Raw Materials Pricing Reports

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. A...

The Natural Rubber Price Trend in India moved strongly upward during Q2 2026, mainly because of lower latex arrivals, unseasonal rainfall, and steady demand from rubber-based industries. In Kerala, especially around Kottayam, difficult weather conditions affected tapping activity during important harvesting periods. At the same time, buyers continued to procure material for tires, gloves, adhesives, and other latex-based products. These factors kept the domestic market firm and pushed prices higher during the quarter. Natural rubber is a market where weather can quickly change the balance between supply and demand. Unlike many industrial materials that can be produced according to a fixed schedule, natural rubber depends heavily on tapping conditions, rainfall, harvesting cycles, and the availability of latex from plantations. When rainfall is too heavy, tapping becomes difficult, and the amount of rubber reaching the market can fall. This was an important factor behind the pr...

The Naphthalene Price Trend in India showed a strong upward movement during Q2 2026, with prices supported by steady industrial demand, controlled availability, and regular purchasing from downstream industries. During the quarter, refined naphthalene prices in India increased by 18% on a CIF India basis, while the Mumbai market recorded a 24% rise on an Ex-Mumbai basis compared with the previous quarter average.   Demand from phthalic anhydride production, dyes, pigments, construction chemicals, and other chemical-processing applications played an important role in this increase. Import expenses, distributor activity, inventory levels, and supply conditions also influenced the market during the quarter. Naphthalene is an important industrial chemical that is used in several manufacturing processes. It is especially relevant to industries producing phthalic anhydride, dyes, pigments, resins, construction chemicals, and specialty chemical products. Because of this wide indu...