How the Iran War and Affecting Plastic Prices Are Affecting Aftermarket Body Kit Prices

Why are aftermarket body kits getting more expensive? Many customers have noticed that bumper kits and body kits cost more today than a few years ago. One big reason is the rising cost of plastic materials like ABS and PP. Global events — including the current Iran war — can push oil prices higher, which then increases plastic material prices used to make automotive parts.

Why Plastic Prices Affect Aftermarket Body Kits

Most aftermarket bumpers and body kits are made from plastic materials that come from petroleum. When oil prices change, plastic resin prices usually follow.

• ABS plastic – commonly used for aftermarket bumpers
• Polypropylene (PP) – flexible and lightweight
• Polycarbonate blends – used in stronger parts
• Fiberglass – sometimes used for custom body kits

Because these materials come from oil-based chemicals, global energy markets can directly affect manufacturing costs.

What Happened to Plastic Prices in the Last 10 Years

Over the past decade, several global events have pushed plastic material prices up and down.

• 2016–2019: Material prices were fairly stable, and body kit production costs were predictable.
• 2020–2021 (COVID-19): Factories closed, shipping slowed down, and plastic shortages caused major price spikes.
• 2022–2024: Supply chains improved but material prices stayed higher than before the pandemic.
• 2025–Now: The Iran war and rising oil prices are creating new uncertainty in global plastic markets.

Real Experience From Our Factory

Here is something surprising we have experienced while manufacturing body kits.

During production, there are always leftover plastic pieces from cutting and molding. Normally these scraps are recycled and reused.

But recently, recycling those leftovers sometimes costs more than buying brand new raw plastic material.

This happens because recycling requires:

• Sorting and cleaning materials
• Reprocessing plastic
• Quality control checks
• Extra labor

When all those costs are added together, buying new ABS pellets can actually be cheaper than recycling production waste.

How This Affects Aftermarket Bumper Prices

For body kit manufacturers, higher material costs mean higher production costs.

Manufacturers now face increased expenses for:

• ABS plastic resin
• Polypropylene materials
• Shipping and logistics
• Factory energy and production

As a result, the price of aftermarket bumper kits may slowly increase across the industry.

Future Prediction for Body Kit Material Prices

Looking ahead, several factors will likely affect plastic prices used in aftermarket auto parts.

• Oil prices: Since plastic comes from petroleum, rising oil prices will increase resin costs.
• Global conflicts: The Iran war and tensions in the Middle East may continue affecting energy markets.
• Growing demand: Many industries compete for the same plastic materials, including packaging, electronics, and electric vehicles.

Because of these factors, plastic prices may continue to fluctuate rather than returning to the very low levels seen before 2020.

The Bottom Line

The aftermarket auto parts industry is closely connected to global supply chains.

Events like COVID-19, shipping disruptions, and the Iran war can all influence the cost of materials used to make aftermarket bumpers and body kits.

While prices may change, manufacturers continue working to deliver durable ABS body kits and high-quality aftermarket parts for car enthusiasts around the world.