Styrene polymers; (other than expansible polystyrene), in primary forms

HS code 390319 covers a range of styrene polymers, excluding expansible polystyrene, in their primary forms. These materials are widely used in the manufacturing of a diverse array of products, from packaging and construction materials to automotive components and consumer goods. As a key segment of the broader plastics industry, the production and trade of these styrene polymers play a vital role in supporting economic growth and enabling the development of innovative solutions across numerous sectors.

The primary production techniques for styrene polymers under HS code 390319 involve polymerization processes. This typically includes the use of catalysts, heat, and pressure to convert styrene monomers into long-chain polymer molecules. The resulting polymer resins can then be further processed through methods such as extrusion, injection molding, or compression molding to create the desired primary forms, such as pellets, granules, or blocks.

The main inputs required for the production of styrene polymers under HS code 390319 include styrene monomers, which are typically derived from the petrochemical industry. Additionally, various additives and modifiers, such as stabilizers, plasticizers, and fillers, may be incorporated to enhance the properties and performance of the final products. Specialized production equipment, such as polymerization reactors, extruders, and molding machines, are also essential inputs for this industry.

The primary outputs of the industry covered by HS code 390319 are a diverse range of styrene polymer products in their primary forms, including pellets, granules, and blocks. These materials are then consumed by a wide variety of downstream industries, such as 392010 Plates, sheets, film, foil and strip, of plastics, 392020 Polymers of styrene, in primary forms, and 392030 Polymers of vinyl chloride or of other halogenated olefins, in primary forms, which use them as raw materials for the production of a multitude of end-use products.