Aromatics

Benzene prices on an FOB Korea basis were bearish due to changes in crude prices and futures prices for benzene in China. Paraxylene (PX) prices were firm, supported by demand for feedstock mixed xylene (MX) as a gasoline component.

Olefins

Ethylene prices on a CFR Northeast Asia basis decreased due to weak demand. Profitability of ethylene derivatives was decreasing. Further, a new ethylene facility in South China started up and sales of ethylene began. Along with this, buying interest from end-users in this area for imported cargoes receded. As the spread between prices for naphtha and ethylene shrank, South Korean makers were enhancing production cuts of ethylene.

In the Asia propylene market, discussions were mainly taking place for term cargoes and spot talks were muted.

In the CFR Northeast Asia market, China domestic prices were bearish and buying interest from end-users for imported cargoes was receding.

On an FOB Korea basis, some petrochemical makers issued sell tenders for term contracts for 2026.

Butadiene prices in Asia decreased further. End-users procured necessary volumes for the time being and demand was limited. Meanwhile, available cargoes were still observed including those from outside Asia. Supply/demand was perceived to be slack. In trade on a CFR China basis, an Asian cargo was reportedly traded at $790/mt.

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