Aromatics

Benzene prices on an FOB Korea basis and paraxylene (PX) prices on a CFR Northeast Asia basis were bearish as benchmark feedstock crude prices softened in the second half of the week. It was the demand season for downstream polyester products for winter, but prices for PX was not as firm as the previous week.

Olefins

Ethylene prices on a CFR Northeast Asia basis were mostly stable. Discussions for November cargoes were almost over. But there were still cargoes for sale in the market and supply was perceived to be ample. As for facilities, a naphtha cracker owned by Malaysia's Pengerang Refining and Petrochemical (PRefChem) would be reportedly shut down at the beginning of November for about10 days. Troubles apparently occurred at the facility.

In the Asia propylene market, supply in Southeast Asia was still perceived to be tight.

In the CFR Northeast Asia market, many propylene facilities were shut down and supply was tight. Under this situation, a sell tender conducted by Lotte Chemical Indonesia was awarded at a relatively high level or at a discount of $15-20/mt to CFR Southeast Asia spot quotations.

The Asia butadiene market fell further due to perceptions of ample supply. Supply for US cargoes of butadiene was in surplus owing to troubles at a derivative facility in Europe. Under this situation, offers for US cargoes to Asia were still observed. Meanwhile, a deal of a South Korean cargo for delivery to China was also reported.

In Southeast Asia, a petrochemical maker sold a spot cargo loading at the beginning of December. Another maker concluded annual sale contract for 2026.

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