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IndiaIn Q1 2025, Expanded Polystyrene prices experienced a bullish trend globally, with average prices in FD Amsterdam, Netherlands, rising slightly to USD 2,172/MT, reflecting a 1% increase from the previous quarter. The modest price uptick was supported by improved demand from the construction and packaging sectors, particularly in preparation for seasonal activity in Europe.
Additionally, traders engaged in moderate restocking after year-end destocking in Q4 2024. While feedstock Styrene prices remained relatively stable, slight increases in energy and logistics costs also contributed to the upward pricing pressure. Supply conditions were balanced, and market sentiment turned cautiously optimistic. Looking ahead, further price movement will depend on demand recovery strength and raw material cost trends.
In Q4 2024, the global Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) market continued its downward trajectory, with average prices in FD Amsterdam, Netherlands, recorded at USD 2,159/MT, marking a 7% decline from the previous quarter. The price drop was driven by persistently weak demand from the construction and packaging sectors, alongside declining feedstock Styrene costs. Year-end factors such as destocking by traders, budget constraints, and reduced industrial activity further pressured prices.
Supply across regions remained steady, resulting in an oversupplied market environment. Buyers maintained a cautious approach, focusing on short-term procurement amid expectations of continued price softness. The overall market sentiment remained bearish.
In Q3 2024, the global Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) market experienced a slight upward trend, with average prices in FD Amsterdam, Netherlands reaching USD 2,327/MT, marking a 2% increase from the previous quarter. The price rise was driven by stable demand from the packaging, insulation, and construction sectors, particularly in Europe, where seasonal building activity supported consumption.
Additionally, slightly higher feedstock Styrene costs and firm energy prices contributed to the marginal price increase. Supply remained balanced across most regions, and no major disruptions were reported. Buyers engaged in steady procurement, while some traders increased stock levels in anticipation of potential cost escalations.
In Q2 2024, the upward momentum in Expandable polystyrene prices continued, supported by ongoing demand from the packaging and construction sectors. A 7.4% rise in container port volumes and a 10.4% increase in containership supply contributed to escalating freight rates, intensifying the bullish trend. Port congestion, equipment shortages, and rerouting of vessels around Southern Africa worsened the supply-demand imbalance, particularly impacting the Asian market. During this quarter, EPS prices rose by approximately 2% in China.
In Q1 2024, the global Expandable Polystyrene market experienced a bullish trend, largely driven by rising Styrene feedstock prices and strong demand from sectors like packaging and construction. The revival of the construction industry further boosted EPS consumption, while the Lunar New Year amplified demand for packaging materials, particularly in the food, beverages, and consumer goods sectors.
The festive season spurred increased production and distribution, leading to a surge in EPS usage. Supply chain disruptions due to factory closures and rising freight costs, along with a 2% increase in global capacity utilization compared to 2023, further strained the market, driving prices upward. In Europe, EPS prices recorded an approximate 15% increase during the quarter.
In Q1 2025, the Indian Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) General Purpose Ex-Mumbai market opened the new year on a weaker footing, with average prices recorded at USD 1448 /MT, representing a 5% decrease from Q4 2024. The decline was driven by sluggish demand from downstream sectors and cautious procurement behaviour. Despite stable production levels, oversupply concerns and tepid construction activity kept prices under pressure. Market participants are expected to closely watch feedstock trends and global market cues in the coming months.
In Q4 2024, the downward trend continued in the Indian market, with average EPS General Purpose Ex-Mumbai prices falling to USD 1559/MT, reflecting a 2% decrease. Demand was moderate as year-end buying slowed and buyers focused on inventory adjustments. The market remained adequately supplied, and lower upstream cost pressures contributed to the overall price decline.
In Q3 2024, the Expandable polystyrene (EPS) General Purpose Ex-Mumbai market saw a correction, with average prices declining to USD 1599/MT, a 4% decrease from the previous quarter. This softening was attributed to easing demand post-peak season and slight stabilization in feedstock availability. While construction activity remained steady, buyer sentiment turned cautious due to price volatility and macroeconomic uncertainty.
Q2 2024 Expandable polystyrene (EPS) General Purpose Ex-Mumbai prices in India surged to an average of USD 1672/MT, registering a significant 11% increase from Q1 2024. This sharp rise was driven by heightened seasonal demand, particularly from the packaging and insulation industries. Additionally, fluctuations in raw material costs and limited availability of imports added upward pressure on prices. Market participants adopted a more aggressive procurement strategy to secure supply during the peak period.
In Q1 2024, Indian Expandable polystyrene (EPS) General Purpose Ex-Mumbai Prices increased to USD 1509/MT, reflecting a 2% increase compared to the previous quarter. The upward trend was supported by steady demand from the packaging and construction sectors, as well as stable feedstock Styrene prices. Market sentiment remained optimistic, and traders engaged in moderate stocking activity in anticipation of further demand growth.
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Molecular Weight[g/mol]
CAS No
HS Code
Molecular Formula
Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) is a lightweight, durable, and highly versatile thermoplastic material made from expanded polystyrene beads. With its closed-cell structure, EPS provides excellent thermal insulation, shock absorption, and cushioning properties, making it a popular choice across various industries. In construction, EPS is widely used for insulation in walls, roofs, and floors, offering energy efficiency and high compressive strength, which makes it suitable for both residential and commercial buildings. It is also employed in road and bridge construction due to its load-bearing capabilities. In the packaging industry, EPS is valued for protecting fragile items during shipping, thanks to its shock-resistant properties, while its lightweight nature helps reduce transportation costs. It is also commonly used in food packaging, such as takeaway containers and coolers, due to its moisture resistance and insulation properties.
Packaging Type
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Incoterms Used
Synonym
PriceWatch Quotation Terms:
Ex-Location: This incoterm refers to a shipping agreement where the seller makes the goods available at their premises, and the buyer is responsible for all transportation costs, including shipping, insurance, and any other fees.
CIF: CIF refers to the Cost, Insurance, and Freight (CIF) terms for goods. Under CIF terms, the seller is responsible for the cost of goods, insurance, and freight charges until the goods reach the port of destination.
FD: FD stands for Free Delivered where the seller takes full responsibility for delivering goods to the location/port. This ensures the buyer receives the goods at the designated port with all necessary costs, except import duties, covered.
FOB: FOB refers to the Free On-Board shipping term, where the seller is responsible for the cost and risk of delivering the goods to the port. Once the goods are on board the vessel, the responsibility shifts to the buyer for all costs, including shipping and insurance.
| Property | Specification |
| Bead Size Range | 0.71-2.0 mm |
| Appearance | Translucent Solid Beads |
| Residual Monomer | Max 0.25% |
| Moisture Content | Max 1.0% |
| Blowing Agent (Pentane) | 5.0-7.0% |
| Recommended Density | 8-10 gpl |
Applications
Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) is a versatile material used across many industries for its lightweight, insulating, and cushioning properties. In construction, it serves as an efficient insulation material for walls, roofs, and floors. EPS is widely used in packaging to protect fragile goods and in food packaging for its moisture resistance and thermal insulation. It also plays a role in road and bridge construction as a lightweight fill material. EPS is found in protective gear like helmets and car seats, marine flotation devices, and arts and crafts, where it is valued for its ease of moulding and shaping.
Expandable Polystyrene (EPS) prices are influenced by various factors, including:
Production Costs: The cost of producing EPS is closely tied to the prices of raw materials, energy, and labor. Any increase in raw material costs, such as for styrene or other chemicals used in EPS production, can drive up the final product’s price. Similarly, if production costs decrease, EPS prices are likely to fall as well.
Supply and Demand: Like most commodities, the balance between supply and demand is a key determinant of EPS pricing. When demand outpaces supply, prices generally rise, whereas a surplus of material relative to demand may lead to lower prices.
Economic Growth: Economic expansion, especially in emerging markets, can spur demand for EPS, particularly in industries like packaging, automotive, and construction, thus pushing prices higher.
Geopolitical Events: Political instability, international trade disputes, and conflicts can disrupt supply chains or lead to trade restrictions, which in turn impact EPS prices.
Natural Disasters: Events like floods, hurricanes, or droughts can affect the availability of key feedstocks, disrupt manufacturing, and cause fluctuations in EPS prices.
Speculation: EPS prices can also be influenced by market speculation, where traders or investors may drive price trends through large-scale buying or selling activity.
Government Policies: Tariffs, trade restrictions, and environmental regulations imposed by governments can also affect the cost and availability of EPS, impacting overall pricing.
Feedstock prices play a critical role in determining the price of EPS. EPS is primarily derived from styrene, which is sourced from petroleum-based feedstocks. Any fluctuation in the price of crude oil or other raw materials directly impacts the cost of producing EPS. For instance, a rise in crude oil prices can increase the cost of styrene, thus driving up EPS production costs. Conversely, a decrease in feedstock prices can lead to lower production costs and, in turn, lower prices for EPS. Therefore, feedstock price movements have a direct and significant effect on EPS prices in the market.
Commodity prices, including those of EPS, are often closely linked to inflation. When the prices of raw materials like styrene or other feedstocks increase, it leads to higher production costs for EPS manufacturers. These increased costs may be passed on to consumers in the form of higher prices for products made with EPS, such as packaging materials or insulation. As a result, rising EPS prices can contribute to inflationary pressure within the broader economy, particularly in industries that rely heavily on EPS for production.
Regional price differences for EPS are shaped by factors such as local production capacity, feedstock availability, transportation costs, and market demand. For example, regions with robust refining infrastructure, like parts of the U.S. and Asia, may benefit from lower production costs, resulting in relatively lower EPS prices compared to regions that depend on imports or face limited local production. Understanding these regional dynamics is crucial for procurement teams, as it enables them to source EPS more effectively, taking advantage of lower prices from cost-efficient suppliers, while also factoring in delivery times and the quality of the material. By strategically sourcing from favorable markets, businesses can optimize their procurement strategies and maintain cost-effective operations.
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