Styrene monomer (SM) prices witness a rise in Asia

SM prices edged higher in Asia on Monday.

An industry source in Asia informed a Polymerupdate team member, “SM prices experienced a rise in the Asian markets owing to improved market sentiments and increased purchase interest from downstream sectors.”

On Monday, FOB Korea SM prices were assessed at the USD 865-875/mt levels, up USD (+5/mt) from Friday's assessed levels.

CFR China SM prices on Monday were assessed at the USD 875-885/mt levels, a gain of USD (+5/mt) from Friday.

Meanwhile, upstream benzene prices on Monday were assessed at the USD 715-725/mt FOB Korea levels, a rise of USD (+5/mt) from Friday.

In plant news, SP Chemicals has taken off stream its ethylbenzene (EB)/styrene monomer (SM) plant for maintenance on September 4, 2025. Details regarding the duration of the shutdown remain unclear, and confirmation from an authorized source is still pending. Located at Taixing, Jiangsu province in China, the plant has a production capacity of 320,000 mt/year.