Germany: Polystyrene Market 2025

Polystyrene Market Size in Germany

In 2022, the German polystyrene market increased by 7.5% to $X, rising for the second year in a row after two years of decline. Overall, consumption recorded a pronounced curtailment. Polystyrene consumption peaked at $X in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2022, consumption failed to regain momentum.

Polystyrene Production in Germany

In value terms, polystyrene production soared to $X in 2022 estimated in export price. Overall, the total production indicated a tangible expansion from 2012 to 2022: its value increased at an average annual rate of +3.6% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2017 with an increase of 77% against the previous year. Over the period under review, production reached the maximum level in 2022 and is likely to continue growth in the near future.

Polystyrene Exports

Exports from Germany

After three years of growth, shipments abroad of polystyrene decreased by -19.1% to X tons in 2022. Over the period under review, exports showed a drastic downturn. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2019 with an increase of 49%. The exports peaked at X tons in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, the exports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, polystyrene exports contracted to $X in 2022. In general, exports saw a pronounced downturn. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2021 when exports increased by 53% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the exports hit record highs at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, the exports failed to regain momentum.

Exports by Country

Italy (X tons), the Netherlands (X tons) and Austria (X tons) were the main destinations of polystyrene exports from Germany, together comprising 39% of total exports. Switzerland, France, Hungary, Belgium, Poland, Sweden, Spain, Norway, Finland and Romania lagged somewhat behind, together comprising a further 46%.

From 2012 to 2022, the biggest increases were recorded for Switzerland (with a CAGR of +13.5%), while shipments for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, Italy ($X), Austria ($X) and Switzerland ($X) were the largest markets for polystyrene exported from Germany worldwide, with a combined 37% share of total exports.

Switzerland, with a CAGR of +13.2%, saw the highest growth rate of the value of exports, among 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

In 2022, the average polystyrene export price amounted to $X per ton, jumping by 16% 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 51%. The export price peaked at $X per ton in 2018; afterwards, it flattened through to 2022.

There were significant differences in the average prices for the major external markets. In 2022, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Belgium ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to the Netherlands ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to Belgium (+2.6%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.

Polystyrene Imports

Imports into Germany

In 2022, the amount of polystyrene imported into Germany shrank to X tons, waning by -8.3% against 2021. Overall, imports saw a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2018 with an increase of 6.8%. Imports peaked at X tons in 2021, and then declined in the following year.

In value terms, polystyrene imports rose significantly to $X in 2022. Over the period under review, total imports indicated modest growth from 2012 to 2022: its value increased at an average annual rate of +1.6% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2022 figures, imports increased by +85.2% against 2020 indices. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2021 when imports increased by 76%. Imports peaked in 2022 and are likely to see steady growth in the near future.

Imports by Country

The Netherlands (X tons), Belgium (X tons) and France (X tons) were the main suppliers of polystyrene imports to Germany, with a combined 70% share of total imports. Austria, Italy, the Czech Republic, Poland and Hungary lagged somewhat behind, together comprising a further 23%.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of purchases, amongst the main suppliers, was attained by Poland (with a CAGR of +9.9%), while imports for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, the Netherlands ($X), Belgium ($X) and France ($X) were the largest polystyrene suppliers to Germany, with a combined 68% share of total imports.

The Netherlands, with a CAGR of +7.2%, saw the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of imports, in terms of the main suppliers over the period under review, while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Import Prices by Country

In 2022, the average polystyrene import price amounted to $X per ton, surging by 15% against the previous year. In general, import price indicated a modest increase from 2012 to 2022: its price increased at an average annual rate of +1.9% 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 +92.1% against 2020 indices. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2021 when the average import price increased by 67%. Over the period under review, average import prices attained the maximum in 2022 and is expected to retain growth in the near future.

Average prices varied somewhat amongst the major supplying countries. In 2022, amid the top importers, the countries with the highest prices were Austria ($X per ton) and Italy ($X per ton), while the price for the Czech Republic ($X per ton) and Belgium ($X per ton) were amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Austria (+2.3%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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