Chemical Updates

Asian Benzene: Prices rise on expectations of tight s0075pply / Asian benzene up $10/mt amid supply fears / Styrene monomer up $11.50/mt DOD

Aug 29, 2026

Asian benzene up $10/metric ton day over day at $1,016/mt FOB Korea on Aug. 28, supported by supply concerns. In the FOB Korea market, the backwardation structure between the October and November laycans widened to $30/mt from the previous day’s level of $28/mt. “It is mainly because there are supply concerns in both Northeast Asia and China, adding to the fact that [feedstock] from the Middle East cannot be shipped out,” a Northeast Asia based buyer said. “Benzene remains relatively tight in the near-term. As more aromatics plants resume operations in China, the inventory in East China may increase, and the supply and demand for benzene may become more balanced,” a Northeast Asia-based trade source said. Port inventories of benzene in East China were last heard at 56,000 mt, according...

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