Global raw material markets are under significant pressure. The conflict in Iran, initially expected to resolve within 3 to 4 weeks, has now extended well beyond that window. With active discussions of troop deployments underway, the situation appears to be escalating rather than stabilising. Layer on top of that the current volatility in global trade policy, and the direction of risk becomes even harder to ignore. We may be wrong about where this heads next, but the direction of risk is clear. Plastic material costs are rising fast, and the window to lock in stable pricing is closing.
Hero Time is responding with a direct solution for its manufacturing partners.
What’s happening
Most injection factories are currently running on existing inventory, which is keeping prices temporarily stable. Once those reserves run out, costs will surge. Raw material suppliers are already pulling back on crude oil purchases, which is compressing future supply even further.
The impact on ABS materials, the most widely used in board game and toy production, is already visible. Standard ABS has jumped approximately 38%, from around $1,400 to $2,150 USD per ton. Depending on developments in the Strait of Hormuz, prices could reach $2,700 or higher. Some premium materials, like Korean LG558A, have increased by nearly 60%.
Hero Time’s response
Hero Time is giving clients the option to purchase raw plastic materials now at today’s locked-in rates. Under this arrangement:
- Materials are procured and secured immediately at current pricing
- Free warehousing for up to 6 months
- Production can be scheduled any time within that window
Clients who do not opt in should be aware that quotes are based on current rates and will need to be reconfirmed before production begins.
We also encourage publishers to review their full order plan for the year with this in mind. If you have ABS-heavy titles scheduled, it is worth considering whether locking in materials now makes sense, whether to adjust quantities, or whether to hold certain games until pricing stabilises. There is no universal answer, but the time to think through your exposure is now.
To lock in materials or discuss how this applies to your production schedule, contact your Hero Time account manager.
