Aromatics

Benzene prices on an FOB Korea basis increased at the beginning of the week, but after that, the market was bearish along with changes in crude prices. Paraxylene (PX) prices on a CFR Northeast Asia basis softened in the first half of the week but the market was relatively firm. The market was supported by consumption of aromatics as gasoline components.

The Asia propylene market softened.

In the CFR Northeast Asia market, demand for propylene receded since derivative polypropylene prices in China were bearish.

On an FOB Korea basis, a petrochemical maker conducted a sell tender for a cargo loading in the second half of January.

In Southeast Asia market, Malaysia's Pengerang Refining and Petrochemical (PRefChem) conducted sell tenders for eight cargoes loading in January. Along with this, supply was seen to be more ample.

Butadiene prices in Asia strengthened. Since term negotiations for 2026 had not been concluded, spot discussions were muted. However, traders held limited cargoes for sale for delivery in January onwards while fresh cargoes from outside Asia were no longer seen. Therefore, supply was perceived to be tight.

In Southeast Asia, Malaysia's Lotte Chemical Titan conducted a sell tender for a cargo loading in late January.

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