World - Polystyrene, in Primary Forms - Market Analysis, Forecast, Size, Trends and Insights
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View PricingGlobal Polystyrene Market 2025
Polystyrene Market Size
In 2022, the global polystyrene market increased by 0.8% to $X, rising for the second year in a row after two years of decline. Overall, consumption, however, saw a relatively flat trend pattern. Over the period under review, the global market attained the maximum level at $X in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2022, consumption stood at a somewhat lower figure.
Polystyrene Production
In value terms, polystyrene production fell modestly to $X in 2022 estimated in export price. In general, production continues to indicate a slight reduction. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 when the production volume increased by 7.4%. Over the period under review, global production hit record highs at $X in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2022, production stood at a somewhat lower figure.
Polystyrene Exports
Exports
After six years of growth, overseas shipments of polystyrene decreased by -10.2% to X tons in 2022. Overall, exports showed a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2021 when exports increased by 7.1% against the previous year. As a result, the exports attained the peak of X tons, and then dropped in the following year.
In value terms, polystyrene exports declined to $X in 2022. In general, exports saw a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2021 with an increase of 58%. The global exports peaked at $X in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2022, the exports remained at a lower figure.
Exports by Country
In 2022, Taiwan (Chinese) (X tons), followed by China (X tons), France (X tons), the Netherlands (X tons), the United States (X tons) and Malaysia (X tons) represented the main exporters of polystyrene, together making up 43% of total exports. South Korea (X tons), Hong Kong SAR (X tons), Iran (X tons), Belgium (X tons), Mexico (X tons), Turkey (X tons) and Japan (X tons) followed a long way behind the leaders.
From 2012 to 2022, the biggest increases were recorded for Iran (with a CAGR of +49.7%), while shipments for the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.
In value terms, Taiwan (Chinese) ($X), France ($X) and the Netherlands ($X) appeared to be the countries with the highest levels of exports in 2022, with a combined 26% share of global exports. China, the United States, Belgium, Mexico, Turkey, South Korea, Iran, Hong Kong SAR, Malaysia and Japan lagged somewhat behind, together accounting for a further 40%.
Among the main exporting countries, Iran, with a CAGR of +49.9%, recorded the highest growth rate of the value of exports, over the period under review, while shipments for the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.
Export Prices by Country
In 2022, the average polystyrene export price amounted to $X per ton, rising by 4.2% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the export price, however, saw a relatively flat trend pattern. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2021 when the average export price increased by 48%. Over the period under review, the average export prices hit record highs at $X per ton in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2022, the export prices failed to regain momentum.
Prices varied noticeably by country of origin: amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was the Netherlands ($X per ton), while Malaysia ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.
From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Turkey (+2.8%), while the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.
Polystyrene Imports
Imports
In 2022, the amount of polystyrene imported worldwide declined to X tons, reducing by -5.8% on 2021. In general, imports, however, showed a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2018 when imports increased by 9% against the previous year. Over the period under review, global imports reached the peak figure at X tons in 2021, and then dropped in the following year.
In value terms, polystyrene imports expanded to $X in 2022. Overall, imports, however, showed a relatively flat trend pattern. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2021 when imports increased by 56%. Global imports peaked in 2022 and are likely to see gradual growth in the near future.
Imports by Country
In 2022, China (X tons), distantly followed by Italy (X tons), Germany (X tons), Poland (X tons) and the United States (X tons) represented the main importers of polystyrene, together comprising 36% of total imports. The following importers - Malaysia (X tons), Vietnam (X tons), France (X tons), Mexico (X tons), Spain (X tons), Turkey (X tons), Canada (X tons) and Romania (X tons) - together made up 22% of total imports.
China experienced a relatively flat trend pattern with regard to volume of imports of polystyrene. At the same time, Malaysia (+12.6%), Spain (+7.5%), Vietnam (+5.6%), Romania (+4.5%), Poland (+3.6%), the United States (+3.0%), Mexico (+2.6%) and Italy (+1.6%) displayed positive paces of growth. Moreover, Malaysia emerged as the fastest-growing importer imported in the world, with a CAGR of +12.6% from 2012-2022. Canada and Germany experienced a relatively flat trend pattern. By contrast, France (-1.5%) and Turkey (-9.6%) illustrated a downward trend over the same period. While the share of Malaysia (+3.1 p.p.) increased significantly in terms of the global imports from 2012-2022, the share of Turkey (-4.3 p.p.) displayed negative dynamics. The shares of the other countries remained relatively stable throughout the analyzed period.
In value terms, China ($X), Poland ($X) and Germany ($X) were the countries with the highest levels of imports in 2022, together comprising 23% of global imports. Italy, the United States, France, Mexico, Spain, Turkey, Vietnam, Canada, Romania and Malaysia lagged somewhat behind, together accounting for a further 33%.
Spain, with a CAGR of +8.7%, saw the highest growth rate of the value of imports, in terms of the main importing countries over the period under review, while purchases for the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.
Import Prices by Country
The average polystyrene import price stood at $X per ton in 2022, rising by 10% against the previous year. In general, the import price showed a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2021 an increase of 52% against the previous year. Global import price peaked at $X per ton in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2022, import prices remained at a lower figure.
Prices varied noticeably by country of destination: amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Poland ($X per ton), while Malaysia ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.
From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Italy (+2.6%), while the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.
Source: IndexBox Platform
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) :
This report provides an in-depth analysis of the global polystyrene market. Within it, you will discover the latest data on market trends and opportunities by country, consumption, production and price developments, as well as the global trade (imports and exports). The forecast exhibits the market prospects through 2030.
Product coverage:
- Prodcom 20162035 - Expansible polystyrene, in primary forms
- Prodcom 20162039 - Polystyrene, in primary forms (excluding expansible polystyrene)
Country coverage:
Worldwide - the report contains statistical data for 200 countries and includes detailed profiles of the 50 largest consuming countries:
- USA
- China
- Japan
- Germany
- United Kingdom
- France
- Brazil
- Italy
- Russian Federation
- India
- Canada
- Australia
- Republic of Korea
- Spain
- Mexico
- Indonesia
- Netherlands
- Turkey
- Saudi Arabia
- Switzerland
- Sweden
- Nigeria
- Poland
- Belgium
- Argentina
- Norway
- Austria
- Thailand
- United Arab Emirates
- Colombia
- Denmark
- South Africa
- Malaysia
- Israel
- Singapore
- Egypt
- Philippines
- Finland
- Chile
- Ireland
- Pakistan
- Greece
- Portugal
- Kazakhstan
- Algeria
- Czech Republic
- Qatar
- Peru
- Romania
- Vietnam
+ the largest producing countries
Data coverage:
- Global market volume and value
- Per Capita consumption
- Forecast of the market dynamics in the medium term
- Global production, split by region and country
- Global trade (exports and imports)
- Export and import prices
- Market trends, drivers and restraints
- Key market players and their profiles
Company coverage:
Reasons to buy this report:
- Take advantage of the latest data
- Find deeper insights into current market developments
- Discover vital success factors affecting the market
This report is designed for manufacturers, distributors, importers, and wholesalers, as well as for investors, consultants and advisors.
In this report, you can find information that helps you to make informed decisions on the following issues:
- How to diversify your business and benefit from new market opportunities
- How to load your idle production capacity
- How to boost your sales on overseas markets
- How to increase your profit margins
- How to make your supply chain more sustainable
- How to reduce your production and supply chain costs
- How to outsource production to other countries
- How to prepare your business for global expansion
While doing this research, we combine the accumulated expertise of our analysts and the capabilities of artificial intelligence. The AI-based platform, developed by our data scientists, constitutes the key working tool for business analysts, empowering them to discover deep insights and ideas from the marketing data.
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1. INTRODUCTION
Making Data-Driven Decisions to Grow Your Business
- REPORT DESCRIPTION
- RESEARCH METHODOLOGY AND AI PLATFORM
- DATA-DRIVEN DECISIONS FOR YOUR BUSINESS
- GLOSSARY AND SPECIFIC TERMS
-
2. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
A Quick Overview of Market Performance
- KEY FINDINGS
- MARKET TRENDS This Chapter is Available Only for the Professional Edition PRO
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3. MARKET OVERVIEW
Understanding the Current State of The Market and Its Prospects
- MARKET SIZE
- CONSUMPTION BY COUNTRY
- MARKET FORECAST TO 2030
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4. MOST PROMISING PRODUCT
Finding New Products to Diversify Your Business
This Chapter is Available Only for the Professional Edition PRO- TOP PRODUCTS TO DIVERSIFY YOUR BUSINESS
- BEST-SELLING PRODUCTS
- MOST CONSUMED PRODUCT
- MOST TRADED PRODUCT
- MOST PROFITABLE PRODUCT FOR EXPORT
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5. MOST PROMISING SUPPLYING COUNTRIES
Choosing the Best Countries to Establish Your Sustainable Supply Chain
This Chapter is Available Only for the Professional Edition PRO- TOP COUNTRIES TO SOURCE YOUR PRODUCT
- TOP PRODUCING COUNTRIES
- TOP EXPORTING COUNTRIES
- LOW-COST EXPORTING COUNTRIES
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6. MOST PROMISING OVERSEAS MARKETS
Choosing the Best Countries to Boost Your Exports
This Chapter is Available Only for the Professional Edition PRO- TOP OVERSEAS MARKETS FOR EXPORTING YOUR PRODUCT
- TOP CONSUMING MARKETS
- UNSATURATED MARKETS
- TOP IMPORTING MARKETS
- MOST PROFITABLE MARKETS
7. GLOBAL PRODUCTION
The Latest Trends and Insights into The Industry
- PRODUCTION VOLUME AND VALUE
- PRODUCTION BY COUNTRY
8. GLOBAL IMPORTS
The Largest Importers on The Market and How They Succeed
- IMPORTS FROM 2012–2024
- IMPORTS BY COUNTRY
- IMPORT PRICES BY COUNTRY
9. GLOBAL EXPORTS
The Largest Exporters on The Market and How They Succeed
- EXPORTS FROM 2012–2024
- EXPORTS BY COUNTRY
- EXPORT PRICES BY COUNTRY
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10. PROFILES OF MAJOR PRODUCERS
The Largest Producers on The Market and Their Profiles
This Chapter is Available Only for the Professional Edition PRO -
11. COUNTRY PROFILES
The Largest Markets And Their Profiles
This Chapter is Available Only for the Professional Edition PRO- United States
- China
- Japan
- Germany
- United Kingdom
- France
- Brazil
- Italy
- Russian Federation
- India
- Canada
- Australia
- Republic of Korea
- Spain
- Mexico
- Indonesia
- Netherlands
- Turkey
- Saudi Arabia
- Switzerland
- Sweden
- Nigeria
- Poland
- Belgium
- Argentina
- Norway
- Austria
- Thailand
- United Arab Emirates
- Colombia
- Denmark
- South Africa
- Malaysia
- Israel
- Singapore
- Egypt
- Philippines
- Finland
- Chile
- Ireland
- Pakistan
- Greece
- Portugal
- Kazakhstan
- Algeria
- Czech Republic
- Qatar
- Peru
- Romania
- Vietnam
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LIST OF TABLES
- Key Findings In 2024
- Market Volume, In Physical Terms, 2012–2024
- Market Value, 2012–2024
- Per Capita Consumption, By Country, 2018–2024
- Production, In Physical Terms, By Country, 2012–2024
- Imports, In Physical Terms, By Country, 2012–2024
- Imports, In Value Terms, By Country, 2012–2024
- Import Prices, By Country Of Destination, 2012–2024
- Exports, In Physical Terms, By Country, 2012–2024
- Exports, In Value Terms, By Country, 2012–2024
- Export Prices, By Country Of Origin, 2012–2024
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LIST OF FIGURES
- Market Volume, In Physical Terms, 2012–2024
- Market Value, 2012–2024
- Consumption, By Country, 2024
- Market Volume Forecast to 2030
- Market Value Forecast to 2030
- Products: Market Size And Growth, By Type
- Products: Average Per Capita Consumption, By Type
- Products: Exports And Growth, By Type
- Products: Export Prices And Growth, By Type
- Production Volume And Growth
- Exports And Growth
- Export Prices And Growth
- Market Size And Growth
- Per Capita Consumption
- Imports And Growth
- Import Prices
- Production, In Physical Terms, 2012–2024
- Production, In Value Terms, 2012–2024
- Production, By Country, 2024
- Production, In Physical Terms, By Country, 2012–2024
- Imports, In Physical Terms, 2012–2024
- Imports, In Value Terms, 2012–2024
- Imports, In Physical Terms, By Country, 2024
- Imports, In Physical Terms, By Country, 2012–2024
- Imports, In Value Terms, By Country, 2012–2024
- Import Prices, By Country, 2012–2024
- Exports, In Physical Terms, 2012–2024
- Exports, In Value Terms, 2012–2024
- Exports, In Physical Terms, By Country, 2024
- Exports, In Physical Terms, By Country, 2012–2024
- Exports, In Value Terms, By Country, 2012–2024
- Export Prices, 2012–2024
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