Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene Prices Remain Under Pressure Across Global Markets in Q3 2025

During the third quarter of 2025, Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene Prices showed a mostly soft-to-weak trend across major global markets. In many regions, prices moved downward as demand remained moderate and feedstock costs weakened. While a few markets showed temporary support or short-lived gains, the overall global ABS market remained under pressure heading into early Q4 2025.

Global Overview: Weak Demand and Softer Costs

Globally, Q3 2025 was a challenging period for the ABS market. Many producers faced pressure from falling upstream feedstock prices, particularly acrylonitrile and styrene. These lower raw material costs reduced production expenses but also pushed finished product prices downward. At the same time, downstream demand from key sectors such as automotive, electronics, and appliances remained moderate rather than strong.

Buyers across regions adopted a cautious approach, purchasing only what was needed and avoiding large inventory builds. Supply availability remained adequate in most markets, preventing shortages but also limiting any chance of price recovery. As a result, Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene Prices declined in most regions, with only a few exceptions driven by local factors.

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Asia: Softening Prices Across Key Producers

Asia, one of the largest hubs for ABS production and consumption, experienced widespread price softness during Q3 2025. Major exporting and consuming countries such as South Korea, Taiwan, China, Thailand, Indonesia, and India all reported declining price trends.

In South Korea, ABS export prices moved lower over the quarter. The market was influenced by falling feedstock costs and steady but unspectacular demand from automotive, electronics, and appliance manufacturers. While supply remained balanced, limited restocking and cautious buying kept prices under pressure. By September, prices had slipped further, showing little sign of recovery.

Taiwan followed a similar pattern. Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene Prices softened as upstream raw material costs declined and downstream demand remained moderate. Industrial activity did not slow sharply, but it was not strong enough to absorb available supply. Buyers remained price-sensitive, and sellers adjusted offers gradually to maintain competitiveness.

China’s domestic ABS market also faced downward pressure. Prices declined over the quarter as feedstock costs weakened and demand from key sectors stayed steady but uninspiring. Supply levels were well balanced, which prevented sharp price drops but also limited any upward movement. By September, prices slipped further as restocking remained subdued and buyers stayed cautious.

India experienced one of the sharper declines in the region. Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene Prices in the domestic market fell notably as feedstock costs dropped and downstream demand softened. Automotive and appliance manufacturers maintained stable production, but purchasing activity slowed. Adequate supply and balanced inventories meant sellers had little leverage to push prices higher.

Thailand and Indonesia also saw softening price trends. In both countries, ABS imports from regional suppliers remained readily available, while demand from manufacturing sectors stayed moderate. Buyers focused on short-term needs, and restocking activity remained limited. Prices continued to edge lower through September, reflecting the overall weak regional sentiment.

North America: Stable Supply, Soft Demand

In the United States, Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene Prices also moved lower during Q3 2025. Import prices softened as feedstock costs declined and demand from automotive, electronics, and appliance sectors remained moderate. Supply availability was sufficient, which helped prevent sharp fluctuations but also kept prices under pressure.

U.S. buyers showed restrained purchasing behavior, focusing on managing inventories rather than expanding stock levels. September saw a small additional decline in prices, reflecting steady but cautious industrial consumption. Overall, the U.S. ABS market remained balanced but lacked strong drivers for price recovery.

Europe: Continued Weakness Across Major Markets

European ABS markets experienced consistent softness during Q3 2025. Countries such as the Netherlands, Germany, and Belgium all reported declining Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene Prices.

In the Netherlands, prices fell as demand from automotive, electronics, and appliance sectors remained subdued. Feedstock costs declined, reducing production expenses and allowing sellers to lower offers. Buyers remained cautious, and restocking activity was limited, particularly toward the end of the quarter.

Germany showed a similar trend. Despite stable industrial activity, demand did not strengthen enough to support prices. Supply availability remained balanced, and sellers adjusted prices downward to match market conditions. September saw further declines as cautious buying continued.

Belgium also experienced ongoing price pressure. Downstream demand remained moderate, while supply stayed adequate due to steady imports and local production. With limited buyer interest and minimal restocking, prices softened further. Overall, the European ABS market remained under pressure with little expectation of near-term recovery.

Brazil: A Notable Exception

Brazil stood out as a rare exception to the global trend. During most of Q3 2025, Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene Prices in Brazil showed moderate gains. Strong domestic demand from automotive, electronics, and appliance sectors supported the market. Additionally, higher freight rates increased import costs, adding upward pressure to prices.

However, this firmness was not sustained throughout the entire quarter. In September, prices dropped sharply as restocking slowed and downstream demand softened. Despite this correction, Brazil’s ABS market remained relatively better supported compared to other regions, thanks to underlying domestic consumption and balanced inventory levels.

Market Behavior and Buyer Sentiment

Across most regions, buyer sentiment during Q3 2025 remained cautious. Many converters and manufacturers avoided aggressive purchasing, preferring to buy only what was immediately required. This behavior was driven by uncertainty around future demand, softer feedstock prices, and sufficient supply availability.

Producers and traders responded by adjusting prices gradually rather than making sharp cuts. This helped maintain market stability but did little to change the overall downward trend in Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene Prices.

Outlook for Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene Prices

Looking ahead to early Q4 2025, most ABS markets are expected to remain under pressure. While feedstock costs may stabilize, demand from key downstream sectors will be the main factor influencing price direction. Without a clear pickup in automotive, electronics, or appliance production, strong price recovery appears unlikely.

Some regional markets may experience short-term fluctuations driven by restocking or logistics factors, as seen in Brazil. However, the broader outlook remains cautious. Balanced inventories, adequate supply, and price-sensitive buyers are likely to keep Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene Prices relatively soft in the near term.

Conclusion

In summary, Q3 2025 was a weak quarter for the global ABS market. Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene Prices declined across most major regions due to soft demand, falling feedstock costs, and cautious buying behavior. Asia, Europe, and North America all faced similar challenges, while Brazil offered a brief exception before correcting.

As the market moves into Q4 2025, stability rather than growth is expected to define the ABS landscape. Until demand strengthens meaningfully, Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene Prices are likely to remain under pressure, reflecting a market still searching for stronger momentum.

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