Aromatics

　 The benzene market on an FOB Korea basis closed the week's trade at a slightly lower level compared to the beginning of the week. This was mainly owing to a fall in crude oil prices. However, the decline was limited as views persisted that benzene supply might remain tight going forward. Paraxylene (PX) prices on a CFR Northeast Asia basis also softened, compared to the beginning of the week. Softening crude oil prices and the expectations of supply recovery due to the restart of PX facilities in China were bearish factors.

Olefins

　 Ethylene prices on a CFR Northeast Asia basis increased further. As ethylene production cuts continued in South Korea and Japan, and naphtha crackers were expected to be shut down one after another due to maintenance, restructuring, and equipment troubles, perceptions of tight ethylene supply strengthened. In the previous week, a deal was concluded at $1,150/mt for delivery to South China. This week, deals exceeding $1,110/mt were reportedly concluded, although the destination was unclear.

　 Asian propylene market strengthened owing to perceptions of tight supply. In the Northeast Asia market, with supply being tight and crude oil prices trending firm, market sentiments strengthened. In the FOB basis market, Taiwan's CPC issued a sell tender for October-December loading, but the tender was ultimately canceled. In the Southeast Asia market, with facility operations unstable, supply was very tight, pushing up prices.

　 Asian butadiene market remained firm owing to perceptions of tight supply. In the Southeast Asia market, there was information that Chinese cargoes were offered for sale. Meanwhile, along with the resumption of butadiene shipments by an Indian petrochemical maker, views emerged that the sense of tight supply in the Northeast Asia and Southeast Asia markets might recede going forward.