- Contract prices settle down by Eur80-82/mt per month- Butadiene exports weaken





The European butadiene markets fell during the week ending
May 26 as European consumers avoided spot markets. Butadiene consumption in Europe was low, mainly due to the downstream
segment. Participants cited high inflation and recession fears as factors affecting
purchases in Europe. Butachimie was offline due to maintenance at its adiponitrile factory in
Chalampe (France), the biggest consumer in Europe. This further pressed the
market. The scheduled maintenance will end on July 7. Export prices are down due to lower expectations in the US, and falling
prices in Far East Asia. FOB Rotterdam spot butadiene price is $550/mt. This is down $20/mt from
the previous week. Some producers cocracked crude C4 in order to avoid selling products below
breakeven price. Prices are too low. "We are not...