Brazil: Polystyrene Market 2025

Polystyrene Market Size in Brazil

In 2022, after two years of decline, there was growth in the Brazilian polystyrene market, when its value increased by 0.2% to $X. Over the period under review, consumption showed a relatively flat trend pattern. Over the period under review, the market hit record highs at $X in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2022, consumption failed to regain momentum.

Polystyrene Production in Brazil

In value terms, polystyrene production reached $X in 2022 estimated in export price. In general, production continues to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2013 with an increase of 23% against the previous year. Over the period under review, production reached the maximum level at $X in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2022, production failed to regain momentum.

Polystyrene Exports

Exports from Brazil

In 2022, after three years of growth, there was decline in shipments abroad of polystyrene, when their volume decreased by -2.5% to X tons. In general, exports, however, enjoyed significant growth. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2013 when exports increased by 203% against the previous year. The exports peaked at X tons in 2021, and then shrank slightly in the following year.

In value terms, polystyrene exports rose significantly to $X in 2022. Over the period under review, exports, however, continue to indicate a significant expansion. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2013 with an increase of 230% against the previous year. The exports peaked in 2022 and are likely to continue growth in the near future.

Exports by Country

Bolivia (X tons), the Dominican Republic (X tons) and South Africa (X tons) were the main destinations of polystyrene exports from Brazil, together accounting for 38% of total exports. Argentina, the United States, Colombia, Uruguay, Chile, Ecuador, Mexico, Paraguay and El Salvador lagged somewhat behind, together comprising a further 42%.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of shipments, amongst the main countries of destination, was attained by El Salvador (with a CAGR of +187.1%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, the largest markets for polystyrene exported from Brazil were Bolivia ($X), the Dominican Republic ($X) and Argentina ($X), with a combined 39% share of total exports. South Africa, the United States, Uruguay, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Paraguay, Ecuador and El Salvador lagged somewhat behind, together comprising a further 43%.

El Salvador, with a CAGR of +186.3%, recorded the highest growth rate of the value of exports, in terms of the main countries of destination over the period under review, while shipments for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Export Prices by Country

The average polystyrene export price stood at $X per ton in 2022, jumping by 15% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the export price showed a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2021 an increase of 77%. The export price peaked at $X per ton in 2013; afterwards, it flattened through to 2022.

Average prices varied somewhat for the major overseas markets. In 2022, amid the top suppliers, the countries with the highest prices were Argentina ($X per ton) and Mexico ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to South Africa ($X per ton) and Colombia ($X per ton) were amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to Argentina (+1.9%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.

Polystyrene Imports

Imports into Brazil

Polystyrene imports into Brazil declined to X tons in 2022, falling by -8.4% compared with the year before. Overall, imports saw a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2013 with an increase of 59% against the previous year. Over the period under review, imports hit record highs at X tons in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2022, imports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, polystyrene imports totaled $X in 2022. Over the period under review, imports, however, saw a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2013 with an increase of 75%. Imports peaked at $X in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2022, imports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Imports by Country

In 2022, Colombia (X tons) constituted the largest polystyrene supplier to Brazil, accounting for a 43% share of total imports. Moreover, polystyrene imports from Colombia exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest supplier, China (X tons), threefold. The third position in this ranking was taken by Taiwan (Chinese) (X tons), with a 15% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume from Colombia stood at +15.5%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: China (-10.8% per year) and Taiwan (Chinese) (-1.8% per year).

In value terms, Colombia ($X) constituted the largest supplier of polystyrene to Brazil, comprising 43% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Taiwan (Chinese) ($X), with a 17% share of total imports. It was followed by China, with a 15% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of value from Colombia totaled +16.4%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Taiwan (Chinese) (+1.2% per year) and China (-10.0% per year).

Import Prices by Country

In 2022, the average polystyrene import price amounted to $X per ton, surging by 18% against the previous year. Over the period under review, import price indicated a mild increase from 2012 to 2022: its price increased at an average annual rate of +1.1% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2022 figures, polystyrene import price increased by +71.5% against 2020 indices. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2021 an increase of 45% against the previous year. Over the period under review, average import prices hit record highs in 2022 and is expected to retain growth in years to come.

Prices varied noticeably by country of origin: amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was the United States ($X per ton), while the price for Hong Kong SAR ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by the United States (+4.1%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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