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Expanded Polystyrene Prices, Demand and Supply Overview
Expanded polystyrene, or EPS, is a rigid, closed-cell foam produced by expanding polystyrene beads with pentane blowing agent under steam, valued for its lightweight insulation and cushioning properties. The largest demand pull comes from building insulation applications, followed by packaging and protective cushioning, and cold-chain container use. Styrene feedstock costs, building renovation and insulation sector demand, and regional production capacity all feed into the price.
Global EPS prices tracked close to the USD 1,310 to USD 1,420 per MT range projected for 2026, as insulation demand and styrene costs supported the tone. US prices averaged USD 1,465 per MT in Q2 2026, up near 3.2 percent from just under USD 1,420 per MT in Q1, as renovation season demand built steadily through the quarter with permit filings for residential retrofits running ahead of the same period a year earlier while styrene feedstock costs firmed. China's large capacity kept it the most affordable source, while Germany remained the highest-cost reporting region on energy costs and building codes.
What is Expanded Polystyrene Price in August 2026?
EPS prices held a firm tone through August 2026, tracking close to the Q2 2026 levels across all tracked regions, as steady renovation season insulation demand and firmer styrene feedstock costs continued to support the market against tight spot availability.
- North America (US): US EPS prices held near USD 1,445 to USD 1,485 per MT, close to the USD 1,465 per MT recorded in Q2 2026, as renovation and building-envelope upgrade demand continued to build through the season while spot availability on the Gulf and East Coasts stayed tight.
- APAC (China): Chinese EPS prices held near USD 1,165 to USD 1,205 per MT, close to the USD 1,185 per MT recorded in Q2 2026, as the country's large production capacity continued to keep it the most affordable sourcing region globally.
- Europe (Germany): German EPS prices held near USD 1,805 to USD 1,845 per MT, close to the USD 1,825 per MT recorded in Q2 2026 and the highest among tracked markets, as high energy costs and building code requirements continued to maintain the region's premium.
EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) Price Forecast for 2026
EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) looks set to stay firm through H2 2026. The building codes across Europe and North America continue to push toward higher insulation standards, and renovation activity has added a steady layer of demand on top of new construction. The styrene feedstock costs have also stayed on the high side, reflecting tighter benzene and ethylene markets and higher freight following disruption near the Strait of Hormuz earlier in the year. Grey graphite-enhanced grades, which carry higher insulation performance per unit thickness, continue to gain share within the broader demand mix.
A further styrene or benzene cost spike squeezing producer margins is the clearest upside risk to this forecast. A slower renovation season, or new grey graphite-enhanced capacity easing supply faster than expected, would be the more likely path lower. A further downside factor to watch is regulatory pressure on single-use EPS packaging, which could redirect some producer capacity toward insulation-grade output over time.
| Region | 2026 Price Range (USD/MT) | Outlook |
| Global Average | 1,310 - 1,420 | Insulation demand and styrene cost support |
| United States | 1,440 - 1,530 | Renovation season and tight spot supply |
| China | 1,170 - 1,240 | Large capacity keeps China most affordable |
| Germany | 1,830 - 1,940 | Energy costs and building codes maintain premium |
| India | 1,330 - 1,420 | Construction and cold-chain demand support firm middle |
For the Quarter Ending June 2026
EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) Prices Q2 2026:
- United States: USD 1,465/MT
- China: USD 1,185/MT
- Germany: USD 1,825/MT
- India: USD 1,345/MT
EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) Prices in the United States
US EPS prices averaged just above USD 1,465/MT in Q2 2026, up near 3.2% from just under USD 1,420/MT in Q1. The renovation season demand built steadily through the quarter, with permit filings for residential retrofits running ahead of the same period a year earlier.
Why did the price of EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) change in Q2 2026 in the United States?
Renovation and building-envelope upgrade demand built steadily through spring. The styrene feedstock costs firmed, pushing producers to pass through higher offers. Spot availability on the Gulf and East Coasts stayed tight near USD 1,465/MT.
EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) Prices in China
Chinese EPS prices averaged about USD 1,185/MT in Q2 2026, up about 2.6% from close to USD 1,155/MT in Q1. The domestic construction demand improved modestly, and styrene costs tracked broader benzene market firming. The producers described the pace of improvement as gradual, without any sharp turn.
Why did the price of EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) change in Q2 2026 in China?
Domestic construction and packaging demand improved modestly through the quarter. The styrene feedstock costs tracked a broader firming in the benzene market. The export enquiries from Southeast Asia added a small additional layer of support during May.
EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) Prices in Germany
German EPS prices averaged roughly USD 1,825/MT in Q2 2026, up close to 4.3% from just above USD 1,750/MT in Q1, the highest among tracked markets. Building code upgrades, together with continued renovation funding, kept insulation board demand firm this quarter. Order books extended several weeks further out than usual for the season.
Why did the price of EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) change in Q2 2026 in Germany?
Building code upgrades and renovation funding kept insulation board orders firm. The energy and styrene feedstock costs stayed on the high side compared with other regions. Freight costs following Strait of Hormuz disruption added to landed feedstock expense. A government renovation subsidy programme renewed for the year added a further layer of demand certainty for converters.
EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) Prices in India
Indian EPS prices averaged just under USD 1,345/MT in Q2 2026, up roughly 3.5% from near USD 1,300/MT in Q1. Cold-chain packaging orders picked up ahead of the summer months, and construction insulation demand added further support. The domestic producers reported running close to full capacity through most of the quarter. The export enquiries from Gulf Cooperation Council buyers also picked up, a trend traders linked to a wave of cold-storage construction announced across the region earlier in the year.
Why did the price of EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) change in Q2 2026 in India?
Cold-chain and pharma packaging orders picked up ahead of the summer heat. The construction insulation demand added further support to domestic offers. The styrene import costs firmed alongside the broader Asian benzene market. A pickup in vaccine and biologics cold-chain shipments added a further layer of packaging demand through June.
For the Quarter Ending March 2026
EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) Prices Q1 2026:
- United States: USD 1,420/MT
- China: USD 1,155/MT
- Germany: USD 1,750/MT
- India: USD 1,300/MT
EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) Prices in the United States
US prices averaged about USD 1,420/MT in Q1 2026, down roughly 9.0% from Q4 2025 as the post-holiday season saw builders draw down existing insulation stock before placing fresh orders. The distributors described the quarter as a clear pause after an unusually strong 2025.
Why did the price of EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) change in Q1 2026 in the United States?
Builders drew down existing insulation stock before placing fresh winter orders. Producer operating rates stayed normal, keeping supply comfortable through Q1. Cold weather in parts of the Midwest delayed some construction schedules into the spring.
EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) Prices in China
Chinese prices averaged close to USD 1,155/MT in Q1 2026, down about 0.4% from Q4 2025, essentially flat. The construction activity was slow during the New Year period, keeping demand muted. The producers kept output steady through the quiet spell. The provincial construction permit data, released in late March, showed a modest uptick in approvals for the second quarter.
Why did the price of EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) change in Q1 2026 in China?
Construction activity slowed over the New Year holiday period. The styrene feedstock costs held broadly steady across the quarter. Packaging demand from electronics exporters provided a small, steady counterweight to the slow construction season.
EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) Prices in Germany
German prices averaged roughly USD 1,750/MT in Q1 2026, down near 5.9% from Q4 2025 as winter construction activity slowed and buyers drew on stock built during the autumn rush, a seasonal pattern converters described as typical for the quarter.
Why did the price of EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) change in Q1 2026 in Germany?
Winter construction activity slowed, easing pressure on insulation supply. The buyers drew on stock built up during the autumn 2025 rush. A quiet renovation permitting season added to the sense of a pause after 2025.
EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) Prices in India
Indian prices averaged just above USD 1,300/MT in Q1 2026, down just under 4.0% from Q4 2025. Cold-chain packaging demand was seasonally quiet, and construction activity stayed steady but unremarkable. The domestic producers matched output closely to the modest pace of orders.
Why did the price of EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) change in Q1 2026 in India?
Cold-chain packaging demand was seasonally quiet through the winter months. The construction insulation demand stayed steady but did not accelerate. The styrene import costs held broadly flat, giving producers little reason to adjust offers.
Quarterly EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) Price Trends
Global EPS prices climbed through most of the window tracked here, moving from just under USD 1,290/MT in Q2 2025 to near USD 1,350/MT in Q2 2026, a net gain of just above 4.7%, though the path was not a straight line. Prices peaked in Q3 2025 on a sharp North American and European rally, eased back through Q4 2025 and Q1 2026 as buyers worked through stock, then resumed climbing in Q2 on renovation-season demand and firmer styrene costs. The shape of this cycle, a sharp rally followed by a multi-quarter pause and a fresh climb, sets EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) apart from the steadier moves seen in other tracked polymers.
| Quarter | Price (USD/MT) | QoQ Change | Direction |
| Q2 2026 | 1,350 | +3.8% | ↑ Rising |
| Q1 2026 | 1,300 | -3.0% | ↓ Falling |
| Q4 2025 | 1,340 | -2.2% | ↓ Falling |
| Q3 2025 | 1,370 | +6.2% | ↑ Rising |
| Q2 2025 | 1,290 | - | - Stable |
| Q3 2026 | In Progress | - | - In Progress |
What was EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) Price in 2025?
EPS prices rose sharply through the middle of 2025 before easing into year-end. The global average opened about USD 1,230/MT in Q1 2025, peaked above close to USD 1,370/MT in Q3, then closed roughly USD 1,340/MT in Q4, a full-year gain of close to 8.9%. The Q3 peak coincided with a period of unusually tight spot supply across North America and Europe.
EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) Prices in the United States in 2025
US prices climbed from just above USD 1,320/MT in Q1 2025 to a Q3 peak just under USD 1,615/MT on tight spot supply, before easing to near USD 1,560/MT by Q4, a full-year gain of roughly 18.2%. A wave of Epsilyte price increases through the year fed directly into the sharp rise.
EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) Prices in China in 2025
Chinese prices moved from about USD 1,120/MT in Q1 2025 to close to USD 1,150/MT by Q4, a gain of about 2.7%, with large domestic capacity limiting the swing seen elsewhere. The producers kept operating rates high throughout the year, insulating the domestic market from the sharper North American cycle.
EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) Prices in Germany in 2025
German prices climbed from roughly USD 1,780/MT in Q1 2025 to a Q3 peak just above USD 1,860/MT, before easing slightly to just under USD 1,800/MT by Q4, a full-year gain of near 1.1%. The energy costs stayed the dominant driver of the German premium throughout the year.
EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) Prices in India in 2025
Indian prices rose from near USD 1,200/MT in Q1 2025 to about USD 1,250/MT by Q4, a gain of just under 4.2%, supported by steady construction and cold-chain packaging demand. The rise was smoother than in the United States, without a comparable mid-year spike.
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Expert Market Research: Your Source for Real-Time EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) Price Intelligence
Expert Market Research tracks EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) prices continuously across every major producing and consuming region. The team traces causation through styrene and benzene feedstock economics, building code and renovation cycles, and cold-chain packaging demand, etc. Contact Expert Market Research today for EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) pricing data, bespoke market analysis, and strategic procurement advisory.
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Frequently Asked Questions About This Report
Building and construction insulation board takes the largest share globally. EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) also serves protective packaging, cold-chain shippers, and lightweight automotive components, with a smaller share going into signage and craft applications.
The Q2 2026 average was USD 1,465/MT in the United States, USD 1,185/MT in China, USD 1,825/MT in Germany, and USD 1,345/MT in India. Germany carries the highest cost due to energy and building-code driven demand.
The global average rose from USD 1,300/MT in Q1 2026 to USD 1,350/MT in Q2, a 3.8% gain, as renovation-season demand and firmer styrene costs took hold across most tracked regions.
Builders in the United States and Germany drew down insulation stock built during the 2025 rush before placing fresh orders, while Chinese and Indian demand stayed seasonally quiet through the winter months.
The global average is expected in the USD 1,310 to 1,420/MT range for H2 2026, with insulation-season demand and styrene cost support continuing into the back half of the year.
Germany holds the highest cost on energy and building-code driven demand. The United States and India hold a firm middle, and China prices lowest on large domestic capacity and high operating rates.
This report is updated monthly, with quarterly deep dives published at the end of each reporting quarter. For real-time pricing intelligence, contact the Expert Market Research team directly.
Prices respond mainly to styrene and benzene feedstock costs, building code and renovation cycles, freight costs, and cold-chain packaging demand across both industrial and consumer end markets.
China holds the largest production capacity, followed by European producers such as BASF and Synthos, and India through producers such as Supreme Petrochem. Any styrene cost shift ripples across all regional EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) markets within a quarter or two.
Buyers can use quarterly trends and forecasts to time insulation board contracts around building code compliance deadlines, monitor styrene cost as the primary production floor signal, and build forward coverage ahead of the renovation season.
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