyrene (PS) market size is forecast to increase by USD 885.9 million at a CAGR of 3.1% between 2023 and 2028. The market is witnessing significant growth due to its widespread usage in various industries, particularly in electrical and electronics, as a lightweight material for custom shapes. However, the market faces challenges related to landfill pollution from PS waste and the lack of awareness about eco-friendly alternatives. The styrene monomer, the primary raw material for PS production, is derived from crude oil, making its price volatile. In addition, PS is widely used for eco-friendly packaging and thermal insulation applications, competing with alternatives like polyethylene, polypropylene, and glass wool. To mitigate environmental concerns, the industry is focusing on research and development of biodegradable PS and recycling technologies. Despite these challenges, the market is expected to grow steadily, driven by its extensive applications in various end-use industries such as packaging, construction, and automotive.

What will be the Size of the Market During the Forecast Period?

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Polystyrene, a versatile plastic, holds a significant position in the European market due to its extensive applications in various industries. The consumer products sector is a major contributor to the polystyrene market, with its usage in food packaging and disposable cups being particularly notable. In the automotive industry, polystyrene's insulation properties make it an ideal choice for manufacturing automotive parts. The electronics industry also leverages polystyrene for its insulation capabilities in components and circuit boards. The building and construction sector utilizes polystyrene extensively in insulation boards and expandable polystyrene (EPS) for HVAC insulation.

Moreover, polystyrene's rigidity and flexibility make it suitable for both rigid and flexible packaging applications. Polystyrene's insulation properties contribute to its popularity in the consumer goods sector, particularly in the production of sustainable packaging. The recycling industry also values polystyrene for its recyclability, with recycled polystyrene being used to manufacture foam boards and bio-based products. Polystyrene is derived from styrene monomer, a crude oil byproduct. However, concerns regarding landfill pollution have led to efforts in increasing the use of recycled polystyrene and developing bio-based alternatives. The European polystyrene market is expected to grow due to the increasing demand for polystyrene in various industries. Polystyrene's versatility, insulation properties, and recyclability make it a preferred choice for manufacturers.

Market Segmentation

The market 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.

End-user

  Building and construction
  Packaging
  Others


Geography

  Europe

    Germany
    UK
    France
    Italy

By End-user Insights

The Building and construction segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period. Polystyrene (PS), a lightweight and insulating material, holds a significant market share in Europe's building and construction sector. The increasing construction of commercial and non-residential buildings in Europe is a primary growth driver for this market. PS is a cellular plastic made up of microscopic spherical particles, which contain approximately 98% air. Its unique closed-cell architecture provides excellent insulating and shock-absorbing properties. These attributes make PS an ideal choice for various applications, including insulated panel systems for facades, walls, roofs, and floors, as well as floatation material in marinas and pontoons, and lightweight fill for railway and road construction. Moreover, the demand for eco-friendly packaging solutions is increasing, and PS is gaining popularity due to its low carbon footprint compared to other materials like Polyethylene (PE) and Polypropylene (PP).

Additionally, the use of PS in thermal insulation applications is on the rise, as it provides better insulation than glass wool. The European Union's stringent regulations on landfill pollution have further boosted the demand for PS as it is biodegradable and can be recycled, making it an eco-friendly alternative to traditional insulation materials. In conclusion, the European PS market is expected to witness steady growth due to its extensive applications in the building and construction industry, increasing demand for eco-friendly packaging, and thermal insulation requirements. The market is highly competitive, with major players competing on the basis of product innovation, pricing, and distribution networks.

Get a glance

This statistic shows the monthly import price of polystyrene (PS) in the United States from January 2017 to October 2017. In October 2017, the U.S. import price of PS was ***** U.S. dollars per ton.

The global market size of Polystyrene (PS) alloy is $XX million in 2018 with XX CAGR from 2014 to 2018, and it is expected to reach $XX million by the end of 2024 with a CAGR of XX% from 2019 to 2024.
Global Polystyrene (PS) alloy Market Report 2019 - Market Size, Share, Price, Trend and Forecast is a professional and in-depth study on the current state of the global Polystyrene (PS) alloy industry. The key insights of the report:
1.The report provides key statistics on the market status of the Polystyrene (PS) alloy manufacturers and is a valuable source of guidance and direction for companies and individuals interested in the industry.
2.The report provides a basic overview of the industry including its definition, applications and manufacturing technology.
3.The report presents the company profile, product specifications, capacity, production value, and 2013-2018 market shares for key vendors.
4.The total market is further divided by company, by country, and by application/type for the competitive landscape analysis.
5.The report estimates 2019-2024 market development trends of Polystyrene (PS) alloy industry.
6.Analysis of upstream raw materials, downstream demand, and current market dynamics is also carried out
7.The report makes some important proposals for a new project of Polystyrene (PS) alloy Industry before evaluating its feasibility.
There are 4 key segments covered in this report: competitor segment, product type segment, end use/application segment and geography segment.
For competitor segment, the report includes global key players of Polystyrene (PS) alloy as well as some small players.
The information for each competitor includes:
* Company Profile
* Main Business Information
* SWOT Analysis
* Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin
* Market Share

For product type segment, this report listed main product type of Polystyrene (PS) alloy market
* Product Type I
* Product Type II
* Product Type III

For end use/application segment, this report focuses on the status and outlook for key applications. End users sre also listed.
* Application I
* Application II
* Application III

For geography segment, regional supply, application-wise and type-wise demand, major players, price is presented from 2013 to 2023. This report covers following regions:
* North America
* South America
* Asia & Pacific
* Europe
* MEA (Middle East and Africa)
The key countries in each region are taken into consideration as well, such as United States, China, Japan, India, Korea, ASEAN, Germany, France, UK, Italy, Spain, CIS, and Brazil etc.

Reasons to Purchase this Report:
* Analyzing the outlook of the market with the recent trends and SWOT analysis
* Market dynamics scenario, along with growth opportunities of the market in the years to come
* Market segmentation analysis including qualitative and quantitative research incorporating the impact of economic and non-economic aspects
* Regional and country level analysis integrating the demand and supply forces that are influencing the growth of the market.
* Market value (USD Million) and volume (Units Million) data for each segment and sub-segment
* Competitive landscape involving the market share of major players, along with the new projects and strategies adopted by players in the past five years
* Comprehensive company profiles covering the product offerings, key financial information, recent developments, SWOT analysis, and strategies employed by the major market players
* 1-year analyst support, along with the data support in excel format.
We also can offer customized report to fulfill special requirements of our clients. Regional and Countries report can be provided as well.

India Polystyrene market demand stood at 0.34 Million Tonnes in FY2021 and is forecast to reach 0.52 Million Tonnes by FY2030, growing at a CAGR of 4.73% until FY2030.

10 Global export shipment records of Polystyrene Ps Compound with prices, volume & current Buyer's suppliers relationships based on actual Global export trade database.

Subscribers can find out export and import data of 23 countries by HS code or product’s name. This demo is helpful for market analysis.

74 Global exporters importers export import shipment records of Clear polystyrene ps sheet with prices, volume & current Buyer's suppliers relationships based on actual Global export trade database.

The recycling costs for polystyrene (PS) trays in Japan reached **** Japanese yen per kilogram in 2020. Figures decreased to **** yen in 2014 but indicated a steady increase in recent years.

The global market for polystyrene (PS) latex microspheres is experiencing robust growth, driven by increasing demand across diverse applications in life sciences, diagnostics, and industrial sectors. The market's expansion is fueled by several key factors, including the rising adoption of advanced diagnostic techniques, the growing prevalence of chronic diseases necessitating more sophisticated medical diagnostics, and the increasing demand for high-performance materials in various industrial processes. Technological advancements in microsphere production, resulting in improved uniformity, size control, and surface modification capabilities, are further contributing to market expansion. While precise market sizing requires comprehensive data, considering a current (2025) market value of approximately $500 million and a projected Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 7% over the forecast period (2025-2033), we can reasonably anticipate significant growth. This growth trajectory is expected to be driven by continued innovation in microsphere functionality and the expansion of applications into emerging fields like personalized medicine and advanced manufacturing. However, price fluctuations in raw materials and potential regulatory hurdles could pose challenges to market growth. The competitive landscape is characterized by a mix of established players like Thermo Fisher, Merck, and Bangs Laboratories, along with emerging companies like Suzhou Nanomicro Technology and Hangzhou Bioeast Biotech. This competitive dynamism is likely to drive innovation and potentially lead to price adjustments, impacting market dynamics. Regional variations in market growth are anticipated, with North America and Europe currently holding significant market shares, followed by Asia-Pacific which is experiencing the fastest growth due to expanding research and development activities and increasing manufacturing capabilities. The increasing focus on sustainable and biocompatible materials could significantly impact the future of the PS latex microsphere market, potentially driving the adoption of more environmentally friendly production methods and the development of novel biodegradable alternatives. This ongoing evolution signifies that the PS latex microsphere market presents significant opportunities for businesses that can adapt to technological advancements and cater to the evolving demands of diverse industries.

India WPI: Mfg: CC: PS: Polystyrene, Expandable data was reported at 132.800 2011-2012=100 in Oct 2018. This records an increase from the previous number of 132.400 2011-2012=100 for Sep 2018. India WPI: Mfg: CC: PS: Polystyrene, Expandable data is updated monthly, averaging 125.700 2011-2012=100 from Apr 2012 (Median) to Oct 2018, with 79 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 143.500 2011-2012=100 in Nov 2013 and a record low of 106.700 2011-2012=100 in Apr 2012. India WPI: Mfg: CC: PS: Polystyrene, Expandable data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Ministry of Commerce and Industry. The data is categorized under Global Database’s India – Table IN.IH016: Wholesale Price Index: 2011-12=100: Manufactured Products: Chemicals and Chemical Products.

India WPI: Wt: Mfg: CC: PS: Polystyrene, Expandable data was reported at 0.026 % in Oct 2018. This stayed constant from the previous number of 0.026 % for Sep 2018. India WPI: Wt: Mfg: CC: PS: Polystyrene, Expandable data is updated monthly, averaging 0.026 % from Apr 2012 (Median) to Oct 2018, with 79 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 0.026 % in Oct 2018 and a record low of 0.026 % in Oct 2018. India WPI: Wt: Mfg: CC: PS: Polystyrene, Expandable data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Ministry of Commerce and Industry. The data is categorized under Global Database’s India – Table IN.IH044: Wholesale Price Index: 2011-12=100: Weights: Manufactured Products: Chemicals and Chemical Products.

Subscribers can find out export and import data of 23 countries by HS code or product’s name. This demo is helpful for market analysis.

Styrenic Polymers Market size was valued at USD 3.72 Billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 6.34 Billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 6.90% from 2026 to 2032.

Global Styrenic Polymers Market Definition

Styrenic polymers are the economical plastics that make up a family of major plastic products with styrene as their key building block. These polymers can be easily processed well above their softening point and also over a wide temperature range due to their amorphous structure. Styrenic polymers do not have a distinct melting point as compared to other partly crystalline polymers. This allows not only faster processing of these polymers but also high dimensional stability and excellent mechanical properties.

Examples of styrene polymers are polystyrene, expandable polystyrene, styrene-acrylonitrile copolymer, styrene-methyl methacrylate copolymer, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer, and acrylonitrile-styrene-Acrylate copolymer, as well as blends of these polymers with polyphenylene ether (PPE) and polycarbonate (PC). Styrenic polymers are used to produce a variety of household goods such as cups, utensils, furniture, kitchen appliances; consumer electronics; automobile parts; sports and recreational equipment; boats; and durable, lightweight packaging products. Styrenic polymers are widely used across the automotive industry, packaging, construction, and electronic appliances.

These polymers are rapidly replacing metallic parts across various end-user industries. A variety of styrene polymers such as SMMA, ABS, SAN, MABS, SBCs, MBS, etc. are employed in medical applications. Polystyrene is among the most common polymer types of styrene copolymer and constitutes a major chunk of the overall medical Styrenic Polymers Market mainly due to several excellent properties such as aesthetics, color stability, and melt flow consistency among others. The other most commonly used styrene polymers are SEBS and ABS. Styrenic polymers are widely used in containers, IV solution bags, packaging, fabrics, and other applications such as tubing, multi-flow devices, etc.

Medical packaging constitutes a major chunk which accounts for approximately 20% of the total medical styrenic polymers in 2019. Medical packaging includes packaging for pharmaceutical capsules, tablets, liquids, ointments, powders, and creams, as well as for overwrapping medical devices via material made up of ABS, polystyrene, SBS, MBS, SEBS, etc. These growing applications of styrenic polymers in medical devices will positively impact the medical styrenic polymer’s market share throughout the forecast period. However, the high price of styrenic polymers is projected to be a major factor restraining the overall market during the assessment period.

Subscribers can find out export and import data of 23 countries by HS code or product’s name. This demo is helpful for market analysis.

The global market for Antioxidant 1024, a crucial additive in the plastics and polymers industry, is experiencing robust growth, driven by the expanding demand for high-performance polymers across diverse applications. The market size in 2025 is estimated at $500 million, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6% observed between 2019 and 2024. This growth is propelled by several key factors: the increasing use of plastics in various sectors like packaging, automotive, and electronics; stricter regulatory standards mandating the use of antioxidants to enhance polymer lifespan and durability; and ongoing innovations in polymer chemistry leading to the development of more sophisticated and durable materials. The major application segments include polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polystyrene (PS), and polyamide (PA), with PP and PE accounting for the largest share due to their widespread use in packaging and consumer goods. The high-purity segment (≥99%) commands a premium price and is expected to witness faster growth compared to the ≥98% purity segment, driven by the demand for enhanced product performance and consistency in critical applications. Geographic distribution reveals a strong presence in North America and Asia Pacific regions, driven by robust industrial activity and growing manufacturing capabilities. Europe also shows significant market share, reflecting a mature plastics industry. However, certain restraints hinder market expansion. Fluctuations in raw material prices, especially petrochemicals, can impact profitability and potentially dampen growth. Moreover, the increasing awareness of environmental concerns related to plastic waste is prompting a shift toward biodegradable and sustainable alternatives, posing a potential challenge to the long-term growth of traditional antioxidants like Antioxidant 1024. Despite these challenges, the continued expansion of the plastics industry and the critical role of antioxidants in maintaining polymer quality and performance are likely to support sustained growth for Antioxidant 1024 in the forecast period (2025-2033). The competitive landscape includes both major chemical players like BASF and SONGWON, and numerous regional manufacturers. The market is characterized by intense competition, driving innovation and price optimization.