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In December 2022, the prosperity index for production and sales in the expanded polystyrene (EPS) industry was 98.09.

Release Date:

2022-12-24 00:00

Author:

Abstract

To provide a clear picture of the current supply-and-demand dynamics and future trends in China’s expanded polystyrene (EPS) industry, the EPS Specialized Committee of the China Plastics Processing Industry Association has been publishing the “EPS Industry Production and Sales Prosperity Index” since 2023. The index is based on real-time data from the National Bureau of Statistics and the General Administration of Customs, combined with sample data from selected EPS enterprises for the current month, and is derived through modeling and analysis.

1. Production and Sales Prosperity Index for the Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) Industry

To provide a clear picture of the current supply-and-demand conditions and future trends in China’s expanded polystyrene (EPS) industry, the EPS Committee of the China Plastics Processing Industry Association has been publishing the “EPS Industry Production and Sales Prosperity Index” since 2023. The index is based on real-time data from the National Bureau of Statistics and the General Administration of Customs, combined with sample data from selected EPS enterprises for the current month, and is derived through modeling and analysis.

3. Reference Indicators for the Economic Sentiment Index

The key indicators for the economic sentiment index, measured on a monthly basis, include: domestic production and sales volumes of EPS resin; actual import and export volumes of EPS resin; current international sea freight rates; data generated by major end‑use sectors such as building insulation, cushioning packaging, and cold‑chain logistics; the proportion of raw material costs versus production and processing costs; land transportation prices and activity levels; and significant industry‑related events and policy announcements during the period. Updates to these reference indicators—both increases and decreases—and their corresponding weighted values are implemented annually.

The “Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) Industry Production and Sales Prosperity Index” will analyze industry trends by tracking changes in production and sales conditions and issue early warnings about the sector’s performance, providing a reference for decision-making by the government, the industry, enterprises, and the general public.

1.
Review

In December 2022, the prosperity index for production and sales in the expanded polystyrene (EPS) industry declined significantly, with the drop exceeding that of the same period last year. Beyond cyclical industry factors—such as flame-retardant applications entering their traditional off-season—the contraction in downstream market demand intensified. Moreover, following adjustments to COVID-19 control policies, China experienced successive waves of infections, exerting sustained downward pressure on industry output and sales. Although central authorities issued frequent policy statements supporting real estate and domestic consumption in December, it will take a considerable time for these measures to percolate through to the sector. Profits at foam-processing firms continue to recover, yet production and operational activities remain cautious; factoring in the Lunar New Year effect, market growth may decelerate further in January.

2. Index for December 2022

In December 2022, the national polystyrene (EPS) industry’s production and sales prosperity index stood at 98.09, down 15.16 points from November and falling below the threshold, indicating an overall decline in production and sales levels.

3. Impact Factor

In December, the domestic trade performance index declined to 96.71, reducing the overall business climate index by approximately 3.05%; the foreign trade performance index fell to 114.52 but remained in expansionary territory, boosting the overall business climate index by about 0.96%; and the inventory index decreased month-on-month by roughly 9%.

4. Domestic Trade Demand

In domestic trade, the flame-retardant demand index fell to 69.54, with the decline widening, reducing the domestic trade index by approximately 7.61%; the buffer demand index slipped to 114.3 but remained in expansionary territory, boosting the domestic trade index by about 9%; and the container demand index rose to 140.75, marking a modest increase that lifted the domestic trade index by roughly 3.26%.

Keywords:

EPS One-Click Mold-Change Molding Machine

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