Aromatics

Benzene prices on an FOB Korea basis rose sharply since crude prices increased and benzene prices in the US, a destination of export, were firm. Paraxylene (PX) prices on a CFR Northeast Asia basis were also firm along with changes in crude prices. Supply for both benzene and PX was expected to decrease along with facility maintenance and this was also a supporting factor.

Olefins

Ethylene prices on a CFR Northeast Asia basis, discussions were muted since Ching Ming Festival holidays started from Apr 4 in China and Taiwan. In China, maintenance was scheduled to take place at several ethylene facilities but buying interest was not strong.

In the Asia propylene market, activity was muted. As several naphtha crackers were undergoing maintenance, there were few available cargoes. Under this situation, sellers were not in a hurry for sales. On the other hand, buying interest from end-users was not strong. Therefore, discussions were inactive.

The Asia butadiene market was still firm.

In the Northeast Asia butadiene market, supply was perceived to be tight and sellers were reluctant to sell. On the other hand, end-users had not finished buying necessary cargoes and buying interest was strong.

In the Southeast Asia market, JG Summit in the Philippines conducted a sell tender for May loading.

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