Aromatics
　 Benzene prices on an FOB Korea basis and paraxylene (PX) prices on a CFR Northeast Asia basis strengthened mid-week. This was in the wake of strengthened crude oil prices as no progress was seen in peace talks between the US and Iran. However, in the latter half of the week, crude prices softened as views spread that crude demand would slow. Benzene and PX prices also softened.

Olefins
　 Ethylene prices strengthened in both Northeast Asia and Southeast Asia. Prices inched up slightly due to scarce offers and a perceived tight supply. In South Korea and Japan, multiple naphtha crackers are scheduled to shut down in September-October for facility reorganizations, regular maintenance, and repair works. Meanwhile, information was heard that US cargoes for CFR Northeast Asia delivery were traded at $960-970/mt.

　 In the Asian propylene market, market directions going forward were uncertain amid volatile crude oil price movements. In the CFR Northeast Asia market, sellers maintained their bullish stance amid volatile crude oil price movements and a tight supply situation. On the other hand, while buying interest was seen, players were unwilling to raise ideas to buy. For FOB Korea loading, a petrochemical maker conducted a buy tender for short-term contracts. In the Southeast Asia market, while spot demand was seen, offers were unavailable.

　 In the Asian butadiene market, demand for South Korea strengthened. In the Northeast Asia market, a naphtha cracker operated by South Korea's Lotte Chemical in Yeosu experienced troubles, causing its operating rate to fall, which led to a shortage in butadiene supply. In response to this, spot demand for South Korea was seen. In China, a petrochemical maker was heard to have sold two to three cargoes for September loading.