- increases profitability for styrene monomer- The tight prompt supply causes the backwardation
structure to rise.





Muted discussions were heard in the Asia
styrene market on Sept. 20 as most styrene monomers were being used to produce
acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene instead of being sold in the spot market,
market participants said. The fourth quarter demand for styrene
monomer is still uncertain, with weak global demand. Production
rates in Northeast Asia were reported to have increased slightly due to styrene
profitability improving. Prices for styrene are relatively higher than those of
upstream benzene or ethylene. China's operating rates were close to
76%, as the production rates increased to take advantage of current high prompt
prices. Styrene monomer margins are improving with
integrated plants operating profitably. Talks for
styrene monomer cargoes in Northeast Asia were very limited. The focus was on...