Aromatics

Benzene prices on an FOB Korea basis and paraxylene (PX) prices on a CFR Northeast Asia basis strengthened in the middle of the week. In China, futures prices for petrochemical products increased owing to economic stimulus and physical prices also gained along with this.

Olefins

Ethylene prices on a CFR Northeast Asia basis softened slightly since demand was weak along with a fall in profitability of derivatives. Views were heard also that there might be still available cargoes for October and supply was perceived to be amble. In the first-half of the week, possible deal levels were heard at $840-850/mt.

In the Asia propylene market, activity was muted in general.

In the CFR Northeast Asia market, end-users were not in a hurry to buy since supply was perceived to be ample.

On an FOB Korea basis, two petrochemical makers conducted sell tenders for November loading.

In the Southeast Asia market, a Malaysian petrochemical maker conducted sell tenders for a pressurized cargo and a refrigerated cargo.

In the Asia butadiene market, a wait-and-see mood was strong.

In the CFOR Northeast Asia market, discussions for October delivery were mostly over. For November delivery, it was perceived to be too early to start discussions and both sellers and buyers were not in a rush for trade.

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