Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) price index

Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) price index

This post is a summary of the acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymers price developments. The price developments of  acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymers are expressed in US$ prices converted FX rates applicable at the time when the price was valid. Acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymers price index developments are calculated from multiple separate sources of data to ensure statistical accuracy.

The outlook for acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymers prices, on the second tab, is generated from different inputs including:

• Very recent price developments of immediate cost drivers of acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene resin prices
• Recent price developments of underlying feedstocks which drive the price of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene copolymers
• Market futures for both cost drives and feedstocks of acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) resin prices
• Adjustment of current supply/demand imbalances in the  acrylonitrile butadiene styrene ABS resin market
• Longer term trends in likely demand conditions

Further information on the ABS price chart

Here is some further information

What is ABS

ABS, or acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene, is a type of plastic that is made from three monomers: acrylonitrile, butadiene, and styrene. It is a strong, lightweight material that is known for its good impact resistance and toughness, as well as its good resistance to chemicals and heat.

How is ABS produced

ABS, or acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene, is a type of plastic that is made from three monomers: acrylonitrile, butadiene, and styrene. The production of ABS involves a number of steps, including:

Monomer production

The first step in the production of ABS is the production of the monomers, which are acrylonitrile, butadiene, and styrene. These monomers are typically produced through the petrochemical industry.

Polymerization

The monomers are then mixed together and polymerized to form the polymer chain. The polymerization process can be initiated through a number of methods, including heat, light, or the use of catalysts.

Mixing and compounding

The polymer is then mixed with various additives and fillers to improve its properties, such as its strength, flexibility, or resistance to wear and tear. This process is known as compounding.

Molding

The compounded ABS resin is then molded into the desired shape using a variety of molding processes, such as injection molding, blow molding, or extrusion molding.

It is important to note that the exact process used to manufacture ABS may vary depending on the specific application and desired properties of the final product.

What are the key cost drivers of ABS

ABS, or Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene, is a type of plastic used in a variety of applications, including the automotive industry. Some of the key cost drivers of ABS may include:

Raw material prices

ABS is made from a blend of three monomers: acrylonitrile, butadiene, and styrene. Fluctuations in the prices of these raw materials can impact the overall cost of ABS.

Energy costs

ABS production typically requires a significant amount of energy, so changes in energy prices can also affect the cost of ABS.

Transportation costs

The cost of transporting ABS from the point of production to the point of use can also contribute to its overall cost.

Taxes and duties

ABS may be subject to various taxes and duties, which can also impact its cost.

Currency exchange rates

If ABS is traded internationally, changes in currency exchange rates can affect its price.

What is ABS used for

ABS is used in a wide range of applications, including:

Automotive

ABS is used in the production of automotive parts, such as bumper covers, dashboard components, and trim pieces, due to its good impact resistance and toughness.

Consumer products

ABS is used to make a variety of consumer products, including toys, appliances, and sporting goods, due to its good impact resistance and toughness.

Industrial products

ABS is used in the production of industrial products, such as pipes, tanks, and valves, due to its good resistance to chemicals and heat.

Other

ABS is also used in the production of furniture, medical devices, and electronic components, as well as in 3D printing.

It is important to note that ABS is not suitable for use in applications where it will come into contact with UV light, as it can become brittle and break down over time. It is also not compatible with some chemicals, such as strong acids and bases.

What types of ABS are there

There are several types of ABS, each with its own unique properties and applications. Here are a few examples:

Standard ABS

This is the most common type of ABS and is known for its toughness, rigidity, and good impact resistance. It is used in a variety of applications, including automotive parts, electronic housings, and toys.

High-impact ABS

This type of ABS is designed to have improved impact strength and is used in applications where parts are subjected to high levels of stress. It is commonly used in automotive bumpers and other vehicle components.

Flame-retardant ABS

This type of ABS is formulated with flame-retardant additives and is used in applications where flame resistance is important, such as in electronic housings and electrical appliances.

Conductive ABS

This type of ABS is formulated with conductive additives and is used in applications where electrical conductivity is required, such as in electronic components and RFID tags.

UV-resistant ABS

This type of ABS is formulated with UV-resistant additives and is used in outdoor applications where the material will be exposed to UV radiation, such as in automotive exterior parts and outdoor signage.

Low-temperature ABS

This type of ABS is formulated to maintain its properties at low temperatures and is used in applications where the material may be subjected to cold temperatures, such as in automotive exterior parts and appliances.

Market and trade information of ABS

The global ABS market is a large market for the production and sale of ABS and ABS-based products.

According to a report by Mordor Intelligence, the global ABS market is expected to reach a value of $21.5 billion by 2024, growing at a compound annual growth rate of 5.7% from 2019 to 2024. This growth is driven by increasing demand for ABS in various industries, including automotive, construction, and consumer goods. The report also notes that the Asia-Pacific region is expected to dominate the global ABS market, due to the increasing demand for ABS in the region and the availability of low-cost feedstock.

According to https://oec.world/ :

Acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) copolymers are the world’s 455th most traded product.

In 2020, the top exporters of Acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) copolymers were South Korea ($2.09B), Chinese Taipei ($1.73B), Malaysia ($360M), Netherlands ($297M), and Belgium ($235M).

Which countries produce the most ABS

ABS is produced all around the world, with large production centers in a number of different countries. According to data from the International Council of Chemical Associations (ICCA), the top global producers of ABS in 2020 were:

China

China is the largest producer of ABS, with a production capacity of around 3 million metric tons per year.

South Korea

South Korea is the second-largest producer of ABS, with a production capacity of around 1.8 million metric tons per year.

Taiwan

Taiwan is the third-largest producer of ABS, with a production capacity of around 1.5 million metric tons per year.

Japan

Japan is the fourth-largest producer of ABS, with a production capacity of around 1.2 million metric tons per year.

Germany

Germany is the fifth-largest producer of ABS, with a production capacity of around 0.8 million metric tons per year.

United States

The United States is the sixth-largest producer of ABS, with a production capacity of around 0.7 million metric tons per year.

It’s worth noting that these figures are for global production capacity, not necessarily for actual production. Actual production levels may differ from capacity due to various factors, such as demand, raw material availability, and economic conditions.

Further reading

• Wikipedia for general, history, production and usage information
• PubChem for chemistry and property  information
• Market report (summary info only)