Markets across electronics, packaging, and plastics are rapidly changing. 5G and IoT are boosting demand for conductive and EMI shielding plastics, while packaging moves toward sustainability and automation with recyclable materials and advanced robotics. In key plastics segments—PGP, PE, polystyrene, polycarbonate, and ABS—prices, supply, and demand show mixed trends, reflecting shifts in production, exports, and regional market pressures.
MARKET SPOTLIGHT
E&E
The global market for conductive and electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding plastics is rapidly growing, driven by 5G expansion and IoT adoption. Made from resins like PC, PBT, PPS, and PA with conductive fillers such as carbon nanotubes or silver-coated particles, these plastics provide EMI protection and design flexibility for compact electronics. The market is expected to grow from USD 1.35 billion in 2024 to USD 3.75 billion by 2034, at a CAGR of 10.8%. 1
Key applications include 5G infrastructure, consumer electronics, automotive systems, and industrial IoT, where EMI control, weight reduction, and multifunctional performance are essential. Metal-filled plastics, offering high conductivity and robust EMI shielding, dominate the market, accounting for over 58% of revenue in 2024. 2
Packaging
PACK EXPO Las Vegas 2025 highlighted the packaging industry’s shift toward sustainability, showcasing recyclable and compostable materials, mono-material laminates, and versatile machines capable of handling multiple material types with high recycled content. The event emphasized how regulations and consumer expectations are pushing companies to reduce waste, eliminate certain dyes, and consider carbon footprints, reflecting a strong commitment to eco-friendly packaging solutions. 3
In line with its focus on sustainability, PACK EXPO Las Vegas 2025 also showcased the packaging industry’s rapid adoption of automation and robotics. The event highlighted end-of-line and collaborative robots, automated bagging, and piece-picking systems, alongside autonomous operations and connected systems such as AMRs and integrated production orchestration. These innovations demonstrate how the sector is embracing technology to boost efficiency, flexibility, and overall productivity while meeting evolving market demands. 4
PRODUCT NEWS
Polypropylene
PGP was flat in September. CDI and CMA both reported out flat as well. 5, 6
CDI is estimating that PGP will be up $0.005/lb. in October and up $0.005/lb. in November.5
ACC & CDI report operating rates at 75.8% and DOH at 41.2days in August. Operating rates decreased by 4% & DOH increased by 3.3 days from July.5, 7
Export6: Attractive offers from Asia have encouraged importers to place orders despite the potential disadvantages; prices appear to be trending downward.
Mexico6: October started with renewed price pressures, which resulted in buyers limiting their purchases to only the volumes needed and maintaining sales at lower levels. Ample supply of resin across all primary grades. Indelpro running steadily.
Polyethylene
PE settled flat in September. CDI and CMA both reported flat as well.5, 6
CDI is estimating PE to be flat in October and flat in November.5
Some suppliers have issued price increase letters for October at $0.05/lb.
ACC and CDI report operating rates at 98.0% (varies by segment) and DOH at 50.3 for all of PE in August. Operating rates for all PE increased by 1.1% and DOH increased by 1.3 days (all PE) from July.5, 7
Export6: Big traders reported good volume activity compared to previous months. Most traders describe the supply of PE resins for exports as abundant, with no signs of limitations in the short term.
Mexico6: Low demand was reported at the end of September, largely driven by uncertainty surrounding further price erosion. Distributors remain concerned about the high volumes of available material in the region.
ABS5
ABS contract prices continue to hold steady as calendar Q3 draws to a close.
Longer lead times have been reported for ABS imports from South Korea.
Freight rates were up in early September ahead of USTR port fees but tapered later in the month due to weak demand.
Declining ABS pre-tariff inventory remains a key topic, with upward pricing expected post-depletion. August feedstock prices finalized lower; feedstocks continue to see downward movement.
Demand is steady. Some segments are noting improvements, but the overall market remains soft this year.
Polycarbonate5
PC September contract prices are forecasted to rollover.
PC domestic production is 10.7% lower year to date versus 2024.
PC market is oversupplied globally.
US. PC exports are predominantly to Mexico and Canada.
PC exports to China from the U.S. are below 1,000 tons for the third consecutive month.
Polystyrene5
Polystyrene closed the month of September with the market continuing to see no significant upticks in demand. Most sources indicated that September felt similar to how this year has been playing out generally; on the weaker side.
October Polystyrene demand has been soft as the month begins, with market sources hoping that demand will pick up later in the month.
Sources expect this year’s demand for Polystyrene to be 8-10% lower last year’s demand.
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