Feb 15, 2026
IndexBox has just published a new report: China – Styrene – Market Analysis, Forecast, Size, Trends And Insights.
The article provides a comprehensive analysis of China’s styrene market from 2013 to 2024, with forecasts extending to 2035. It details that China’s consumption and production have grown consistently, reaching 6.5M tons and 6.3M tons respectively in 2024, with the market valued at $8.5B. Driven by domestic demand, imports have sharply declined to 408K tons, while exports have also decreased to 247K tons. The market is forecast to grow at a CAGR of +1.7% in volume and +1.8% in value through 2035, reaching 7.8M tons and $10.2B. Key trade partners, price trends, and the shifting balance from net importer to greater self-sufficiency are examined.
Key Findings
- China’s styrene market is forecast to grow at a CAGR of +1.7% in volume and +1.8% in value, reaching 7.8M tons and $10.2B by 2035
- Domestic consumption and production hit record highs in 2024 at 6.5M tons and 6.3M tons respectively, reducing import reliance
- Imports collapsed by -48.4% in 2024 to 408K tons, with Saudi Arabia remaining the largest supplier despite a long-term decline
- Exports fell -32.4% to 247K tons, with South Korea as the primary destination, receiving 65% of total Chinese styrene exports
- Average import and export prices showed modest recovery in 2024 but remain significantly below their 2013 peaks
Market Forecast
Driven by increasing demand for styrene in China, the market is expected to continue an upward consumption trend over the next decade. Market performance is forecast to decelerate, expanding with an anticipated CAGR of +1.7% for the period from 2024 to 2035, which is projected to bring the market volume to 7.8M tons by the end of 2035.
In value terms, the market is forecast to increase with an anticipated CAGR of +1.8% for the period from 2024 to 2035, which is projected to bring the market value to $10.2B (in nominal wholesale prices) by the end of 2035.
Consumption
China’s Consumption of Styrene
For the ninth year in a row, China recorded growth in consumption of styrene, which increased by 3.3% to 6.5M tons in 2024. The total consumption volume increased at an average annual rate of +2.7% over the period from 2013 to 2024; the trend pattern remained consistent, with somewhat noticeable fluctuations being recorded in certain years. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2023 when the consumption volume increased by 4.1%. Styrene consumption peaked in 2024 and is likely to continue growth in the near future.
The revenue of the styrene market in China stood at $8.5B in 2024, picking up by 6% against the previous year. This figure reflects the total revenues of producers and importers (excluding logistics costs, retail marketing costs, and retailers’ margins, which will be included in the final consumer price). The market value increased at an average annual rate of +1.5% from 2013 to 2024; the trend pattern remained relatively stable, with somewhat noticeable fluctuations being observed throughout the analyzed period. Styrene consumption peaked in 2024 and is likely to see steady growth in years to come.
Production
China’s Production of Styrene
For the fifth year in a row, China recorded growth in production of styrene, which increased by 8.1% to 6.3M tons in 2024. Over the period under review, production saw a prominent increase. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2021 with an increase of 51% against the previous year. Over the period under review, production attained the maximum volume in 2024 and is expected to retain growth in the immediate term.
In value terms, styrene production expanded rapidly to $8.1B in 2024 estimated in export price. Overall, production recorded a strong expansion. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2021 with an increase of 67%. Styrene production peaked in 2024 and is expected to retain growth in the near future.
Imports
China’s Imports of Styrene
In 2024, approx. 408K tons of styrene were imported into China; waning by -48.4% against the previous year’s figure. Overall, imports continue to indicate a abrupt decrease. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2019 when imports increased by 11%. Over the period under review, imports attained the maximum at 3.7M tons in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2024, imports failed to regain momentum.
In value terms, styrene imports reduced dramatically to $451M in 2024. In general, imports continue to indicate a significant contraction. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 when imports increased by 10% against the previous year. Imports peaked at $6.4B in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2024, imports stood at a somewhat lower figure.
Imports By Country
In 2024, Saudi Arabia (195K tons) constituted the largest supplier of styrene to China, accounting for a 48% share of total imports. Moreover, styrene imports from Saudi Arabia exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest supplier, Japan (92K tons), twofold. The third position in this ranking was held by Singapore (58K tons), with a 14% share.
From 2013 to 2024, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume from Saudi Arabia amounted to -7.3%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Japan (-14.4% per year) and Singapore (-8.2% per year).
In value terms, Saudi Arabia ($219M) constituted the largest supplier of styrene to China, comprising 49% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was held by Japan ($100M), with a 22% share of total imports. It was followed by Singapore, with a 14% share.
From 2013 to 2024, the average annual growth rate of value from Saudi Arabia amounted to -10.9%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Japan (-17.9% per year) and Singapore (-11.9% per year).
Import Prices By Country
The average styrene import price stood at $1,106 per ton in 2024, picking up by 5.9% against the previous year. In general, the import price, however, saw a perceptible decrease. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2021 when the average import price increased by 57%. Over the period under review, average import prices attained the maximum at $1,730 per ton in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2024, import prices stood at a somewhat lower figure.
There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major supplying countries. In 2024, amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was the United States ($45,120 per ton), while the price for Taiwan (Chinese) ($975 per ton) was amongst the lowest.
From 2013 to 2024, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by the United States (+34.5%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced mixed trend patterns.
Exports
China’s Exports of Styrene
In 2024, overseas shipments of styrene decreased by -32.4% to 247K tons, falling for the second consecutive year after two years of growth. Over the period under review, exports, however, posted a remarkable increase. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 with an increase of 111,854%. The exports peaked at 562K tons in 2022; however, from 2023 to 2024, the exports remained at a lower figure.
In value terms, styrene exports contracted sharply to $284M in 2024. Overall, exports, however, saw a prominent expansion. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2017 with an increase of 146,123% against the previous year. The exports peaked at $746M in 2022; however, from 2023 to 2024, the exports failed to regain momentum.
Exports By Country
South Korea (162K tons) was the main destination for styrene exports from China, with a 65% share of total exports. Moreover, styrene exports to South Korea exceeded the volume sent to the second major destination, Brazil (24K tons), sevenfold. The third position in this ranking was taken by the Netherlands (17K tons), with a 6.9% share.
From 2013 to 2024, the average annual growth rate of volume to South Korea totaled +34.5%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Brazil (+0.4% per year) and the Netherlands (+35.3% per year).
In value terms, South Korea ($184M) remains the key foreign market for styrene exports from China, comprising 65% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was held by Brazil ($29M), with a 10% share of total exports. It was followed by the Netherlands, with a 6.8% share.
From 2013 to 2024, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value to South Korea amounted to +29.9%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Brazil (-4.1% per year) and the Netherlands (+30.8% per year).
Export Prices By Country
The average styrene export price stood at $1,149 per ton in 2024, with an increase of 11% against the previous year. In general, the export price, however, recorded a perceptible setback. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2021 when the average export price increased by 34% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the average export prices hit record highs at $1,751 per ton in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2024, the export prices failed to regain momentum.
There were significant differences in the average prices for the major external markets. In 2024, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was India ($4,169 per ton), while the average price for exports to Taiwan (Chinese) ($1,126 per ton) was amongst the lowest.
From 2013 to 2024, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to India (+12.4%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced a decline.
This report provides a comprehensive view of the styrene industry in China, tracking demand, supply, and trade flows across the national value chain. It explains how demand across key channels and end-use segments shapes consumption patterns, while also mapping the role of input availability, production efficiency, and regulatory standards on supply.
Beyond headline metrics, the study benchmarks prices, margins, and trade routes so you can see where value is created and how it moves between domestic suppliers and international partners. The analysis is designed to support strategic planning, market entry, portfolio prioritization, and risk management in the styrene landscape in China.
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Key findings
- Domestic demand is shaped by both household and industrial usage, with trade flows linking local supply to imports and exports.
- Pricing dynamics reflect unit values, freight costs, exchange rates, and regulatory shifts that affect sourcing decisions.
- Supply depends on input availability and production efficiency, creating a distinct national cost curve.
- Market concentration varies by segment, creating different competitive landscapes and entry barriers.
- The 2035 outlook highlights where capacity investment and demand growth are most aligned within the country.
Report scope
The report combines market sizing with trade intelligence and price analytics for China. It covers both historical performance and the forward outlook to 2035, allowing you to compare cycles, structural shifts, and policy impacts.
- Market size and growth in value and volume terms
- Consumption structure by end-use segments
- Production capacity, output, and cost dynamics
- Trade flows, exporters, importers, and balances
- Price benchmarks, unit values, and margin signals
- Competitive context and market entry conditions
Product coverage
- Prodcom 20141250 – Styrene
Country coverage
Country profile and benchmarks
This report provides a consistent view of market size, trade balance, prices, and per-capita indicators for China. The profile highlights demand structure and trade position, enabling benchmarking against regional and global peers.
Methodology
The analysis is built on a multi-source framework that combines official statistics, trade records, company disclosures, and expert validation. Data are standardized, reconciled, and cross-checked to ensure consistency across time series.
- International trade data (exports, imports, and mirror statistics)
- National production and consumption statistics
- Company-level information from financial filings and public releases
- Price series and unit value benchmarks
- Analyst review, outlier checks, and time-series validation
All data are normalized to a common product definition and mapped to a consistent set of codes. This ensures that comparisons across time are aligned and actionable.
Forecasts to 2035
The forecast horizon extends to 2035 and is based on a structured model that links styrene demand and supply to macroeconomic indicators, trade patterns, and sector-specific drivers. The model captures both cyclical and structural factors and reflects known policy and technology shifts in China.
- Historical baseline: 2012-2025
- Forecast horizon: 2026-2035
- Scenario-based sensitivity to income growth, substitution, and regulation
- Capacity and investment outlook for major producing companies
Each projection is built from national historical patterns and the broader regional context, allowing the report to show where growth is concentrated and where risks are elevated.
Price analysis and trade dynamics
Prices are analyzed in detail, including export and import unit values, regional spreads, and changes in trade costs. The report highlights how seasonality, freight rates, exchange rates, and supply disruptions influence pricing and margins.
- Price benchmarks by country and sub-region
- Export and import unit value trends
- Seasonality and calendar effects in trade flows
- Price outlook to 2035 under baseline assumptions
Profiles of market participants
Key producers, exporters, and distributors are profiled with a focus on their operational scale, geographic footprint, product mix, and market positioning. This helps identify competitive pressure points, partnership opportunities, and routes to differentiation.
- Business focus and production capabilities
- Geographic reach and distribution networks
- Cost structure and pricing strategy indicators
- Compliance, certification, and sustainability context
How to use this report
- Quantify domestic demand and identify the most attractive segments
- Evaluate export opportunities and prioritize target destinations
- Track price dynamics and protect margins
- Benchmark performance against leading competitors
- Build evidence-based forecasts for investment decisions
This report is designed for manufacturers, distributors, importers, wholesalers, investors, and advisors who need a clear, data-driven picture of styrene dynamics in China.
FAQ
What is included in the styrene market in China?
The market size aggregates consumption and trade data, presented in both value and volume terms.
How are the forecasts to 2035 built?
The projections combine historical trends with macroeconomic indicators, trade dynamics, and sector-specific drivers.
Does the report cover prices and margins?
Yes, it includes export and import unit values, regional spreads, and a pricing outlook to 2035.
Which benchmarks are included?
The report benchmarks market size, trade balance, prices, and per-capita indicators for China.
Can this report support market entry decisions?
Yes, it highlights demand hotspots, trade routes, pricing trends, and competitive context.
