Aromatics

Benzene prices on an FOB Korea basis and paraxylene (PX) prices on a CFR Northeast Asia basis were bearish throughout the week along with softening crude prices. For benzene, buying interest was weak toward holidays in China. In addition, cargoes from outside the region were expected to flow in and supply/demand was perceived to be slack.

Olefins

In the CFR Northeast Asia ethylene market, activity was muted. China was on holidays from Oct 1 while South Korea was on holidays from Oct 3. Therefore, limited players were in the market. Since US cargoes of ethylene were expected to be delivered and supply was seen to be ample, prices might soften after the holidays.

Butadiene prices in Asia were bearish. Demand was low while European cargoes were expected to continue arriving in Asia going forward and supply was perceived to be ample. In Southeast Asia, a Malaysian petrochemical maker reportedly sold feedstock mixed-C4 due to troubles at its butadiene facility.

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