Ireland: Market for Polystyrene In Primary Forms (Excluding Expansible Polystyrene) 2025

Market Size for Polystyrene In Primary Forms (Excluding Expansible Polystyrene) in Ireland

In 2021, the Irish polystyrene in primary forms market decreased by -0.9% to $X, falling for the third year in a row after two years of growth. Overall, consumption, however, continues to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. Polystyrene in primary forms consumption peaked at $X in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, consumption stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Production of Polystyrene In Primary Forms (Excluding Expansible Polystyrene) in Ireland

In value terms, polystyrene in primary forms production rose sharply to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. Over the period under review, production, however, showed a perceptible shrinkage. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2017 when the production volume increased by 18%. Over the period under review, production attained the peak level at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, production stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Exports of Polystyrene In Primary Forms (Excluding Expansible Polystyrene)

Exports from Ireland

In 2021, shipments abroad of polystyrene in primary forms (excluding expansible polystyrene) decreased by -3.5% to X tons, falling for the second consecutive year after two years of growth. Over the period under review, exports recorded a noticeable decline. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2018 with an increase of 16% against the previous year. The exports peaked at X tons in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, the exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, polystyrene in primary forms exports surged to $X in 2021. In general, exports showed a slight shrinkage. The exports peaked at $X in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2021, the exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Exports by Country

The UK (X tons) was the main destination for polystyrene in primary forms exports from Ireland, with a 99% share of total exports. It was followed by Germany (X tons), with a 0.2% share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume to the UK was relatively modest.

In value terms, the UK ($X) remains the key foreign market for polystyrene in primary forms (excluding expansible polystyrene) exports from Ireland, comprising 99% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was held by Germany ($X), with a 0.2% share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value to the UK amounted to +2.7%.

Export Prices by Country

The average polystyrene in primary forms export price stood at $X per ton in 2021, growing by 37% against the previous year. Over the period from 2012 to 2021, it increased at an average annual rate of +1.8%. As a result, the export price attained the peak level and is likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

Average prices varied noticeably for the major export markets. In 2021, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was the UK ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to Germany totaled $X per ton.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to the UK (+2.1%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced mixed trend patterns.

Imports of Polystyrene In Primary Forms (Excluding Expansible Polystyrene)

Imports into Ireland

In 2021, supplies from abroad of polystyrene in primary forms (excluding expansible polystyrene) decreased by -13.9% to X tons for the first time since 2017, thus ending a three-year rising trend. Overall, imports, however, posted a resilient increase. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2014 when imports increased by 32%. Over the period under review, imports reached the peak figure at X tons in 2020, and then fell in the following year.

In value terms, polystyrene in primary forms imports surged to $X in 2021. The total import value increased at an average annual rate of +4.9% over the period from 2012 to 2021; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded in certain years. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2018 when imports increased by 40% against the previous year. Over the period under review, imports hit record highs in 2021 and are likely to see gradual growth in years to come.

Imports by Country

In 2021, Belgium (X tons) constituted the largest polystyrene in primary forms supplier to Ireland, accounting for a 74% share of total imports. Moreover, polystyrene in primary forms imports from Belgium exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest supplier, France (X tons), tenfold. The third position in this ranking was taken by the UK (X tons), with a 6.1% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of volume from Belgium totaled +43.9%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: France (+22.5% per year) and the UK (-12.2% per year).

In value terms, Belgium ($X) constituted the largest supplier of polystyrene in primary forms (excluding expansible polystyrene) to Ireland, comprising 62% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was held by France ($X), with a 14% share of total imports. It was followed by the UK, with a 10% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value from Belgium totaled +41.1%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: France (+12.1% per year) and the UK (-13.9% per year).

Import Prices by Country

The average polystyrene in primary forms import price stood at $X per ton in 2021, surging by 52% against the previous year. In general, the import price, however, recorded a pronounced slump. The import price peaked at $X per ton in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, import prices remained at a lower figure.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major supplying countries. In 2021, amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was South Korea ($X per ton), while the price for Spain ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by South Korea (+98.0%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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