MERCOSUR: Expansible Polystyrene Market 2024

Expansible Polystyrene Market Size in MERCOSUR

After two years of decline, the MERCOSUR expansible polystyrene market increased by 1.4% to $X in 2021. Over the period under review, consumption recorded a deep contraction. The level of consumption peaked at $X in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2021, consumption failed to regain momentum.

Expansible Polystyrene Production in MERCOSUR

In value terms, expansible polystyrene production expanded modestly to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. In general, production continues to indicate a deep contraction. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 when the production volume increased by 20%. The level of production peaked at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, production remained at a lower figure.

Expansible Polystyrene Exports

Exports in MERCOSUR

In 2021, the amount of expansible polystyrene in primary forms exported in MERCOSUR surged to X tons, picking up by 134% compared with the previous year. Overall, exports recorded a resilient expansion. As a result, the exports reached the peak and are likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

In value terms, expansible polystyrene exports skyrocketed to $X in 2021. In general, exports continue to indicate a strong expansion. As a result, the exports attained the peak and are likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

Exports by Country

Brazil was the main exporter of expansible polystyrene in primary forms in MERCOSUR, with the volume of exports resulting at X tons, which was near 80% of total exports in 2021. It was distantly followed by Chile (X tons), achieving a 15% share of total exports. Argentina (X tons) took a relatively small share of total exports.

Brazil was also the fastest-growing in terms of the expansible polystyrene in primary forms exports, with a CAGR of +83.7% from 2012 to 2021. At the same time, Argentina (+23.5%) displayed positive paces of growth. By contrast, Chile (-8.3%) illustrated a downward trend over the same period. Brazil (+79 p.p.) and Argentina (+2.7 p.p.) significantly strengthened its position in terms of the total exports, while Chile saw its share reduced by -57.6% from 2012 to 2021, respectively.

In value terms, Brazil ($X) emerged as the largest expansible polystyrene supplier in MERCOSUR, comprising 83% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was held by Chile ($X), with a 12% share of total exports.

In Brazil, expansible polystyrene exports expanded at an average annual rate of +83.4% over the period from 2012-2021. In the other countries, the average annual rates were as follows: Chile (-10.7% per year) and Argentina (+19.8% per year).

Export Prices by Country

The export price in MERCOSUR stood at $X per ton in 2021, picking up by 63% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the export price saw a relatively flat trend pattern. Over the period under review, the export prices attained the peak figure at $X per ton in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2021, the export prices failed to regain momentum.

Average prices varied somewhat amongst the major exporting countries. In 2021, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Brazil ($X per ton), while Chile ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Brazil (-0.1%), while the other leaders experienced a decline in the export price figures.

Expansible Polystyrene Imports

Imports in MERCOSUR

In 2021, approx. X tons of expansible polystyrene in primary forms were imported in MERCOSUR; with a decrease of -4.5% on 2020 figures. Overall, imports showed a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2013 when imports increased by 20% against the previous year. As a result, imports attained the peak of X tons. From 2014 to 2021, the growth of imports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, expansible polystyrene imports surged to $X in 2021. Over the period under review, imports showed a pronounced contraction. Over the period under review, imports hit record highs at $X in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2021, imports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Imports by Country

In 2021, Brazil (X tons), distantly followed by Chile (X tons), Colombia (X tons), Peru (X tons) and Argentina (X tons) represented the largest importers of expansible polystyrene in primary forms, together comprising 90% of total imports. The following importers - Uruguay (X tons) and Paraguay (X tons) - together made up 6.9% of total imports.

From 2012 to 2021, the biggest increases were recorded for Paraguay (with a CAGR of +15.8%), while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, Brazil ($X), Chile ($X) and Colombia ($X) constituted the countries with the highest levels of imports in 2021, together comprising 65% of total imports. These countries were followed by Peru, Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay, which together accounted for a further 32%.

Among the main importing countries, Paraguay, with a CAGR of +15.0%, saw the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of imports, over the period under review, while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Import Prices by Country

In 2021, the import price in MERCOSUR amounted to $X per ton, growing by 42% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the import price, however, saw a mild decline. The level of import peaked at $X per ton in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2021, import prices failed to regain momentum.

Average prices varied somewhat amongst the major importing countries. In 2021, major importing countries recorded the following prices: in Uruguay ($X per ton) and Chile ($X per ton), while Peru ($X per ton) and Brazil ($X per ton) were amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Uruguay (+0.7%), while the other leaders experienced mixed trends in the import price figures.

Source: IndexBox Platform