Asian PS - Prices fall this week due to weak demand in
Asia■ Large gap between buying and selling indications■ China's producers increase operating ratesSpot negotiations in the export market were
weak due to a wide gap between buying and selling indications. Buyers tried to
negotiate lower prices because of weak demand. Producers from Northeast
Asia stated that the demand for general-purpose polystyrene markets (GPPS) was
still low, as Chinese producers were increasing operating rates. Although buying interest is low in Asia, a producer stated
that styrene prices have been rising over the past week and that buyers will be
returning if they do. According to
producers, they offered $1,300-1,330/mt CFR China, and $1,310-1,340/mt CFR
Southeast Asia. HIPS markets were similar
to GPPS markets, with a wide variation between sellers' and buyers'
indications. Producers expect market
demand...