Styrene Monomer (SM) prices quote mixed in Asia amid supply tightness and cautious buying

Last week, SM prices exhibited a mixed trend across Asia.

An industry source in Asia informed a Polymerupdate team member, "SM prices edged higher in parts of Asia, supported by stronger naphtha and benzene feedstock values, which improved production economics. The market received additional support from production outages at several Chinese plants, tightening regional availability and prompting firmer offers. However, buying activity remained cautious in some markets, limiting gains and resulting in a mixed regional price trend.”

CFR Japan SM prices were assessed at USD 955-965/mt levels, while CFR China SM prices were assessed at USD 955-965/mt levels, both week-on-week up by USD (+5/mt).

CFR Taiwan SM prices were assessed at USD 980-990/mt levels, higher by USD (+10/mt) from the previous week.

FOB Korea SM prices were assessed at USD 940-950/mt levels, down by USD (-20/mt) from the previous week.

CFR India SM prices were assessed steady at USD 1015-1025/mt levels, while CFR Southeast Asia SM prices were also assessed stable at USD 980-990/mt levels.

Meanwhile, benzene feedstock prices were assessed at USD 830-840/mt FOB Korea levels, week-on-week up by USD (+50/mt).