Mar 7, 2025

Qatar Polymers Of Styrene In Primary Forms Imports

In 2024, purchases abroad of polymers of styrene in primary forms (excluding polystyrene, styrene-acrylonitrile (SAN) copolymers, acrylonitrile- butadiene-styrene (ABS) copolymers) decreased by -52.6% to 330 tons, falling for the second consecutive year after six years of growth. Over the period under review, imports continue to indicate a noticeable shrinkage. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2019 with an increase of 130%. Over the period under review, imports of hit record highs at 781 tons in 2022; however, from 2023 to 2024, imports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, imports of polymers of styrene in primary forms (excluding polystyrene, styrene-acrylonitrile (SAN) copolymers, acrylonitrile- butadiene-styrene (ABS) copolymers) reached $1.6M (IndexBox estimates) in 2024. Overall, imports, however, posted prominent growth. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 with an increase of 225%. Over the period under review, imports of hit record highs in 2024 and are expected to retain growth in the immediate term.

Imports by Country

India (352 tons), Turkey (186 tons) and the United States (96 tons) were the main suppliers of imports of polymers of styrene in primary forms (excluding polystyrene, styrene-acrylonitrile (SAN) copolymers, acrylonitrile- butadiene-styrene (ABS) copolymers) to Qatar, together accounting for 91% of total imports.

From 2014 to 2023, the most notable rate of growth in terms of purchases, amongst the main suppliers, was attained by the United States (with a CAGR of +83.4%), while imports for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, the United States ($955K) constituted the largest supplier of polymers of styrene in primary forms (excluding polystyrene, styrene-acrylonitrile (SAN) copolymers, acrylonitrile- butadiene-styrene (ABS) copolymers) to Qatar, comprising 60% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was taken by India ($376K), with a 24% share of total imports. It was followed by Turkey, with a 10% share.

From 2014 to 2023, the average annual growth rate of value from the United States totaled +125.9%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: India (+29.7% per year) and Turkey (+48.1% per year).

Import Prices by Country

In 2023, the polymers of styrene in primary forms price amounted to $2,274 per ton (CIF, Qatar), with an increase of 14% against the previous year. Overall, the import price continues to indicate pronounced growth. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 when the average import price increased by 122% against the previous year. As a result, import price reached the peak level of $2,664 per ton. From 2019 to 2023, the average import prices failed to regain momentum.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major supplying countries. In 2023, amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was the United States ($9,925 per ton), while the price for Turkey ($877 per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2014 to 2023, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by the United States (+23.2%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced mixed trend patterns.

Source: IndexBox Market Intelligence Platform