Chemicals Updates

Asian Oxo Alcohols Weekly Commentary / 16-Jul-26-16-Jul-2026/1149 am EST/1549 GMT / Weak demand amid geopolitical, upstream uncertainties / NBA, iso-butanol extend gains on tight supply, higher C3 cost

Jul 17, 2026

In the upstream market, propylene FOB South Korea at $930-$885/metric ton July 16, up $45/mt week over week, while CFR China propylene was assessed at $970/mt, up $50/mt over the same period. 2-ETHYLHEXANOL Asian spot 2-EH prices reversed their downtrend on July 16, lifted by strong feedstock cost support and firmer upstream energy values. Offer levels and tradable indications were higher in the week to July 16, as the market priced in stronger feedstock costs and lower supply. However, buying interest remained thin with buyers keeping inventories lean while adopting a wait-and-see approach amid geopolitical and upstream market uncertainty. "Propylene rising faster than 2-EH, but demand stays slow, and buyers are currently only purchasing on a need basis or for safety stock," a China-based trader said. A Southeast Asian buyer...

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