Apr 16, 2025
IndexBox has just published a new report: Africa – Expansible Polystyrene In Primary Forms – Market Analysis, Forecast, Size, Trends And Insights.
The African market for expansible polystyrene in primary forms is projected to see a steady increase in consumption over the period from 2024 to 2035, with a forecasted CAGR of +1.3% in volume and +2.2% in value. By the end of 2035, the market is expected to reach 481K tons in volume and $834M in value (in nominal wholesale prices).
Market Forecast
Driven by increasing demand for expansible polystyrene in primary forms in Africa, the market is expected to continue an upward consumption trend over the next decade. Market performance is forecast to retain its current trend pattern, expanding with an anticipated CAGR of +1.3% for the period from 2024 to 2035, which is projected to bring the market volume to 481K tons by the end of 2035.
In value terms, the market is forecast to increase with an anticipated CAGR of +2.2% for the period from 2024 to 2035, which is projected to bring the market value to $834M (in nominal wholesale prices) by the end of 2035.
Consumption
Africa’s Consumption of Expansible Polystyrene In Primary Forms
For the third year in a row, Africa recorded growth in consumption of expansible polystyrene in primary forms, which increased by 2.4% to 417K tons in 2024. The total consumption volume increased at an average annual rate of +1.6% over the period from 2013 to 2024; the trend pattern remained relatively stable, with somewhat noticeable fluctuations being recorded in certain years. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2022 when the consumption volume increased by 7.8%. Over the period under review, consumption reached the peak volume in 2024 and is expected to retain growth in the near future.
The revenue of the expansible polystyrene market in Africa totaled $654M in 2024, with an increase of 4% against the previous year. This figure reflects the total revenues of producers and importers (excluding logistics costs, retail marketing costs, and retailers’ margins, which will be included in the final consumer price). Over the period under review, consumption saw a relatively flat trend pattern. Over the period under review, the market hit record highs at $692M in 2022; however, from 2023 to 2024, consumption remained at a lower figure.
Consumption By Country
Egypt (144K tons) remains the largest expansible polystyrene consuming country in Africa, comprising approx. 34% of total volume. Moreover, expansible polystyrene consumption in Egypt exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest consumer, Niger (44K tons), threefold. The third position in this ranking was held by Somalia (44K tons), with a 10% share.
In Egypt, expansible polystyrene consumption remained relatively stable over the period from 2013-2024. The remaining consuming countries recorded the following average annual rates of consumption growth: Niger (+4.2% per year) and Somalia (+2.5% per year).
In value terms, Egypt ($224M) led the market, alone. The second position in the ranking was taken by Niger ($65M). It was followed by Somalia.
From 2013 to 2024, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value in Egypt totaled -1.2%. In the other countries, the average annual rates were as follows: Niger (+2.1% per year) and Somalia (+0.4% per year).
The countries with the highest levels of expansible polystyrene per capita consumption in 2024 were Central African Republic (4.1 kg per person), Liberia (3.6 kg per person) and Togo (2.7 kg per person).
From 2013 to 2024, the biggest increases were recorded for Algeria (with a CAGR of +2.3%), while consumption for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.
Production
Africa’s Production of Expansible Polystyrene In Primary Forms
In 2024, production of expansible polystyrene in primary forms increased by 1.5% to 344K tons, rising for the fifth year in a row after two years of decline. Overall, production, however, recorded a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2022 when the production volume increased by 8.3% against the previous year. Over the period under review, production hit record highs at 365K tons in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2024, production failed to regain momentum.
In value terms, expansible polystyrene production rose slightly to $537M in 2024 estimated in export price. In general, production, however, recorded a perceptible reduction. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2021 when the production volume increased by 18% against the previous year. The level of production peaked at $674M in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2024, production failed to regain momentum.
Production By Country
Egypt (122K tons) remains the largest expansible polystyrene producing country in Africa, comprising approx. 35% of total volume. Moreover, expansible polystyrene production in Egypt exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest producer, Niger (44K tons), threefold. Somalia (44K tons) ranked third in terms of total production with a 13% share.
In Egypt, expansible polystyrene production plunged by an average annual rate of -4.2% over the period from 2013-2024. The remaining producing countries recorded the following average annual rates of production growth: Niger (+4.2% per year) and Somalia (+2.5% per year).
Imports
Africa’s Imports of Expansible Polystyrene In Primary Forms
In 2024, imports of expansible polystyrene in primary forms in Africa was estimated at 77K tons, leveling off at the year before. The total import volume increased at an average annual rate of +3.8% over the period from 2013 to 2024; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded in certain years. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2018 with an increase of 22%. Over the period under review, imports attained the maximum at 85K tons in 2020; however, from 2021 to 2024, imports remained at a lower figure.
In value terms, expansible polystyrene imports rose markedly to $129M in 2024. Total imports indicated a mild increase from 2013 to 2024: its value increased at an average annual rate of +1.1% over the last eleven years. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2024 figures, imports decreased by -24.7% against 2022 indices. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2021 with an increase of 39%. Over the period under review, imports hit record highs at $171M in 2022; however, from 2023 to 2024, imports remained at a lower figure.
Imports By Country
Egypt (26K tons) and Algeria (20K tons) represented the key importers of expansible polystyrene in primary forms in 2024, recording near 34% and 26% of total imports, respectively. South Africa (13K tons) held the next position in the ranking, followed by Morocco (8K tons). All these countries together took approx. 27% share of total imports. Tunisia (2.3K tons), Kenya (1.7K tons) and Nigeria (1.2K tons) followed a long way behind the leaders.
From 2013 to 2024, the most notable rate of growth in terms of purchases, amongst the main importing countries, was attained by Egypt (with a CAGR of +9.2%), while imports for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.
In value terms, Egypt ($48M), Algeria ($31M) and South Africa ($20M) appeared to be the countries with the highest levels of imports in 2024, with a combined 77% share of total imports. Morocco, Tunisia, Kenya and Nigeria lagged somewhat behind, together accounting for a further 18%.
Kenya, with a CAGR of +7.8%, recorded the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of imports, among the main importing countries over the period under review, while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.
Import Prices By Country
In 2024, the import price in Africa amounted to $1,669 per ton, picking up by 4.8% against the previous year. In general, the import price, however, showed a pronounced descent. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2021 when the import price increased by 54% against the previous year. The level of import peaked at $2,242 per ton in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2024, import prices remained at a lower figure.
Average prices varied somewhat amongst the major importing countries. In 2024, major importing countries recorded the following prices: in Nigeria ($1,946 per ton) and Egypt ($1,823 per ton), while Algeria ($1,525 per ton) and South Africa ($1,554 per ton) were amongst the lowest.
From 2013 to 2024, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Nigeria (-0.5%), while the other leaders experienced a decline in the import price figures.
Exports
Africa’s Exports of Expansible Polystyrene In Primary Forms
In 2024, shipments abroad of expansible polystyrene in primary forms decreased by -42.7% to 4.9K tons for the first time since 2020, thus ending a three-year rising trend. In general, exports faced a significant curtailment. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2021 with an increase of 397%. Over the period under review, the exports hit record highs at 79K tons in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2024, the exports failed to regain momentum.
In value terms, expansible polystyrene exports declined significantly to $9.3M in 2024. Over the period under review, exports continue to indicate a sharp downturn. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2022 when exports increased by 429%. The level of export peaked at $137M in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2024, the exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.
Exports By Country
Egypt dominates exports structure, resulting at 4.5K tons, which was near 92% of total exports in 2024. South Africa (186 tons) and Morocco (113 tons) followed a long way behind the leaders.
Exports from Egypt decreased at an average annual rate of -21.4% from 2013 to 2024. At the same time, Morocco (+12.2%) and South Africa (+5.8%) displayed positive paces of growth. Moreover, Morocco emerged as the fastest-growing exporter exported in Africa, with a CAGR of +12.2% from 2013-2024. South Africa (+3.6 p.p.) and Morocco (+2.2 p.p.) significantly strengthened its position in terms of the total exports, while Egypt saw its share reduced by -7.8% from 2013 to 2024, respectively.
In value terms, Egypt ($8.6M) remains the largest expansible polystyrene supplier in Africa, comprising 92% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was held by South Africa ($343K), with a 3.7% share of total exports.
In Egypt, expansible polystyrene exports plunged by an average annual rate of -21.3% over the period from 2013-2024. The remaining exporting countries recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: South Africa (+0.6% per year) and Morocco (+4.2% per year).
Export Prices By Country
In 2024, the export price in Africa amounted to $1,889 per ton, rising by 5.6% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the export price, however, showed a relatively flat trend pattern. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2018 an increase of 51% against the previous year. As a result, the export price reached the peak level of $2,632 per ton. From 2019 to 2024, the export prices failed to regain momentum.
Average prices varied noticeably amongst the major exporting countries. In 2024, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Morocco ($1,980 per ton), while South Africa ($1,842 per ton) was amongst the lowest.
From 2013 to 2024, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Egypt (+0.0%), while the other leaders experienced a decline in the export price figures.
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