European PS, ABS markets extend losses into third straight month in June

Spot PS and ABS markets have extended their declines into the last month of the second quarter in Europe. However, trading activities remained calm, although the latest styrene contract level hit a year-to-date low. PS prices also reached their lowest levels of the year, while ABS prices dropped to more than one-and-a-half year low.

PS prices hit year-to-date lows in Italy and Northwest Europe

The June styrene contract declined for the third consecutive month, indicating a €47/ton drop from May and settling at its lowest level since December 2024. As a result, European producers announced their June pricing policies with reductions ranging between €30/ton and €50/ton compared to last month.

Accordingly, spot GPPS and HIPS prices both in Italy and Northwest Europe dropped to their lowest levels since late December 2024.

However, despite falling prices, most sellers reported rather calm demand, not to mention the absence of supply issues and buyers’ cautious approach, as most are not in a rush to make purchases. Indeed, the imminent summer break in some European countries is starting to weigh on the market, discouraging most players from accumulating too much stock.

Losses run deeper for ABS, the market shows no signs of recovery

ABS markets also extended their losses into June on the heels of the falling monomer settlement. Indeed, European producers announced their pricing strategies with reductions mainly of €40-50/ton compared to May, although decreases of €30/ton were also reported in some cases.

According to ChemOrbis Price Index, losses have been more pronounced in the ABS market, dragging prices to their lowest levels since late January 2024. Yet, despite the steep descent, any signs of a meaningful recovery remain elusive.



Although prices have declined for the third month in a row, demand has remained subdued. Uncertainty persists in the import market due to the continued lack of details on the antidumping probe regarding South Korean and Taiwanese ABS , while no availability issues have emerged so far. In addition, sellers continued to lament weak order intake, mainly attributing it to the lack of recovery in major end-applications.

Short-term outlook remains negative for PS and ABS markets

Most European players do not expect major changes in supply-demand dynamics. In fact, buying appetite is likely to remain weak in the short term. With many players absent for the summer holidays in July and August, trading activities may slow down further.

However, some sellers have pinned their hopes on an improvement in market conditions in September, when players will return from their summer break and might look to replenish their stocks.