The aromatic hydrocarbons market exhibits divergent trends under the influence of international oil price fluctuations, supply-demand dynamics, and policy factors. Specifically, toluene and pure benzene prices have risen slightly, while xylene market performance remains weak due to sluggish demand and inventory pressures. Regarding international crude oil, prices rebounded briefly due to the Gulf of Mexico hurricane, but domestic gains were limited by high inventory levels.
Market Outlook:For toluene, short-term prices remain susceptible to crude oil volatility, but weak demand and high inventory suggest a rangebound trajectory with downward bias. Continuous monitoring of hurricane impacts on US Gulf Coast production capacity is recommended. The xylene market faces persistent supply-demand imbalances, with de-stocking pressures weighing on prices. Close monitoring of downstream PX operating rates and gasoline demand recovery is advised. Pure benzene maintains robust supply-demand dynamics, with new plant start-ups potentially supporting prices. However, high port inventories and limited demand improvement indicate a technically bullish yet volatile outlook.
