Players of the European market of expandable polystyrene (EPS C) began to plan its pricing strategy in July after a sharp drop in contract prices of styrene monomer to EUR125 per ton this month, expecting an increase in demand, market sources told ICIS on Friday.

Sellers noted that the demand was somewhat weaker in June as buyers expected to decrease styrene quotations in July and did not make the orders.

Market players believe that demand will increase in July on the back of low stocks of matter and in anticipation of the onset of August, when the southern areas of the European market activity typically slows down in the summer.

European Contract prices of EPS in June agreed to EUR10-30 per tonne higher than in May.

According to the price review ICIS-MRC, last week in the Russian trade company noted good demand for Russian brand of polystyrene (PS) production of Sibur. At the same time, demand for imported brands has been relatively stable. Last week, traders slightly raised the prices of imported PS.