[Aromatics]
Benzene prices on an FOB Korea basis and paraxylene (PX) prices on a CFR Northeast Asia basis softened in the first half of the week. But these prices strengthened after that due to an increase in crude prices caused by geopolitical risks and a rise in futures prices in China.

[Gasoline Components]

MTBE prices on an FOB China basis strengthened owing to an increase in crude prices. As sellers were not in a rush, there were few available cargoes in the market. This also pushed up the market. Deals for loading from March to April were reported in the range of $640-653/mt.

[Olefins]

Ethylene prices on a CFR Northeast Asia basis did not show sharp changes. Although benchmark feedstock crude and naphtha prices strengthened, ethylene prices were unlikely to increase since supply was plentiful. A deal for delivery to China was reported at $690/mt this week.

In the Asia propylene market, prices increased due to perceptions of tight supply.

In the CFR Northeast Asia market, supply for imported cargoes was tight and there were few domestic cargoes in the China market. Under this situation, buying interest from end-users was strong and market sentiments also strengthened.

In the Southeast Asia market, a cargo sold via a tended by a Malaysian petrochemical maker was reportedly resold to Northeast Asia.

In the Asia propylene market, prices increased due to perceptions of tight supply.

In the CFR Northeast Asia market, supply for imported cargoes was tight and there were few domestic cargoes in the China market. Under this situation, buying interest from end-users was strong and market sentiments also strengthened.

In the Southeast Asia market, a cargo sold via a tended by a Malaysian petrochemical maker was reportedly resold to Northeast Asia.

Butadiene prices on a CFR Northeast Asia basis strengthened. As supply was tight, Chinese sellers were showing a bullish attitude. In trade on a CFR Korea basis, a deal was concluded for a trader. On the other hand, end-users were seen to have to procure March delivery cargoes but buying interest was not said to be that strong. In discussions for cargoes from outside Asia, European cargo for May delivery was reportedly traded.

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