China Chemical Commodity Price Trends

The aromatics chain is the story of the week. Pure benzene surged 4.8% to CNY 10,390/t (≈USD 1,535/t) through the 10,000 mark and up more than a quarter since late August; pulling styrene +3.8% to CNY 10,415/t, toluene +3.8%, isomer xylene +2.6% and solvent xylene +1.5% with it. Crude firmness, thin port stocks and pre-holiday restocking ahead of Golden Week have converged.