Aromatics

Benzene prices on an FOB Korea basis and paraxylene (PX) prices on a CFR Northeast Asia basis moved in a narrow range. In the benzene market, ethylbenzene was consumed as a gasoline component in Europe and the US and this strengthened market sentiments. On the other hand, profitability of derivatives of benzene remained low and this weighed on the market.

Olefins

Ethylene prices on a CFR Northeast Asia basis were unchanged. Both sellers' and buyers' profitability worsened. Further, as negotiations for term contracts for 2026 were about to start, players were not aggressive for spot discussions. Meanwhile, selling interest from the US to Asia was still observed. Two new vessels were reportedly chartered for delivery from the US to Asia.

In the Asia propylene market, trade was muted.

In the CFR Northeast Asian, since several propane dehydrogenation facilities in China were shut down, buying interest from Chinese end-users for imported cargoes was firm.

In the Southeast Asia market, several petrochemical makers had room to sell spot cargoes but demand was not strong. Under this situation, market sentiments were weak.

In the CFR Northeast Asia butadiene market, spot discussions were muted. Players were conducting term negotiations for 2026 and there were fewer spot cargoes for sale.

In the Southeast Asia market, a butadiene facility owned by Malaysia's Pengerang Refining and Petrochemical (PRefChem) reportedly restarted operation in the middle of the week.

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