- Russia's-origin cargoes are being offered at a lower
level- Benzene down to $40/mt during week



Asian caprolactam spot markets prices fell
$10/mt over the week to $1,955/mt CFR Far East Asia, and $1,965/mt CFR
Southeast Asia on August 11. Market
pressure was caused by low downstream operation rates, weak final product
consumption and muted demand. Sources
claim that the main downstream operation rates were reduced by 30%-50%, which
resulted in less demand for feedstock. Due
to lower inventory and consumption, buyers were looking to reduce term contract
volumes. Trade participants also heard
that Russian-origin cargoes were in demand, with a $200/mt discount compared to
local origin offers. A source said that
the August settle prices in their area are about $1,970/mt, while Russia's
origin cargoes sell for $1,750-1,800/mt. Asian
buyers are putting off purchasing decisions...