Aromatics
The Northeast Asia aromatics market decreased from the previous week. Since the middle of the week, the crude market recovered briefly and so did the aromatics market. But as COVID-19 was spreading globally and demand was low, the market was curbed. Therefore, the market did not rise further.

Olefins
The CFR Northeast Asia ethylene market fell from the previous week. Since benchmark feedstock crude and naphtha prices were softening recently, profitability of ethylene increased. Because of this, some petrochemical makers moved to sell and supply was more ample. As a result, the market was weighed down. Under this situation, a deal was reported at $550/mt in the first half of the week.

The Asia propylene market softened due to a sharp fall in crude prices up until the week before and sluggish derivative demand. In China, some derivative makers moved to buy and Shandong prices increased but buying interest for imported cargoes was lackluster. In Korea, Lotte Chemical conducted a buy tender for 10,000mt each for May and June delivery.

The Asia butadiene market declined. With COVID-19 spreading globally, the automobile industry was sluggish and demand for synthetic rubber and butadiene receded. Under this situation, cargoes from Europe and the US flowed into Asia and supply was perceived to be ample.