[Aromatics]

　 Benzene prices on an FOB Korea basis stayed at high levels but softened towards the end of the week, mainly because of changes in crude oil prices. Concerns emerged that demand might decrease due to production cuts by derivative makers and other factors, caused by the increasing benzene prices. Paraxylene (PX) prices on a CFR Northeast Asia basis advanced to a higher level. As consumption of toluene and mixed xylene (MX) for gasoline blending increased, PX prices were also boosted.

[Olefins]

　 Ethylene prices on a CFR Northeast Asia basis continued to be at high levels. Despite rising feedstock crude oil and naphtha prices, ethylene prices were unchanged since a previous rise in ethylene prices had not been passed on to derivative prices. Supply was perceived to be tight due to successive shutdowns of naphtha crackers for turnarounds and restructuring. On the demand side, some petrochemical makers were seeking spot ethylene purchases due to maintenance and production cuts. Under these circumstances, supply/demand was perceived to be tight. Two Chinese end-users issued buy tenders for first-half October arrival and October-November arrival, respectively.

　 The Asian propylene market strengthened owing to high feedstock costs. In the CFR Northeast Asia market, the market tone firmed as crude oil and other feedstock costs remained at high levels. On an FOB Korea basis, a petrochemical maker issued a sell tender for 10,000mt for October loading. Regarding plant operations, H&L Advanced's naphtha cracker was shut down suddenly on the morning of Sep 16 due to troubles. It is scheduled to restart on Sep 19. In the Southeast Asia market, Thailand's PTTGC issued a sell tender for two cargoes for October loading.

　 In the Northeast Asia butadiene market, trade was muted. Supply was tight. However, demand lacked strength as a Korean end-user was scheduled for turnarounds from October onwards, while cargoes from outside Asia were expected to arrive. Meanwhile, information was also received that Southeast Asian cargoes were offered to Northeast Asia, but the details were uncertain.

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