Q1 EPS prices surge 27.76% QoQ on cost push, exports jump

In the first quarter, the average price of general-grade EPS stood at Yuan 9,523/t, representing a 27.76% increase compared with the fourth quarter of 2025. China EPS exports reached 52,600 tonnes in January, rising 16.01% month-on-month and surging 74.09% year-on-year, before edging down to 34,800 tonnes in February.

China's EPS market witnessed sharp price gains in the first quarter of 2026, driven by rising feedstock costs and a strong year-on-year growth in exports. The average price of general-grade EPS material in Q1 stood at Yuan 9,523/tonne, up 27.76% from Q4 2025. Prices ranged between Yuan 7,600/t and Yuan