The Expandable Polystyrene Price Trend moved strongly upward during Q2 2026 as rising crude oil costs, tighter feedstock availability, higher freight expenses, and disruptions in international trade put pressure on the global EPS market. The conflict involving the US and Iran and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz created additional uncertainty for the movement of raw materials and finished products. At the same time, demand from construction, insulation, and packaging remained steady to strong in several markets, allowing prices to stay at elevated levels through most of the quarter.
Global Expandable Polystyrene Market in Q2 2026
Expandable Polystyrene, commonly known as EPS, is widely used in construction, insulation, packaging, and several other applications. Its lightweight structure, thermal insulation properties, and ability to absorb impact make it useful across different industries.
During Q2 2026, the EPS market experienced a noticeable change in pricing conditions. April and May were particularly firm months as crude oil prices increased sharply and supply chains faced pressure. Styrene and other related feedstocks became more expensive, which raised the cost of producing EPS.
The situation became more difficult because of logistics disruptions. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz affected shipping routes and increased concerns about the movement of raw materials and energy products. Higher freight costs also increased the landed cost of imported EPS in several countries.
Demand provided another important source of support. Construction activity continued to create demand for insulation materials, while packaging manufacturers maintained regular procurement. As a result, buyers in several markets faced higher prices at a time when supply was already relatively tight.
However, the market started showing signs of change toward the end of the quarter. After the mid-June ceasefire between the US and Iran, shipping conditions began to improve. Chinese export offers also started easing, while softer Styrene values reduced some of the pressure on EPS production costs. This resulted in price corrections across several markets during June.
Germany EPS Price Trend
Germany recorded one of the strongest increases during Q2 2026. Domestic EPS prices increased by around 43% during the quarter.
The German market was affected by higher feedstock costs and restricted material inflows. The disruption in international trade made raw material procurement more difficult and increased the cost of bringing materials into the market.
Construction and insulation demand remained strong. EPS is commonly used in building insulation because of its lightweight nature and thermal performance, so steady activity from this sector supported purchasing interest.
Higher energy and operating costs added further pressure. When manufacturers face increased costs for feedstocks, energy, transportation, and production, these expenses can gradually move through the supply chain.
The market began to change in June. Softer Styrene prices and improving shipping conditions helped reduce some of the earlier pressure. EPS prices in Germany corrected by approximately 2% in June, showing that the market was beginning to stabilize after the sharp increases seen earlier in the quarter.
Netherlands EPS Price Trend
The Netherlands also experienced a significant increase during Q2 2026, with EPS prices rising by approximately 42%.
The market faced similar challenges to other European destinations. Feedstock availability was affected by international supply disruptions, while higher transportation and logistics costs increased the overall cost of material.
Demand from packaging and construction remained steady. This helped maintain firm buying interest even as prices moved higher.
Supply was another important factor. Disruptions in raw material flows created tighter availability, while logistics challenges made it more difficult for buyers to secure material at earlier price levels.
Toward the end of Q2, the market started to see some relief. Chinese export offers became softer, freight costs began easing, and Styrene values declined. These factors contributed to a 2% correction in Netherlands EPS prices during June.
UAE EPS Price Trend
The United Arab Emirates recorded a more moderate but still significant increase of around 22% during Q2 2026.
The UAE market is influenced strongly by imported material, particularly supplies arriving from Asia. The disruption in regional trade routes increased transportation costs and created uncertainty around supply availability.
Construction and packaging demand remained stable, which helped maintain a firm market. At the same time, higher freight rates increased the cost of imported EPS.
During the quarter, buyers had to consider not only the base material price but also shipping expenses and delivery conditions. This made the final cost of imported EPS more sensitive to changes in international logistics.
In June, conditions began improving. Chinese offer prices and freight costs started to normalize, while Styrene prices became softer. As a result, UAE EPS prices corrected by approximately 5% in June.
China EPS Price Trend
China recorded a Q2 increase of approximately 16%, which was lower than the increases seen in Germany, the Netherlands, and India.
One reason was relatively moderate domestic demand. While international supply disruptions increased production and export costs, domestic buying activity did not create the same level of upward pressure seen in some other markets.
Supply availability remained relatively stable because operating rates were generally consistent. However, export activity was influenced by higher logistics costs and uncertainty in global shipping.
The Chinese market also became one of the important indicators for imported EPS markets because several Asian and Middle Eastern buyers depend on Chinese material.
Following the mid-June ceasefire, market conditions became less pressured. Chinese offer prices and freight costs began to ease, while Styrene feedstock values softened. EPS prices in China recorded a notable 9% correction in June.
Saudi Arabia EPS Price Trend
Saudi Arabia recorded an increase of around 18% in Q2 2026.
The market was influenced by higher import costs and disruptions in regional supply chains. Dependence on Asian imports meant that changes in Chinese offers, freight rates, and international shipping conditions had a direct effect on local pricing.
Demand from construction and insulation remained steady. This helped keep the market supported despite the higher cost environment.
Supply conditions were moderately tight during the quarter. Logistics disruptions made material movement more challenging, while higher transportation costs added to the delivered price.
In June, the situation began to improve. Chinese export offers became softer and freight costs started to normalize. This helped Saudi Arabia record a 4% correction in EPS prices during June.
Thailand EPS Price Trend
Thailand experienced an increase of approximately 16% during Q2 2026.
The country's EPS market was supported by stable demand from packaging and construction. Buyers continued to procure material, but logistics challenges and higher freight rates increased the cost of imports.
The market remained balanced but firm. There was no major demand surge, but regular purchasing activity prevented prices from falling significantly during the stronger part of the quarter.
As shipping conditions improved in June and Chinese offers became more competitive, import costs started to decline. EPS prices in Thailand corrected by around 9% during June.
This movement shows how strongly international freight and Chinese export prices can influence the pricing of EPS in import-dependent Asian markets.
India EPS Price Trend
India recorded the highest quarterly increase among the markets covered, with EPS prices rising by approximately 54% in Q2 2026.
The Indian market faced strong pressure from higher feedstock costs and restricted imports. The disruption around the Strait of Hormuz affected the availability and cost of imported raw materials, increasing domestic production expenses.
Demand remained strong across construction, insulation, and packaging applications. This strong demand came at a time when raw material availability was constrained, creating a firm market environment.
Inventory levels were also relatively limited during the quarter. When buyers have lower inventories and supply becomes uncertain, they often need to purchase material despite higher prices. This can add further support to the market.
The Indian market began seeing some relief in June. Softer Styrene prices, lower Chinese offers, and improving freight conditions reduced some of the pressure. EPS prices in India corrected by around 9% during June.
Even with this correction, the overall quarterly movement remained strongly positive because prices had already increased considerably during April and May.
What the EPS Price Chart Shows
The Expandable Polystyrene Price Chart for Q2 2026 reflects two different phases.
The first phase was characterized by rapid price increases. April and May were supported by rising crude oil prices, higher feedstock costs, supply concerns, freight increases, and geopolitical uncertainty.
The second phase began in June. The mid-June ceasefire helped improve shipping conditions and reduce some of the uncertainty surrounding international trade. Chinese export prices also became softer, while Styrene values declined.
As a result, several markets recorded corrections in June. Germany and the Netherlands declined by around 2%, the UAE by around 5%, Saudi Arabia by around 4%, and China and Thailand by around 9%. India also recorded a correction of approximately 9%.
However, the June correction did not completely reverse the strong gains accumulated earlier in the quarter.
Understanding Expandable Polystyrene Prices
Expandable Polystyrene Prices are influenced by several factors rather than by demand alone. Feedstock costs are particularly important because EPS production depends heavily on Styrene.
Crude oil prices also matter because movements in crude can influence the cost of petrochemical raw materials. When crude prices rise sharply, producers and buyers generally become more cautious about future costs.
Freight is another important factor, especially for countries that depend on imports. A lower product price can still result in a higher delivered cost if shipping rates increase significantly.
Supply availability is equally important. When raw material inflows are disrupted, manufacturers and distributors may have less material available, which can support higher prices.
Finally, end-user demand plays a major role. Construction, insulation, and packaging are key EPS-consuming sectors. Strong purchasing from these industries can keep prices firm even when supply conditions begin improving.
EPS Price Index and Market Outlook
The Expandable Polystyrene Price Index showed a strong increase through most of Q2 2026, followed by signs of stabilization toward the end of the quarter.
The main question moving forward is whether the improvement in shipping conditions and softer feedstock prices will continue. If freight rates remain lower and Styrene prices stay under control, some markets could experience more stable pricing.
At the same time, demand from construction, insulation, and packaging will remain important. If demand stays strong while raw material supply remains limited, prices may continue to face upward pressure.
Another factor to watch is crude oil. Any renewed increase in crude prices could once again raise the cost of petrochemical feedstocks and put pressure on EPS production costs.
For buyers, monitoring feedstock prices, freight rates, import availability, and regional demand will therefore remain important when planning purchases.
Conclusion
Q2 2026 was a highly active period for the global EPS market. Prices increased strongly across all major markets covered, with India recording a rise of around 54%, followed by Germany at 43% and the Netherlands at 42%. The UAE increased by 22%, Saudi Arabia by 18%, while China and Thailand recorded increases of around 16%.
The main drivers were higher crude oil prices, expensive Styrene feedstock, restricted raw material flows, increased freight costs, and disruption to international trade routes. Strong demand from construction, insulation, and packaging also helped maintain firm market conditions.
June brought a noticeable change. The mid-June ceasefire, improving shipping conditions, softer Chinese offers, and lower Styrene values resulted in price corrections across several markets.
Overall, the Q2 2026 market demonstrates how quickly EPS prices can respond to changes in energy costs, feedstock availability, logistics, and international trade. For manufacturers, distributors, and buyers, keeping track of these factors can provide a clearer understanding of future market movements and help with better purchasing and inventory planning.
👉👉👉Please submit your query to get Expandable Polystyrene Price Trend, forecast and market price analysis: https://www.price-watch.ai/book-a-demo/
About Price Watch™
Price Watch™ is an independent raw material price reporting agency that provides real-time price forecasts and data-driven insights into global raw material markets. Price-Watch™ specializes in tracking raw material prices, analyzing market trends. and delivering timely updates on plant shutdowns, supply disruptions, capacity expansions, and demand-supply dynamics. The Price-Watch™ platform empowers manufacturers, traders, and procurement professionals to make faster, smarter decisions. Leveraging AI-powered forecasting and over a decade of historical data, Price-Watch™ transforms market volatility into actionable opportunity.
Futura Tech Park,
C Block, 8th floor 334,
Old Mahabalipuram Road,
Sholinganallur, Chennai,
Tamil Nadu, Pincode - 600119.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/price-watch-ai/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Price-Watch/61568490385598/
Twitter: https://x.com/pricewatchai
Website: https://www.price-watch.ai/