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NetherlandsIn Q1 2025, Styrene prices in North America surged by 13.36% to $1110/ton, driven by rising feedstock costs, higher operational expenses, and increased crude oil prices. Additionally, renewed U.S. tariffs under the Trump administration on chemical imports added cost pressure, further tightening domestic supply. Europe saw a 14.36% increase to $1195/ton, supported by similar feedstock inflation and constrained imports due to extended shipping times and geopolitical uncertainties. In contrast, the Middle East experienced a slight 1.2% decline to $984/ton, as weak regional demand and stable production levels offset global bullish trends. Diverging regional fundamentals defined the quarter’s pricing landscape.
In 2024, the global Styrene market has experienced a notable upward trend, driven by rising costs of key feedstocks such as benzene and ethylene. This increase in production costs has significantly influenced Styrene prices. Additionally, supply constraints and escalating insurance and freight charges in the Red Sea—prompted by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East—have further contributed to the surge in prices. The major suppliers of Styrene include the USA, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and the Netherlands, all of which are navigating these challenging market conditions.
In Q4 2024, Styrene prices continued their downward trajectory across all key regions amid persistent global headwinds. North America saw a steep 18.80% drop to $980/ton, driven by sluggish end-user demand, ample inventories, and sustained low feedstock prices. In Europe, prices plunged 19.5% to $1045/ton as economic slowdown, reduced industrial activity, and weak export demand pressured the market. The Middle East experienced a milder decline of 7.98% to $996/ton, cushioned slightly by regional demand stability but still impacted by oversupply and declining global orders. Improved plant operations, minimal supply disruptions, and continued destocking further contributed to the bearish sentiment.
In Q3 2024, Styrene prices declined across major regions due to weak global demand and persistent market oversupply. In North America, prices dropped by 11.65% to $1206/ton, impacted by reduced consumption, lower feedstock costs—particularly benzene and ethylene—and improved plant operating rates. Europe saw a 6.27% decrease to $1298/ton, as economic uncertainty, sluggish manufacturing, and muted construction activity weighed on market sentiment. The Middle East experienced a 3.43% decline to $1083/ton, driven by sluggish downstream demand and high inventory levels. Improved global logistics and steady import volumes further relieved supply pressures, reinforcing the overall bearish market sentiment throughout the quarter.
In Q2 2024, Styrene prices continued their upward trend early in the quarter. North America saw a 9.12% increase, reaching $1365/ton, supported by Q1 momentum and steady downstream demand. However, prices tapered off toward the quarter’s end due to growing oversupply. In the Middle East, prices rose 6.74% to $1121/ton, driven by elevated benzene and ethylene costs, strong demand from the automotive, construction, and packaging sectors, and supply chain disruptions caused by plant shutdowns. In Europe, Styrene price witnessed a 6.5% surge to $1385/ton, with Germany experiencing notable volatility, mirroring broader regional trends. Oversupply concerns signalled market stabilization late in the quarter.
In Q1 2024, global Styrene prices saw an upward trend, with North America rising by 10% to $1251/ton and Europe surging 22% to $1300/ton. The sharp uptick was fuelled by rising freight and insurance costs due to geopolitical tensions and cargo attacks, which disrupted global logistics and extended transit timelines. Additionally, a rally in benzene prices raised production costs. Strong demand from Asian Plastic industry, especially India and China, intensified supply competition. In contrast, the Middle East saw only a modest 1.07% increase to $1050/ton, as regional instability and market caution tempered price momentum.
In Q1 2025, Styrene prices in India showed limited movement amid cautious global and domestic conditions. CIF Nhava Sheva (Kuwait) prices held steady at the lower end, at $1048/ton, as low global demand and renewed U.S. tariffs under Trump’s administration created uncertainty in export markets. Ex-Kandla prices slipped 1.73% to $1110/ton due to weak demand from the plastic industry and high inventory levels. Additionally, stable freight rates and minimal supply chain disruptions contributed to the overall subdued market sentiment.
In Q4 2024, Styrene prices in India declined sharply due to continued global and domestic market weakness. CIF Nhava Sheva (Kuwait) prices fell 8.95% to $1052/ton, impacted by low global demand and aggressive destocking by exporters. Ex-Kandla prices dropped 5.17% to $1130/ton, driven by sluggish domestic consumption and persistent oversupply. Improved shipping availability, lower feedstock costs, and minimal supply disruptions further eased import pressures. Market participants remained cautious amid weak downstream activity and uncertain economic conditions, reinforcing the bearish trend.
In Q3 2024, Styrene prices in India declined amid weakening global and domestic demand. CIF Nhava Sheva (Kuwait) prices dropped 3.01% to $1156/ton as sluggish global demand pressured prices in exporting regions. Ex-Kandla prices fell 5.14% to $1192/ton, driven by low domestic demand and market oversupply. Additionally, stabilized freight rates and improved port operations reduced import costs. The absence of major supply disruptions and steady inventory levels further contributed to the bearish sentiment in the Indian Styrene market.
In Q2 2024, Styrene prices in India continued their upward trend. CIF Nhava Sheva (Kuwait) prices rose by 6.77% to $1192/ton, driven by high freight costs from Kuwait and elevated feedstock prices, which increased production costs for exporters. Ex-Kandla prices climbed 3.22% to $1256/ton amid strong domestic demand from packaging and construction sectors, coupled with higher import costs. Additionally, supply chain delays and global market tightness further contributed to price escalation in the Indian Styrene market.
In Q1 2024, Styrene prices in India saw an upward trend. CIF Nhava Sheva (Kuwait) prices rose by 2.90% to 1116 USD/ton, driven by higher import costs linked to rising operational expenses in Kuwait. Ex-Kandla prices surged 4.18% to 1217 USD/ton, supported by robust domestic demand from the plastics and packaging sectors, alongside elevated import expenses. Additionally, currency fluctuations and longer transit times due to regional shipping disruptions contributed to the overall increase in procurement costs and market tightness.
PriceWatch is your trusted resource for tracking global styrene price trends. Our platform delivers real-time data and expert analysis, offering deep insights into the key factors driving price fluctuations in the styrene market. By monitoring critical events such as geopolitical tensions, supply chain disruptions, and economic shifts, PriceWatch keeps you fully informed of market dynamics.
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These events underscore the Styrene market’s vulnerability to global disruptions and highlight the need for continuous monitoring of supply-demand dynamics.
This research methodology ensures that PriceWatch delivers the most accurate, timely, and actionable Styrene pricing assessments, helping our clients stay ahead of market trends and make informed business decisions.
Molecular Weight[g/mol]
CAS No
HS Code
Molecular Formula
Styrene (C₆H₅CH=CH₂) is a key aromatic hydrocarbon used to produce polystyrene, synthetic rubber, and various other polymers. It is mainly obtained from petroleum-based feedstocks via the dehydrogenation of Ethylbenzene. Styrene's adaptability makes it vital in sectors like packaging, automotive, and electronics, where it improves the strength, durability, and overall performance of products.
Packaging Type
Grades Covered
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 | Unit | Test Method | Typical Value |
| Styrene Purity | Wt.% | ASTM D5135 / D7504 | 99.8 |
| Aldehydes as Benzaldehyde | Wt.% | ASTM D2119 / D7704 | 0.01 Maximum |
| Peroxides as H2O2 | ppm | ASTM D2340 | 50 Maximum |
| Polymer | ppm | ASTM D2121 Method A | 10 Maximum |
| Inhibitor | ppm | ASTM D4590 | 10 – 15 |
| Color | Pt/Co scale | ASTM D5386 | 15 Maximum |
| Ethylbenzene | ppm | ASTM D5135 / D7504 | 500 Maximum |
| Benzene | ppm | ASTM D6229 | 1 Maximum |
Applications
Styrene is a versatile organic compound widely used across various industries due to its adaptability and cost-effectiveness. It serves as a primary component in the production of Polystyrene, including both rigid plastics and expanded Polystyrene (EPS) for insulation and packaging. Styrene is also essential in manufacturing acrylonitrile butadiene Styrene (ABS), which is used in automotive parts, consumer electronics, and toys due to its strength. Additionally, it plays a key role in synthetic rubber production, particularly in Styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) for tires. Other applications include adhesives, coatings, insulation materials, and various consumer goods. Its presence in medical devices and electronics highlights its insulating properties and chemical resistance, making Styrene a crucial material in many sectors, contributing to ongoing innovations in packaging, construction, and more.
The price of Styrene is influenced by several key factors, including raw material costs (primarily benzene and ethylene), global supply and demand dynamics, production capacity, and market trends. Additionally, fluctuations in crude oil prices and regulatory changes can also impact Styrene pricing. Understanding these variables is essential for procurement heads to make informed purchasing decisions.
Forecasting Styrene prices involves analyzing historical price trends, monitoring global market conditions, and assessing economic indicators. Utilizing industry reports, following key suppliers, and engaging with market analysts can provide valuable insights. Additionally, leveraging advanced analytics tools can enhance your ability to predict price movements and optimize procurement strategies.
Long-term pricing trends for Styrene can be affected by shifts in production technologies, changes in consumer demand, and environmental regulations. Historically, prices have shown volatility due to geopolitical factors and market demand. Staying updated with industry publications and market forecasts can help procurement heads anticipate future price fluctuations and adjust their procurement strategies accordingly.
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