ASIA BTX: Key market indicators for Nov. 18-22

Date 21-11-2024

ASIA BTX: Key market indicators for Nov. 18-22

BENZENE

TOLUENE

ISOMER-MX

1. Asian benzene prices will likely remain weak with buying demand from the US still subdued while Chinese inventory remains healthy.

2. Amid tepid interest in cargo in the spot market in Southeast Asia, producers continue to look at China as an alternative demand outlet.

3. The weekly average of the Platts FOB Korea benzene marker fell $20/mt in the previous week, to $866.27/mt in the week ending Nov. 15

1.The Asian toluene complex will continue to track upstream crude oil and naphtha prices amid thin spot discussions as market participants discuss term 2025 contracts, sources said.

2. On the supply front, China toluene inventory was higher in the week ending Nov. 15, industry sources said. In the east, stocks rose by 3,500 mt to 37,600 mt Nov. 15, and in the South, it was up on week by 1,300 mt to 19,000 mt, sources added.

3. The FOB Korea marker was $41/mt lower on the week at $669/mt Nov. 15, in line with the fall in crude and naphtha

1. Asian isomer-grade mixed xylene is likely to continue following the overall trend of crude oil and paraxylene prices, while likely remaining firmer than paraxylene for the time being due to restarting downstream plants.

2. Much attention will likely be focused over the coming week on term contract talks and the annual sell-tender by a Taiwan source for up to 120,000 mt of isomer-MX to load over 2025

3. Isomer-MX fell $10/mt week on week at $717/mt FOB Korea on Nov. 15 along with lower downstream market prices.