Recent minor fluctuations in styrene prices have drawn widespread attention from the unsaturated polyester resin industry. As a critical raw material for unsaturated polyester resin, changes in styrene prices directly affect the production costs and market prices of the resin.
Minor Fluctuations in Styrene Prices
According to the latest market data, spot and near-term futures prices for styrene currently range between 8,395 and 8,420 yuan per ton, while forward prices are slightly higher, reflecting market optimism about future price increases. These fluctuations are primarily driven by shifts in supply-demand dynamics, raw material costs, and market sentiment.
How Styrene Impacts Unsaturated Polyester Resin
Styrene accounts for 30%-40% of the production costs of unsaturated polyester resin, making it a key component. When styrene prices rise, resin manufacturers face higher production costs. If these costs cannot be passed on to downstream customers through price hikes, profit margins may shrink significantly.
Conversely, a drop in styrene prices reduces production costs for unsaturated polyester resin. This could allow manufacturers to either boost profits or lower prices to attract more customers, potentially stimulating market demand.
Current Market Trends: Sellers Actively Offload Inventory, Buyers Adopt Cautious Purchasing
The styrene market remains stable overall, with suppliers actively selling inventory and downstream companies purchasing based on immediate needs. No large-scale stockpiling or prolonged has been observed. While this supply-demand balance has kept prices steady in the short term, the upward trend in forward prices remains a focal point for market watchers.
Future Outlook
Industry experts warn that styrene price volatility not only impacts resin production costs but could also destabilize the entire supply chain. To mitigate risks, unsaturated polyester resin producers are advised to closely monitor styrene price trends and adjust procurement and production strategies flexibly.