Styrene monomer (SM) prices decline in Asia

Despite bullish energy values, SM prices were assessed lower in Asia on Monday.

An industry source in Asia informed a Polymerupdate team member, "Prices trended downward on account of weaker upstream benzene values and bearish market activity in the Asian region."

On Monday, FOB Korea SM prices were assessed at the USD 1035-1045/mt levels, down USD (-15/mt) from Friday's assessed levels.

CFR China SM prices on Monday were assessed at the USD 1045-1055/mt levels, a fall of USD (-15/mt) from Friday.

Meanwhile, upstream benzene prices on Monday were assessed at the USD 910-920/mt FOB Korea levels, a drop of USD (-5/mt) from Friday.

In plant news, Zibo Junchen New Material has restarted its styrene monomer (SM) plant on February 10, 2025. The plant was shut for maintenance on February 7, 2025. Located in Zibo, Shandong in China, the plant has a production capacity of 500,000 mt/year.