MARKET INSIGHTS
Global South Korea Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) Thermoplastic Resin market size was valued at USD 578 million in 2024. The market is forecasted to rise from USD 612 million in 2025 to USD 824 million by 2032, reflecting a compound annual growth rate of 4.7% during the forecast period.
ABS is a versatile engineering thermoplastic celebrated for its impact resistance, toughness, and dimensional stability. The copolymer merges the rigidity of acrylonitrile and styrene with the resilience of polybutadiene rubber, making it ideal for injection molding and extrusion. While historically employed in automotive parts and consumer electronics, ABS is now attracting attention in 3D printing and medical device manufacturing thanks to its superior mechanical performance.
The market expansion is anchored by South Korea’s robust automotive and electronics sectors, which together consume over 60% of domestic ABS. Innovations in flame‑retardant and UV‑stabilised ABS grades are opening new applications in construction and outdoor equipment, while key players such as LG Chem and Lotte Chemical are investing in sustainable ABS production to satisfy growing demand for eco‑friendly materials.
Top 10 Companies in the South Korea Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene Thermoplastic Resin Market
1️⃣ LG Chem Ltd.
Headquarters: Seoul, South Korea
Key Offering: Advanced ABS grades, polymer blends, and specialty resins
LG Chem leverages its integrated petrochemical chain and strong R&D portfolio to supply high‑performance ABS to automotive, electronics, and appliance OEMs. The company’s focus on heat‑resistant and flame‑retardant formulations positions it as a preferred partner for manufacturers seeking lightweight, durable components.
Sustainability & Growth Initiatives:
- Investing in bio‑based ABS production to reduce carbon footprint
- Deploying AI‑driven process optimisation to cut energy consumption by 18%
- Expanding production capacity for advanced ABS in electric vehicle platforms
2️⃣ Kumho Petrochemical Co., Ltd.
Headquarters: Seoul, South Korea
Key Offering: Emulsion graft copolymerisation ABS, bulk copolymerisation, and speciality grades
Kumho Petrochemical’s dual‑process manufacturing model delivers consistent quality and cost efficiency. The company’s collaboration with OEMs on custom formulations has driven adoption in high‑impact automotive interiors and premium electronic housings.
Sustainability & Growth Initiatives:
- Implementing zero‑VOC production lines to meet stringent environmental regulations
- Developing halogen‑free flame‑retardant ABS for global safety standards
- Launching a recycling programme to boost closed‑loop supply chains
3️⃣ Lotte Chemical Corporation
Headquarters: Seoul, South Korea
Key Offering: High‑heat ABS, high‑impact ABS, and UV‑stable grades
Lotte Chemical’s portfolio supports the automotive sector’s shift toward lightweight under‑hood components and the electronics market’s demand for durable, heat‑resistant housings.
Sustainability & Growth Initiatives:
- Investing in renewable feedstock to achieve 30% bio‑content in ABS by 2026
- Expanding collaboration with OEMs on low‑emission production processes
- Deploying digital twins for process optimisation and waste reduction
4️⃣ Hanwha Solutions/Chemical Corporation
Headquarters: Seoul, South Korea
Key Offering: Flame‑retardant ABS, plating‑grade ABS, and advanced composites
Hanwha Solutions supplies specialty ABS to the electronics and construction sectors, where high‑performance thermal and mechanical properties are critical.
Sustainability & Growth Initiatives:
- Developing high‑temperature ABS for electric vehicle battery enclosures
- Adopting circular economy practices through chemical recycling pilot projects
- Strengthening R&D partnerships with universities for next‑generation materials
5️⃣ Cheil Industries Inc.
Headquarters: Seoul, South Korea
Key Offering: High‑impact ABS blends, PC/ABS alloys, and electronic-grade resins
Cheil Industries focuses on premium ABS for consumer electronics, providing formulations that meet stringent surface finish and durability requirements.
Sustainability & Growth Initiatives:
- Integrating sustainable sourcing of monomers across its supply chain
- Investing in additive manufacturing tooling to reduce material waste
- Collaborating with OEMs on lightweight design for next‑generation devices
6️⃣ Hyosung Corporation
Headquarters: Seoul, South Korea
Key Offering: Specialty ABS for industrial equipment, automotive parts, and medical devices
Hyosung’s expertise in high‑performance polymers positions it as a key supplier for medical device manufacturers and industrial automation firms.
Sustainability & Growth Initiatives:
- Deploying eco‑friendly flame‑retardant systems for medical applications
- Expanding R&D into bio‑based ABS for sustainable packaging solutions
- Implementing energy‑efficient production lines to lower operating costs
7️⃣ SK Global Chemical Co., Ltd.
Headquarters: Seoul, South Korea
Key Offering: Bulk copolymerised ABS, advanced additives, and functional grades
SK Global Chemical serves the automotive and electronics markets with a focus on cost‑effective, high‑quality ABS solutions.
Sustainability & Growth Initiatives:
- Investing in feedstock diversification to mitigate raw‑material price volatility
- Developing UV‑stable ABS for outdoor equipment and construction applications
- Expanding export partnerships in Southeast Asia to capture emerging markets
8️⃣ Daelim Industrial Co., Ltd.
Headquarters: Seoul, South Korea
Key Offering: High‑impact ABS, flame‑retardant ABS, and custom blends for automotive OEMs
Daelim Industrial focuses on tailored ABS solutions for the automotive sector, providing materials that meet stringent safety and performance criteria.
Sustainability & Growth Initiatives:
- Implementing carbon‑neutral production targets by 2030
- Investing in advanced process control to reduce waste
- Collaborating with OEMs on lightweight component design
9️⃣ Samyang Corporation
Headquarters: Seoul, South Korea
Key Offering: Specialty ABS for consumer goods, packaging, and industrial applications
Samyang delivers high‑performance ABS to a diverse set of industries, emphasizing reliability and cost efficiency.
Sustainability & Growth Initiatives:
- Adopting green chemistry principles in monomer synthesis
- Expanding recycling infrastructure for post‑consumer ABS
- Partnering with OEMs on low‑energy manufacturing processes
🔟 Korea Polyethylene Co., Ltd.
Headquarters: Seoul, South Korea
Key Offering: High‑impact ABS, flame‑retardant ABS, and polymer blends for automotive and electronics
Korea Polyethylene brings extensive experience in polymer processing, enabling it to supply ABS that meets demanding automotive and electronic specifications.
Sustainability & Growth Initiatives:
- Investing in renewable feedstock sourcing for ABS production
- Implementing energy‑saving technologies across production lines
- Expanding export capabilities to emerging markets in Asia
Outlook
From 2025 through 2034, the South Korean ABS market is expected to advance steadily, driven by the continued demand for lightweight, high‑performance materials in automotive and electronics. The focus on advanced ABS grades—particularly those with enhanced heat resistance and flame‑retardant properties—will underpin the industry’s ability to meet tightening safety and environmental regulations.
Future Trends
Key trends shaping the next decade include:
- Acceleration of additive manufacturing, with ABS gaining traction in prototyping and low‑volume production across aerospace and medical sectors.
- Expansion of bio‑based ABS, incorporating up to 30% renewable content to align with sustainability targets.
- Growth in smart manufacturing, where AI‑driven process optimisation and real‑time quality inspection reduce waste and improve consistency.
- Expansion of export markets through strategic alliances, particularly in Southeast Asia and India, where demand for high‑quality ABS is rising.
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