Chemicals Updates

SE Asia acetone demand slows on bearish paint/coating / Benzene FOB Korea weakens $52.33/mt WOW

May 27, 2026

Asian phenol $50/metric ton lower week over week at $1,000/mt CFR China, while the CFR Southeast Asia marker was assessed down $50/mt on the week at $1,070/mt May 26. Discussions in the domestic China phenol market weakened, with east China ex-tank discussions heard at Yuan 7,600-7,730/mt, compared with Yuan 8,000-8,100/mt in the previous week. Ex-tank prices for acetone in the east China market similarly declined week over week to Yuan 7,200-7,300/mt from Yuan 7,650-7,750/mt. CFR China acetone down $65/mt week over week at $930/mt, while the CFR Southeast Asia marker was assessed $65/mt lower on the week at $1,070/mt May 26. A distributor in Southeast Asia said the falling acetone prices in Southeast Asia could be attributed to declining crude and feedstock prices, amid slowing demand. "Feedstock availability has improved...

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