Aromatics

The FOB Korea benzene market decreased since crude prices briefly fell in the first half of the week. Perceptions of surplus supply also weighed on the market. The CFR Northeast Asia paraxylene (PX) market also moved at low levels. Asian PX makers were decreasing production further but this have not caused a rise in the market.

Olefins

The CFR Northeast Asia ethylene market increased. Some end-users were still showing buying interest for October delivery cargoes but availability was limited. Going forward, ethylene facilities that had been shut down for a long time or were undergoing maintenance were expected to restart and perceptions of tight supply might recede for November delivery cargoes. But if end-users did not buy October delivery cargoes, buying interest for November delivery might increase and the market might be supported.

In the Asia propylene market, CFR Northeast Asia and CFR Southeast Asia prices increased while FOB Korea prices were unchanged. In Northeast Asia, talks were thin but some end-users that had not finished procuring necessary cargoes showed buying interest. As supply remained tight, market sentiment strengthened. In Southeast Asia, supply was thin due to facility maintenance and discussion levels moved up.

The Asia butadiene market rose. In Northeast Asia, non-regional availability was limited supply remained tight. On the other hand, most derivative markets were firm and buying interest for butadiene was strong. Under this situation, deal levels increased. In Southeast Asia, spot availability was thin and firm talks were not heard.