Styrene monomer (SM) prices decline in Asia

Despite weaker energy values, SM prices fell in Asia on Thursday.

An industry source in Asia informed a Polymerupdate team member, “Prices were assessed lower on the back of weak buying activity in the Asian markets.”

On Thursday, FOB Korea SM prices were assessed at the USD 890-900/mt levels, down USD (-15/mt) from Wednesday’s assessed levels.

CFR China SM prices on Thursday were assessed at the USD 900-910/mt levels, a fall of USD (-15/mt) from Wednesday.

Meanwhile, upstream benzene prices on Thursday were assessed at the USD 710-720/mt FOB Korea levels, a day on day drop of USD (-15/mt).

In plant news, Hanwha TotalEnergies Petrochemical has brought on stream its No.2 Styrene monomer (SM) unit on May 14, 2025 following a turnaround. The unit was shut for maintenance on April 10, 2025. Located in Daesan, South Korea, the No.2 unit has a production capacity of 650,000 mt/year.