U.S.: Expansible Polystyrene Market 2024

Expansible Polystyrene Market Size in the U.S.

The U.S. expansible polystyrene market expanded remarkably to $X in 2021, surging by 6.6% against the previous year. In general, the total consumption indicated a remarkable increase from 2012 to 2021: its value increased at an average annual rate of +6.3% over the last nine years. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, consumption decreased by -5.2% against 2019 indices. Over the period under review, the market attained the maximum level at $X in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2021, consumption failed to regain momentum.

Expansible Polystyrene Production in the U.S.

In value terms, expansible polystyrene production rose significantly to $X in 2021. Over the period under review, the total production indicated a buoyant expansion from 2012 to 2021: its value increased at an average annual rate of +6.6% over the last nine-year period. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, production decreased by -6.6% against 2019 indices. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2017 when the production volume increased by 20% against the previous year. Over the period under review, production attained the peak level at $X in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2021, production remained at a lower figure.

Expansible Polystyrene Exports

Exports from the U.S.

In 2021, after three years of decline, there was significant growth in overseas shipments of expansible polystyrene in primary forms, when their volume increased by 30% to X tons. The total export volume increased at an average annual rate of +2.1% over the period from 2012 to 2021; the trend pattern remained relatively stable, with only minor fluctuations in certain years. Over the period under review, the exports attained the peak figure at X tons in 2017; however, from 2018 to 2021, the exports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, expansible polystyrene exports surged to $X in 2021. The total export value increased at an average annual rate of +1.2% over the period from 2012 to 2021; the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Over the period under review, the exports hit record highs at $X in 2017; however, from 2018 to 2021, the exports remained at a lower figure.

Exports by Country

Mexico (X tons) was the main destination for expansible polystyrene exports from the United States, with a 49% share of total exports. Moreover, expansible polystyrene exports to Mexico exceeded the volume sent to the second major destination, Canada (X tons), threefold. The third position in this ranking was held by Spain (X tons), with a 9.1% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of volume to Mexico was relatively modest. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Canada (+0.3% per year) and Spain (+157.1% per year).

In value terms, Mexico ($X) remains the key foreign market for expansible polystyrene in primary forms exports from the United States, comprising 49% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was held by Canada ($X), with a 19% share of total exports. It was followed by China, with a 9.1% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of value to Mexico was relatively modest. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Canada (+1.4% per year) and China (+15.6% per year).

Export Prices by Country

The average expansible polystyrene export price stood at $X per ton in 2021, picking up by 19% against the previous year. Overall, the export price, however, continues to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. The export price peaked at $X per ton in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2021, the export prices failed to regain momentum.

There were significant differences in the average prices for the major overseas markets. In 2021, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was China ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to Malaysia ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to China (+5.0%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.

Expansible Polystyrene Imports

Imports into the U.S.

In 2021, the amount of expansible polystyrene in primary forms imported into the United States rose notably to X tons, growing by 9.1% on the year before. The total import volume increased at an average annual rate of +2.3% over the period from 2012 to 2021; the trend pattern remained consistent, with only minor fluctuations being recorded in certain years. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2014 when imports increased by 10%. Imports peaked in 2021 and are expected to retain growth in years to come.

In value terms, expansible polystyrene imports skyrocketed to $X in 2021. The total import value increased at an average annual rate of +1.8% over the period from 2012 to 2021; the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Imports peaked at $X in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2021, imports remained at a lower figure.

Imports by Country

Mexico (X tons), Canada (X tons) and Bahamas (X tons) were the main suppliers of expansible polystyrene imports to the United States, together comprising 88% of total imports. These countries were followed by South Korea, Germany, Taiwan (Chinese) and China, which together accounted for a further 12%.

From 2012 to 2021, the biggest increases were recorded for Germany (with a CAGR of +23.7%), while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, the largest expansible polystyrene suppliers to the United States were Mexico ($X), Canada ($X) and Bahamas ($X), with a combined 90% share of total imports. South Korea, Germany, Taiwan (Chinese) and China lagged somewhat behind, together comprising a further 9.3%.

Germany, with a CAGR of +20.9%, recorded the highest growth rate of 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

The average expansible polystyrene import price stood at $X per ton in 2021, picking up by 47% against the previous year. In general, the import price, however, saw a relatively flat trend pattern. The import price peaked at $X per ton in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2021, import prices failed to regain momentum.

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 China ($X per ton), while the price for Taiwan (Chinese) ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Canada (+0.6%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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