Benelux: Polystyrene Market 2025

Polystyrene Market Size in Benelux

For the third consecutive year, the Benelux polystyrene market recorded growth in sales value, which increased by 80% to $X in 2022. The total consumption indicated a prominent increase from 2012 to 2022: its value increased at an average annual rate of +6.6% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2022 figures, consumption increased by +148.6% against 2019 indices. As a result, consumption attained the peak level and is likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

Polystyrene Production in Benelux

In value terms, polystyrene production reduced rapidly to $X in 2022 estimated in export price. Overall, production continues to indicate a precipitous curtailment. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2020 with an increase of 30%. The level of production peaked at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, production remained at a lower figure.

Polystyrene Exports

Exports in Benelux

In 2022, overseas shipments of polystyrene decreased by -47% to X tons for the first time since 2018, thus ending a three-year rising trend. In general, exports saw a noticeable shrinkage. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2020 with an increase of 68% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the exports reached the peak figure at X tons in 2021, and then fell dramatically in the following year.

In value terms, polystyrene exports reduced notably to $X in 2022. Overall, exports saw a mild descent. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2021 when exports increased by 88%. As a result, the exports reached the peak of $X, and then reduced dramatically in the following year.

Exports by Country

The Netherlands was the key exporting country with an export of about X tons, which resulted at 62% of total exports. It was distantly followed by Belgium (X tons), mixing up a 37% share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of shipments, amongst the main exporting countries, was attained by the Netherlands (with a CAGR of +4.0%).

In value terms, the largest polystyrene supplying countries in Benelux were the Netherlands ($X) and Belgium ($X).

The Netherlands, with a CAGR of +6.0%, saw the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of exports, among the main exporting countries over the period under review.

Export Prices by Country

The export price in Benelux stood at $X per ton in 2022, rising by 21% against the previous year. Export price indicated a measured expansion from 2012 to 2022: its price increased at an average annual rate of +2.7% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2022 figures, polystyrene export price increased by +101.1% against 2020 indices. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2021 an increase of 67% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the export prices attained the peak figure in 2022 and is likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

Average prices varied noticeably amongst the major exporting countries. In 2022, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was the Netherlands ($X per ton), while Belgium stood at $X per ton.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Belgium (+2.8%).

Polystyrene Imports

Imports in Benelux

Polystyrene imports dropped to X tons in 2022, falling by -10.1% against the previous year's figure. Over the period under review, imports continue to indicate a slight decrease. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2014 when imports increased by 14%. As a result, imports reached the peak of X tons. From 2015 to 2022, the growth of imports remained at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, polystyrene imports declined modestly to $X in 2022. In general, imports saw a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2021 with an increase of 57% against the previous year. The level of import peaked at $X in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2022, imports failed to regain momentum.

Imports by Country

The Netherlands (X tons) and Belgium (X tons) dominates imports structure, together creating 98% of total imports. Luxembourg (X tons) held a minor share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of purchases, amongst the main importing countries, was attained by Luxembourg (with a CAGR of +16.7%), while imports for the other leaders experienced a decline in the imports figures.

In value terms, the largest polystyrene importing markets in Benelux were the Netherlands ($X), Belgium ($X) and Luxembourg ($X), with a combined 99.9% share of total imports.

Among the main importing countries, Luxembourg, with a CAGR of +5.9%, saw the highest growth rate of the value of imports, over the period under review, while purchases for the other leaders experienced a decline in the imports figures.

Import Prices by Country

The import price in Benelux stood at $X per ton in 2022, surging by 8.5% against the previous year. In general, the import price continues to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2021 when the import price increased by 41%. The level of import peaked in 2022 and is expected to retain growth in the immediate term.

Average prices varied noticeably amongst the major importing countries. In 2022, amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was the Netherlands ($X per ton), while Luxembourg ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Belgium (+1.1%), while the other leaders experienced mixed trends in the import price figures.

Source: IndexBox Platform