Aromatics

Benzene prices on an FOB Korea basis and paraxylene (PX) prices on a CFR Northeast Asia basis were bearish at the beginning of the week but these prices strengthened in the middle of the week along with changes in crude prices. There were concerns that trade friction between China and the US might be intense again and such concerns temporarily pushed down the market.

Olefins

Ethylene prices on a CFR Northeast Asia basis were bearish. As conference related to olefins was held in China, limited players were int the market. The market was under downward pressure since China domestic prices softened along with ample supply and supply in the Southeast Asia market was also in surplus.

In the Asia propylene market, there were few players and trade was muted.

In Northeast Asia, trade was muted since conference related to olefins was held in Xian in China.

In the Southeast Asia market, troubles occurred at some facilities.

Butadiene prices in Asia were bearish. Demand was low while supply for cargoes from outside Asia was expected to continue. As a result, supply/demand was perceived to be slack. In the CFR Northeast Asia market, deals were heard at prices below $1,000/mt. In Southeast Asia, some petrochemical makers sold cargoes loading November.

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