Chemical Updates

Asia Isomer-MX: Prices fall amid demand uncertainty / Oil prices fall amid Middle East conflict / Chinese domestic cargo heard traded

Aug 03, 2026

Asian isomer mixed xylene prices at $930/ metric ton FOB Korea on July 31, down $19/mt day over day, while the CFR Taiwan and CFR China markers closed at $952/mt and $935/mt, respectively, tracking the FOB Korea marker. Crude oil futures fell in midafternoon Asian trade July 31, as ship traffic through key Middle East chokepoints recovered and traders took profits after a sharp monthly rally, though geopolitical risks continued to support prices with elevated freight costs and insurance premiums. A trader in Singapore said the current market situation made demand cues extremely uncertain. “More like sentiment driven changes than demand side [impact],” he said, adding that the ongoing Middle East conflict is affecting MX liquidity. Buyers are actively seeking MX cargoes only when the conflict worsens, else sellers have...

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