Benzene prices weakened in both the United States and Asia this week, reflecting subdued demand and cautious market sentiment amid growing economic uncertainty.
In the United States, downstream buyers are showing restraint. On Wednesday, benzene prices were assessed at 268.00–268.10 cents/gallon FOB US Gulf, marking a $0.01 drop (–1 cent/gallon) compared with last Friday’s levels, according to an industry source via Polymerduniya. The decline was attributed to “waning market confidence in the US,” with buyers reluctant to commit to large purchases amid economic uncertainty.
Meanwhile, downstream styrene monomer (SM) rates were steady on Monday, assessed at 42.10–42.20 cents/lb FOB US Gulf, reflecting cautious procurement behavior across the aromatic value chain.
In Asia, benzene prices also retreated. On Monday, prices were assessed at USD 735–745/mt FOB Korea, representing a drop of USD 5/mt versus last Friday. Market participants cite weak demand from key downstream segments and limited arbitrage flows as key headwinds.
Together, these softening benchmarks highlight a global landscape of dampened purchasing momentum and cautious sentiment.
Market sentiment has turned bearish, with limited speculative activity and immediate-term purchasing only, as participants await clearer economic signals. Uncertainty surrounding downstream consumer sectors, such as styrene, phenol, and construction-related demand, continues to weigh on pricing dynamics.
