Aromatics

In the Asia aromatics market, FOB Korea benzene prices softened due to declining crude prices. CFR Northeast Asia paraxylene prices were bearish at the start of the week due to falling PTA futures on the Zhengzhou Commodity Exchange but sentiment improved later in the week owing to high feedstock naphtha prices.

Olefins

The CFR Northeast Asia ethylene market increased. Some end-users had yet to finish buying October delivery cargoes while sellers had limited cargoes to sell. As a result, supply/demand was perceived to be tight. Under this situation, a rumor was heard in the middle of the week that a cargo to be delivered at the end of October was traded at about $890/mt.

The Asia propylene market weakened. In Northeast Asia, Ahead of the National Day holidays in China, buying interest from Chinese end-users receded while some sellers moved on sales at low prices. On an FOB Korea basis, Taekwang's acrylonitrile facility was operating a lot rates due to troubles and feedstock propylene was sold in the spot market. In Southeast Asia, Thailand's PTTGC sold early October loading via a tender.

The Asia butadiene market was unchanged. In Northeast Asia, amid limited availability, sellers adopted a firm stance. Although end-users showed buying interest, talks could not progress as cargoes were not seen and activity was subdued. In the China domestic market, East China prices fell slightly due to an increase in supply of cargoes from Northeast China.