Aromatics

Benzene prices on an FOB Korea basis and paraxylene (PX) prices on a CFR Northeast Asia basis strengthened at the beginning of the week as futures prices in China increased sharply due to China's economic stimulus. But after that, the market rose and fall along with changes in crude prices.

Olefins

In the Northeast Asia ethylene market, China was on National Day holidays. South Korea was also on holiday on several days. Therefore, activity was muted. In South Korea, several petrochemical makers reportedly reduced operation rates of ethylene facilities from October. In Southeast Asia, Malaysia's Pengerang Refining and Petrochemical (PRefChem) conducted a sell tender for a prompt cargo.

In the CFR Northeast Asia propylene market, movements were not seen. Since China was on holidays, activity was muted. In Taiwan, CPC and Formosa Petrochemical (FPCC)'s residue fluid catalytic crackers (RFCC) were shut down but buying to cover the shortage was not observed in the week.

Butadiene prices on a CFR Northeast Asia basis were stable. Activity was muted due to National Day holidays. Before the holidays, futures prices for synthetic rubber and natural rubber in China rose sharply. If futures prices remained bullish after the holidays, purchase of butadiene might continue.

In the Southeast Asia market, a Malaysian petrochemical maker conducted a sell tender for loading at the end of October.

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