MR 30042013 000000 PDF

POLYMERUPDATE - Asian Petrochemical
Monthly Price Watch Report

2013
April

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Asian Petrochemical
Monthly Price Watch Report
April 2013

1
HeadOffice:ShalimarInfotechPvt.Ltd.
344,AZIndustrialEstate,G.K.Marg,LowerParel,Mumbai400013,INDIA
Tel:(9122)61772000(25lines)Fax:(9122)61772025Email:info@polymerupdate.com

Index
NotestoPriceWatchReport 02
ExecutiveSummary 04
CrudeOil 08
Naphtha 14
Polymers
LLDPE 18
LDPE 24
HDPE 30
PP 37
PVC 46
PS 49
ABS 52
Aromatics
Benzene 55
Toluene 59
Xylene 63
Methanol 70
Olefins
Butadiene 73
Ethylene 76
Propylene 80
Feedstock
StyreneMonomer 84
EDC/VCM 89
PTA 92
MEG 96
Intermediates
ACN 99
DOP 102
2EH 105
IndianPolymersMarket
IndianPolymersMarketSummary 108
IndianPolymersPriceMovement 109

Disclaimer&Copyright 111

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NotestoPriceWatchReport
MarketTerms
FOB FreeOnBoard
CNF/CFR Cost+Freight
CIF Cost+Insurance+Freight
MainstreamOffer MainMarketOffer
Spot
Quotedforsalesoffixedvolumesfordeliveryinasimple
shipmentataspecifiedtime,normallywithinfourweeks
fromthedateofpublication.Thequotescoverprices
agreedinnegotiationsbetweenbuyersandsellersinthe
weekleadinguptothedateofpublication
Local
AlllocalpricesareBasic(exclusiveofexcisedutyand
otherlocaltaxes)
Contract
Quotedforagreementscoveringthesupplyofaproduct
overanextendedperiod.Pricesarenegotiatedbetween
abuyerandselleratregularintervals,oftenmonthlyor
quarterlyandarequotedforthemonthorquarterof
delivery
Exwork ExFactoryPrice
MarketsbyRegions
FarEastAsia NorthEastAsia SouthAsia SouthEastAsia
SouthKorea Taiwan India Singapore
Japan China Pakistan Thailand
SriLanka Indonesia
Bangladesh Malaysia
Philippines
Week1April1toApril6
Week2April8toApril13

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ExchangeRate=1USD(April2013)
W5 W4 W3 W2 W1
Chinese
Yuan(CNY)
6.2117 6.229333 6.23635 6.2528 6.2634
ThaiBaht
(THB)
29.1273 28.81002 28.83553 29.02575 29.25228
South
KoreanWon
(KRW)
1107.97 1111.41 1113.67 1132.32 1108.71
Singapore
Dollar(SGD)
1.23535 1.239117 1.235967 1.238883 1.2395
Japanese
Yen(JPY)
97.91 99.26167 98.11833 98.925 94.30167
Indian
Rupee(INR)
54.06015 53.91458 54.0399 54.40722 54.48658

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ExecutiveSummary
Crude oil prices declined on April 30 on the back of a rise in US crude inventories. The fall in
prices was also on account of a slowerthanexpected expansion in Chinese manufacturing
activity.NymexcrudefuturestradedloweratUSD93.46/barrelwhileDatedBrentpriceswere
downatUSD102.37/barrel.WTICushingpricesweredownatUSD93.46/barrel.
OpenspecnaphthabidpricesonApril30forthe1HofJunewereassessedattheUSD863/mt
CFRFarEastlevelswhiletheaskratewasattheUSD865/mtCFRFarEastlevels.Theforward
naphthamarketpriceindicationsforthe1HofJuneweredownattheUSD833.50/mtlevels.
LLDPEpricesdroppedduringweek5inpartsofAsia.InSouthAsia,LLDPEpriceswereassessed
lowerattheUSD1390/mtlevels,downUSD10/mtontheweek.Thepricefallwasattributed
todulldemandsentimentsintheregion.CFRFarEastAsiapricesofLLDPEwereassessedflat
at the USD 1330/mt mark. LLDPE prices were also assessed unchanged at the USD 1370/mt
CFRSouthEastAsiamark.
Prices of LDPE were assessed mixed in Asia during week 5. CFR Far East Asia prices of LDPE
were assessed up at the USD 1345/mt mark, a week on week rise of USD 10/mt. CFR South
EastAsiapriceswereassesseddownattheUSD1355/mtmark,adropofUSD25/mtfromthe
previousweek.Thepricefallwasaresultofweakbuyingsentimentsintheregion.
HDPE prices were assessed mixed in Asia during week 5. In the Far East Asian region, HDPE
Yarn prices were assessed up at the USD 1430/mt levels, a week on week rise of USD 5/mt.
HDPE film prices were assessed flat at the USD 1375/mt levels. HDPE BM and HDPE Injection
priceswerealsoassessedflatattheUSD1350/mtCFRFarEastAsialevels.CFRSouthEastAsia
pricesofHDPEInjectionandHDPEBMwereupattheUSD1390/mtlevels,againofUSD5/mt
ontheweek.HDPEYarngradepriceswereassessedflatattheUSD1400/mt.HDPEfilmprices
were assessed higher at the USD 1395/mt CFR South East Asia levels, aweek on week rise of
USD5/mt.InSouthAsia,pricesofHDPEinjectionandHDPEBMgradewereassessedlowerat
theUSD1390/mtlevels,downUSD20/mtontheweek.HDPEfilmpriceswereassesseddown
at the USD 1410/mt CFR South Asia levels, a decline of USD 10/mt. Prices fell on the back of
mutedbuyinginterestintheregion.
PPpriceswereassessedmixedinAsiaduringweek5.PPraffiagradepriceswereassessedup
attheUSD1370/mtCFRFarEastAsialevels,ariseofUSD5/mtontheweek.Firmerfeedstock
propylene rates supported the price rise. PP injection prices were assessed unchanged at the
USD 1365/mt CFR Far East Asia levels. PP film prices were also assessed flat at the USD
1385/mtCFRFarEastAsialevels.InSouthEastAsia,pricesofPPraffiaandPPinjectiongrades
were assessed up at the USD 1390/mt CFR levels, a week on week rise of USD 5/mt. PP film

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prices were assessed flat at the USD 1405/mt CFR South East Asia levels. In South Asia, PP
raffia and PP injection prices were assessed down at the USD 1400/mt levels, a fall of USD
15/mt on the week. PP film prices were assessed lower at the USD 1420/mt CFR South Asia
levels,adropofUSD15/mtontheweek.DullbuyingsentimentspushedPPpriceslowerinthe
region.
PVCpricesdriftedlowerinAsiaduringweek5.Weakerfeedstockethylenevaluescoupledwith
sluggishdemandtrendsintheregionsupportedthepricefall.CFRChinapricesofsuspension
gradePVCwereassesseddownattheUSD955/mtlevels,afallofUSD5/mtontheweek.CFR
SouthEastAsiapriceswereassessedlowerattheUSD950/mtlevels,aweekonweekdropof
USD10/mt.
PSpriceswereassessedflatinAsiaduringweek5.GPPSpriceswereassessedflatattheUSD
1775/mt CFR China mark while CFR South East Asia prices were assessed unchanged at the
USD 1825/mt levels. HIPS prices were assessed stable at the USD 1840/mt CFR China mark
while CFR South East Asia prices were assessed at the USD 1915/mt levels. EPS prices were
also assessed flat at the USD 1800/mt FOB North East Asia mark for general purpose grades.
FireretardantgradeswerestableattheUSD1865/mtlevels.
Despite higher feedstock butadiene values, ABS prices were assessed steady in Asia during
week5.CFRChinapricesofABSwereassessedflatattheUSD1845/mtlevelswhileCFRSouth
EastAsia,pricesofABSwerealsoassessedunchangedattheUSD1900/mtCFRlevels.Buying
activityinkeymarketslikeChinawasveryquietowingtolabourdayholidays.
Despitefirmerupstreamcrudevalues,benzenepricesinchedlowerinAsiaduringweek4.On
April 26, prices of benzene were assessed at the USD 1310/mt FOB Korea levels, a week on
weekfallofUSD5/mt.Inthecontractmarkets,JXNipponOil&EnergyhasnominateditsMay
benzenecontractpriceattheUSD1360/mtCFRAsiamark.ThispricerepresentsariseofUSD
58/mtfromtheAprilsettlementprice.
ToluenepricesinAsiainchedloweronApril29. Spottoluenepriceswerepressureddownon
thebackofdulldemandsentimentsintheregion.FOBKoreapricesoftoluenewereassessed
lower at the USD 1135/mt levels, a fall of USD 5/mt from April 26 assessed levels. CFR China
priceswereassessedattheUSD1145/mtlevels.
Asian PX prices drifted lower on April 29. The price fall was attributed to weaker upstream
IsomerMX values. FOB Korea prices of PX were assessed down at the USD 1425/mt levels, a
fall of USD 10/mt from April 26 assessed levels. CFR China prices were assessed at the USD
1450/mt levels. FOB Korea prices of Isomer MX were assessed down at the USD 1210/mt

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levels, a fall of USD 5/mt. CFR Taiwan prices of Isomer MX were assessed lower at the USD
1225/mtlevels.
Methanol prices were assessed mixed inAsia during week4. CFR South East Asiaprices were
assessedupattheUSD405/mtlevels,aweekonweekriseofUSD5/mt.Thepricerisewasa
result of tight product avails in the region. CFR China prices were assessed down at the USD
360/mt levels. CFR Korea prices of methanol were assessed flat at USD 380/mt levels. CFR
IndiapriceswereassessedattheUSD340/mtlevels.
Butadiene prices climbed in parts of Asia during week 4. CFR China prices of butadiene were
assessed up at the USD 1465/mt levels, a rise of USD 10/mt on the week. FOB Korea prices
were assessed flat at the USD 1455/mt levels. CFR South East Asia prices of butadiene were
assessedunchangedattheUSD1410/mtlevels.
EthylenepriceswereassessedmixedinAsiaduringweek4.FOBKoreapricesofethylenewere
assesseddownattheUSD1080/mtlevels,atumbleofUSD40/mtontheweek.CFRNorthEast
AsiapricesofethylenewereassessedlowerattheUSD1160/mtlevels,asharpweekonweek
fall of USD 30/mt. The price fall was attributed to ample product avails and sluggish
downstream demand trends in the region. CFR South East Asia prices were assessed at the
USD1215/mtlevels,ariseofUSD5/mt.
Propylene prices in Asia climbed during week 4. The price rise was prompted by higher
upstream crude and naphtha rates. FOB Korea prices of propylene were assessed up at the
USD1235/mtlevels,againofUSD10/mtontheweek.CFRChinapriceswereassessedatthe
USD 1300/mt levels, a week on week rise of USD 20/mt. CFR South East Asia prices of
propylenewereassessedflatattheUSD1310/mtlevels.
StyreneMonomer(SM)pricesinAsiainchedhigherduringweek4.Thepricerisewasaresult
of tight product availability in the region. FOB Korea prices of SM were assessed at the USD
1630/mtFOBKorealevels,aweekonweekriseofUSD5/mt.CFRChinapriceswereassessed
up at the USD 1660/mt levels. CFR South East Asia prices were assessed up at the USD
1665/mtlevels,ariseofUSD5/mt.
Despiteweakerfeedstockethylenevalues,EDCpriceswereassessedsteadyduringweek4in
Asia. CFR Far East Asia prices of EDC were assessed flat at the USD 350/mt levels. CFR South
East Asia prices of EDC were assessed steady at the USD 350/mt levels. VCM prices were
assessedflatattheUSD790/mtCFRFarEastAsialevelswhileCFRSouthEastAsiapriceswere
assessedunchangedattheUSD855/mtlevels.Inplantnews,HanwhaChemicalislikelytoshut
its 200,000 mt/year No.1 VCM plant located at Yeosu, South Korea for a maintenance

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turnaround. The plant is expected to be takenoffstream in early 4th week of May2013 for a
periodofaround50days.
Prices of PTA in Asia were assessed steady during week 4. CFR China prices of PTA were
assessed flat at the USD 1030/mt levels. CFR South East Asia prices of PTA were assessed
unchangedattheUSD1035/mtlevels.
MEG prices in Asia edged lower during week 4. Prices fell on the back of quiet buying trends
aheadofnextweekslabourdayholidaysinChina.CFRChinapricesofMEGwereassessedat
the USD 990/mt levels, a week on week fall of USD 5/mt. CFR South East Asia prices of MEG
wereattheUSD990/mtlevels,downUSD5/mt.
Despite firmer feedstock propylene rates, prices of acrylonitrile (ACN) drifted lower in Asia
during week 5. The price fall was on account of dull buying sentiments in the region. CFR Far
EastAsiapricesofACNwereassesseddownattheUSD1740/mtlevels,adropofUSD10/mt
ontheweek.CFRSouthEastAsiapriceswereassessedattheUSD1730/mtlevels,aweekon
weekfallofUSD30/mt.CFRSouthAsiapricesofACNwereassesseddownattheUSD1730/mt
levels,adeclineofUSD25/mt.
DOP prices were assessed flat in Asia during week 4. CFR China prices of DOP were assessed
steady at the USD 1695/mt levels. CFR South East Asia prices were assessed flat at the USD
1755/mtlevels.
Despite weak demand trends in the region, prices of 2EH were assessed stable in Asia during
week 4. CFR China prices of 2EH were assessed flat at the USD 1490/mt levels. In South East
Asia,pricesof2EHwereassessedunchangedattheUSD1510/mtCFRlevels.

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Crude oil prices displayed a mixed undertone on April 1 on reports of a fall in manufacturing
activity in the US on the one hand and a decline in the value of the US dollar on the other.
Nymex crude futures traded lower at USD 97.07/barrel while Dated Brent prices were up at
USD111.08/barrel.WTICushingpriceswereloweratUSD97.07/barrel.
Crude oil prices gained on April 2 over easing of economic concerns in Cyprus. The price rise
wassupportedbyadeclineinthevalueoftheUSdollar.Nymexcrudefuturestradedhigherat
USD97.19/barrelwhileDatedBrentpriceswereupatUSD111.70/barrel.WTICushingprices
werehigheratUSD97.19/barrel.
Crude oil prices fell on April 3 owing to a rise in US crude oil inventories and a fall in non
manufacturingactivityintheUS.NymexcrudefuturestradedloweratUSD94.45/barrelwhile
Dated Brent prices were down at USD 107.05/barrel. WTI Cushing prices were lower at USD
94.42/barrel.
CrudeoilpricesdeclinedonApril4onthebackofanincreaseinunemploymentbenefitclaims
intheUS.ThefallinpriceswasalsotriggeredbyaforecastbytheIEAthatdemandforcrude
oil will decline. Nymex crude futures traded lower at USD 93.26/barrel while Dated Brent
pricesweredownatUSD106.34/barrel.WTICushingpriceswereloweratUSD93.27/barrel.
Crude oil prices fell on April 5 owing to a weaker than expected job data in the US and a
declineinretailsalesintheeuroarea.NymexcrudefuturestradedloweratUSD92.70/barrel
while Dated Brent prices were down at USD 104.12/barrel. WTI Cushing prices were lower at
USD92.70/barrel.
CrudeoilpricesclimbedonApril8onthebackofamonetaryeasingpolicyinitiatedbyJapan's
central bank. The gain in prices was also a result of a decline in the value of the US dollar.
Nymex crude futures traded higher at USD 93.36/barrel while Dated Brent prices were up at
USD104.66/barrel.WTICushingpriceswerehigheratUSD93.36/barrel.
CrudeoilpricesgainedonApril9onreportsofeasingofinflationinChina,theworld'ssecond
largestenergyconsumingcountry.Theriseinpriceswasalsoaresultofadeclineinthevalue
of the US dollar. Nymex crude futures traded higher at USD 94.20/barrel while Dated Brent
priceswereupatUSD106.23/barrel.WTICushingpriceswereupatUSD94.20/barrel.
CrudeoilpricesdisplayedamixedundertoneonApril10onthebackofagainintheUSequity
marketsononehandandariseinfuelinventoriesintheUSontheother.Nymexcrudefutures
Crude Oil Summary

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tradedhigheratUSD94.64/barrelwhileDatedBrentpricesweredownatUSD105.79/barrel.
WTICushingpriceswereupatUSD94.64/barrel.
Crude oil prices dropped on April 11 owing to bearish crude oil demand forecasts by the
International Energy Agency and oil cartel Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries
(OPEC).NymexcrudefuturestradedloweratUSD93.51/barrelwhileDatedBrentpriceswere
Crude oil prices dropped on April 12 on weak global economic parameters. Nymex crude
futures traded lower at USD 91.29/barrel while Dated Brent prices were down at USD
103.11/barrel.WTICushingpriceswereloweratUSD91.29/barrel.
Crude oil prices declined sharply on April 15 on the back of a lower than expected rise in
China's gross domestic product (GDP) and an increase in the value of the US dollar. Nymex
crude futures traded lower at USD 88.71/barrel while Dated Brent prices were down at USD
100.39/barrel.WTICushingpricesweredownatUSD88.71/barrel.
Crude oil prices fell on April 16 owing to a rise in US gasoline and distillate inventories and a
down revision of the global economic outlook by the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
NymexcrudefuturestradedloweratUSD86.06/barrelwhileDatedBrentpricesweredownat
USD99.90/barrel.WTICushingpricesweredownatUSD86.06/barrel.
CrudeoilpricesfellonApril17onthebackofariseinUSdistillatefuelsstockpiles.Theprice
fall was supported by an increase in the value of the US dollar. Nymex crude futures traded
lower at USD 85.61/barrel while Dated Brent prices were down at USD 97.69/barrel. WTI
CushingpricesweredownatUSD85.61/barrel.
CrudeoilpricesclimbedonApril18onthebackofafallinthevalueoftheUSdollarandthe
closure of a crude oil supply pipeline in Nigeria by Royal Dutch Shell. Nymex crude futures
tradedhigheratUSD87.73/barrelwhileDatedBrentpriceswereupatUSD99.13/barrel.WTI
CushingpriceswereupatUSD87.73/barrel.
Crude oil prices gained on April 19 on reports of a special meeting to be held by oil cartel
OrganisationofPetroleumExportingCountries(OPEC)andafallinthevalueoftheUSdollar.
Nymex crude futures traded higher at USD 88.01/barrel while Dated Brent prices were up at
USD99.65/barrel.WTICushingpriceswereupatUSD88.01/barrel.
Crude oil prices rose onApril 22 following gains in US equity indices and a fall in the value of
theUSdollar.NymexcrudefuturestradedhigheratUSD88.85/barrelwhileDatedBrentprices
wereupatUSD100.80/barrel.WTICushingpriceswereupatUSD88.85/barrel.

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Crude oil prices ended mixed on April 23 on the back of a decline in crude and gasoline
stockpiles in the US on the one hand and a rise in the value of the US dollar on the other.
Nymex crude futures traded higher at USD 89.18/barrel while Dated Brent prices were down
atUSD100.31/barrel.WTICushingpriceswereupatUSD89.18/barrel.
CrudeoilpricesgainedonApril24onthebackofafallingasolineinventoriesintheUSanda
decline in the value of the US dollar. Nymex crude futures traded higher at USD 91.43/barrel
while Dated Brent prices were up at USD 101.73/barrel. WTI Cushing prices were up at USD
91.43/barrel.
CrudeoilpricesgainedonApril25onthebackofafallinfirsttimejoblessclaimsintheUSand
adeclineinthevalueoftheUSdollar.NymexcrudefuturestradedhigheratUSD93.64/barrel
while Dated Brent prices were up at USD 103.41/barrel. WTI Cushing prices were up at USD
93.64/barrel.
Crude oil prices dropped on April 26 on the back of concerns regarding the growth of the US
economy and an increase in the value of the US dollar. Nymex crude futures traded lower at
USD 93.00/barrel while Dated Brent prices were down at USD 103.16/barrel. WTI Cushing
pricesweredownatUSD93.00/barrel.
CrudeoilpricesgainedonApril29onthebackofadeclineinthevalueoftheUSdollaranda
riseinUSequityindices.NymexcrudefuturestradedhigheratUSD94.50/barrelwhileDated
BrentpriceswereupatUSD103.81/barrel.WTICushingpriceswereupatUSD94.50/barrel.
Crude oil prices declined on April 30 on the back of a rise in US crude inventories. The fall in
prices was also on account of a slowerthanexpected expansion in Chinese manufacturing
activity.NymexcrudefuturestradedloweratUSD93.46/barrelwhileDatedBrentpriceswere

11

Crude Oil Graphical Trend

12

PriceMovementCrudeOilduringJanuary2013April2013(USD/Barrel)
Grade April2013 Last4months(Jan2013Apr2013)
High Low High Low
CrudeOil
NYMEX 97.19 85.61 97.94 85.61
DatedBrent 111.70 97.69 118.90 97.69
WTICushing 97.19 85.61 97.94 85.61
Crude Oil Price Movement

13

NymexCrude DatedBrent WTICushing

Y2013 Y2012 Y2013 Y2012 Y2013 Y2012
1Apr 97.07 111.08 97.07
2Apr 97.19 105.23 111.70 125.6 97.19 105.23
3Apr 94.45 104.01 107.05 124.98 94.42 104.01
4Apr 93.26 101.47 106.34 122.45 93.27 101.47
5Apr 92.70 103.31 104.12 123.14 92.70 103.31
6Apr 103.31 123.14 103.31
7Apr
8Apr 93.36 104.66 93.36
9Apr 94.20 102.46 106.23 122.45 94.20 102.46
10Apr 94.64 101.02 105.79 119.97 94.64 101.02
11Apr 93.51 102.70 104.27 120.32 93.51 102.70
12Apr 91.29 103.64 103.11 121.77 91.29 103.64
13Apr 102.83 121.58 102.83
14Apr
15Apr 88.71 100.39 88.71
16Apr 86.06 102.93 99.90 118.69 86.06 102.93
17Apr 85.61 104.20 97.69 118.80 85.61 104.20
18Apr 87.73 102.67 99.13 117.93 87.73 102.67
19Apr 88.01 102.27 99.65 117.44 88.01 102.27
20Apr 103.88 118.52 103.05
21Apr
22Apr 88.85 100.80 88.85
23Apr 89.18 103.11 100.31 118.68 89.18 102.66
24Apr 91.43 103.55 101.73 118.42 91.43 103.16
25Apr 93.64 104.12 103.41 119.18 93.64 103.70
26Apr 93.00 104.55 103.16 119.66 93.00 104.55
27Apr 104.93 120.02 104.93
28Apr
29Apr 94.50 103.81 94.5
30Apr 93.46 104.87 102.37 119.67 93.46 104.87
Crude Oil Price Comparison

14

Open spec naphtha bid prices on April 1 for the 2H of May were assessed lower at the USD
916.50/mtCFRFarEastlevelswhiletheaskratewasattheUSD918.50/mtCFRFarEastlevels.
The forward naphtha market price indications for the 2H of May were up at the USD 924/mt
levels.
Open spec naphtha bid prices on April 2 for the 2H of May were assessed higher at the USD
The forward naphtha market price indications for the 2H of May were down at the USD
915/mtlevels.
910/mtCFRFarEastlevelswhiletheaskratewasattheUSD912/mtCFRFarEastlevels.The
forward naphtha market price indications for the 2H of May were down at the USD 888/mt
levels.
forwardnaphthamarketpriceindicationsforthe2HofMayweredownattheUSD889.50/mt
levels.
OpenspecnaphthabidpricesonApril5forthe2HofMaywereassessedattheUSD894/mt
naphthamarketpriceindicationsforthe2HofMayweredownattheUSD881/mtlevels.
Open spec naphtha bid prices on April 8 for the 2H of May were assessed down at the USD
levels.
Open spec naphtha bid prices on April 9 for the 2H of May were assessed higher at the USD
forwardnaphthamarketpriceindicationsforthe2HofMaywereupattheUSD896/mtlevels.
OpenspecnaphthabidpricesonApril10forthe2HofMaywereassessedhigherattheUSD
levels.
Naphtha Summary

15

Open spec naphtha bid prices on April 11 for the 2H of May were assessed down at the USD
forwardnaphthamarketpriceindicationsforthe2HofMayweredownattheUSD862.50/mt
levels.
Open spec naphtha bid prices on April 12 for the 1H of June were assessed down at the USD
forward naphtha market price indications for the 1H of June were down at the USD 846/mt
levels.
forward naphtha market price indications for the 1H of June were down at the USD 813/mt
levels.
The forward naphtha market price indications for the 1H of June wereup at the USD 831/mt
levels.
naphthamarketpriceindicationsforthe1HofJuneweredownattheUSD817/mtlevels.
Open specnaphtha bid prices on April 18 for the 1H of June were assessed lower at the USD
The forward naphtha market price indications for the 1H of June wereup at the USD 839/mt
levels.
OpenspecnaphthabidpricesonApril19forthe1HofJunewereassessedhigherattheUSD
The forward naphtha market price indications for the 1H of June were down at the USD
833.50/mtlevels.
naphthamarketpriceindicationsforthe1HofJunewereupattheUSD841/mtlevels.

16

forwardnaphthamarketpriceindicationsforthe1HofJunewereupattheUSD839/mtlevels.
Open spec naphtha bid prices on April 24 for the 1H of June were assessed at the USD
The forward naphtha market price indications for the 1H of June were up at the USD
846.50/mtlevels.
OpenspecnaphthabidpricesonApril25forthe1HofJunewereassessedhigherattheUSD
The forward naphtha market price indications for the 1H of June were up at the USD
856.50/mtlevels.
Open specnaphtha bid prices on April 29 for the 1H of June were assessed lower at the USD
forward naphtha market price indications for the 1H of June were up at the USD 862.50/mt
levels.
naphthamarketpriceindicationsforthe1HofJuneweredownattheUSD833.50/mtlevels.

17

Naphtha Graphical Trend

18

LLDPEpricesfinishedlowerinAsiaduringweek1.Thepricefallwasattributedtodullbuying
sentiments in the region. On April 5, CFR Far East Asia prices of LLDPE were assessed at the
USD1390/mtmark,afallofUSD10/mtontheweek.LLDPEpriceswereassesseddownatthe
USD 1420/mt CFR South East Asia mark, a week on week drop of USD 20/mt. In South Asia,
LLDPEpriceswereassessedlowerattheUSD1450/mtlevels,downUSD10/mtontheweek.In
the domestic markets of China, LLDPE prices were assessed at the Yuan 10820/mt ex works
levels. In India, a Middle East producer has offered its LLDPE film grade at the USD 1450
1460/mtlevels,CIFNhavaShevaportbasis.
LLDPEpricesdeclinedinAsiaduringweek2.Thepricefallwaspromptedbysluggishregional
buying trends coupled with weaker feedstock ethylene values. On April 12, CFR Far East Asia
prices of LLDPE were assessed down at the USD 1375/mt mark, a week on week fall of USD
15/mt. LLDPE prices were assessed down at the USD 1415/mt CFR South East Asia mark, a
drop of USD 5/mt on the week. In South Asia, LLDPE prices were assessed lower at the USD
1440/mt levels, down USD 10/mt. In the domestic markets of China, LLDPE prices were
assessed down at the Yuan 10620/mt ex works levels. In India, a Taiwanese producer has
offereditsLLDPEfilmgradeattheUSD1450/mtlevels,CIFNhavaShevaportbasis.
LLDPE prices tumbled in Asia during week 3. The price fall was prompted by quiet regional
buying interest. A week on week sharp decline in ethylene feedstock prices was seen
supporting the drop in LLDPE rates. On April 19, CFR Far East Asia prices of LLDPE were
assessed at the USD 1345/mt mark, a sharp week on week fall of USD 35/mt. LLDPE prices
were assessed down at the USD 1390/mt CFR South East Asia mark, a drop of USD 25/mt on
the week. In South Asia, LLDPE prices were assessed lower at the USD 1420/mt levels, down
USD 20/mt. In the domestic markets of China, LLDPE prices were assessed down at the Yuan
10420/mt ex works levels. In India, Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL) has reduced its LLDPE prices
with effect from April 18, 2013. Prices of LLDPE grade M26500 have been down revised by
Re.1/kgbasicwhileallotherLLDPEgradepriceshavebeenslashedbyRs.2/kgbasic.
LLDPEpricesslippedinAsiaduringweek4.Thepricefallwasaresultofmutedregionalbuying
trends and weaker ethylene feedstock rates. CFR Far East Asia prices of LLDPE were assessed
at the USD 1330/mt mark, a week on week fall of USD 20/mt. LLDPE prices were assessed
down at the USD 1370/mt CFR South East Asia mark, a drop of USD 20/mt on the week. In
A. Polymers
A.1 LLDPE Summary

19

SouthAsia,LLDPEpriceswereassessedlowerattheUSD1400/mtlevels,downUSD20/mt.In
the domestic markets of China, LLDPE prices were assessed down at the Yuan 10220/mt ex
works levels. In India, Qamar, Saudi Arabia has offered its LLDPE film grade at the USD
1410/mtlevels,CIFNhavaShevaportbasis.
LLDPEpricesdroppedduringweek5inpartsofAsia.InSouthAsia,LLDPEpriceswereassessed
lowerattheUSD1390/mtlevels,downUSD10/mtontheweek.Thepricefallwasattributed
todulldemandsentimentsintheregion.CFRFarEastAsiapricesofLLDPEwereassessedflat
at the USD 1330/mt mark. LLDPE prices were also assessed unchanged at the USD 1370/mt
CFRSouthEastAsiamark.

20

A1(a)PolymersAverageweeklypriceofLLDPEFilm@CFRIndiaBasis
forApril2013(USD/Tonne)
Grade Market W5 W4 W3 W2 W1
Apr
13
Mar
13
Feb
13
Jan
13
Film
South
Korea
1450 1457 1477 1490 1493 1473 1523 1511 1459
Singapore 1460 1467 1487 1500 1503 1483 1533 1521 1469
Thailand 1450 1457 1477 1490 1493 1473 1523 1511 1459
Saudi
Arabia
1420 1427 1447 1460 1467 1444 1503 1484 1429
Kuwait 1420 1427 1447 1460 1467 1444 1503 1491 1439
A.1 LLDPE Price Chart & Graphical Trend

21

A1(b)PolymersAverageweeklypriceofLLDPERotoMoulding
@CFRIndiaBasisforApril2013(USD/Tonne)
Apr
13
Mar
13
Feb
13
Jan
13
RotoMoulding
South
Korea
1510 1520 1547 1560 1567 1541 1598 1589 1509
Saudi
Arabia
1510 1520 1547 1560 1567 1541 1598 1589 1509

22

A1(c)PolymersAverageweeklypriceofLLDPEInjection
Apr
13
Mar
13
Feb
13
Jan
13
InjectionMoulding
South
Korea
1520 1527 1547 1560 1563 1543 1593 1580 1499
Singapore 1520 1527 1547 1560 1563 1543 1593 1580 1499
Thailand 1510 1517 1537 1550 1553 1533 1583 1572 1489
Saudi
Arabia
1500 1507 1527 1540 1547 1524 1583 1570 1499

23

PriceMovementofLLDPECFRIndiabasisduringJanuary2013
toApril2013(USD/Tonne)
Grade Market
Apr13
Last4months(Jan13
Apr13)
High Low High Low
Film
South
Korea
1500 1450 1540 1430
Singapore 1510 1460 1550 1440
Thailand 1500 1450 1540 1430
Saudi
Arabia
1480 1420 1520 1400
Kuwait 1480 1420 1520 1410
RotoMoulding
South
Korea
1580 1510 1610 1480
Saudi
Arabia
1580 1510 1610 1480
InjectionMoulding
South
Korea
1570 1520 1610 1470
Singapore 1570 1520 1610 1470
Thailand 1560 1510 1600 1470
Saudi
Arabia
1560 1500 1600 1460
Metallocene
Singapore 1650 1650 1750 1580
A.1 LLDPE Price Movement

24

LDPEpricesinAsiadeclinedduringweek1.CFRSouthEastAsiapriceswereassesseddownat
theUSD1435/mtmark,afallofUSD20/mtontheweek.Sluggishbuyingsentimentscoupled
with a week on week drop in ethylene values in South East Asia supported the price fall. CFR
Far East Asia prices of LDPE were assessed down at the USD 1390/mt mark, a fall of USD
15/mt.InChina,domesticratesofLDPEwereassessedlowerattheYuan10720/mtexworks
levels.
A week on week fall in feedstock ethylene values pushed LDPE prices in Asia lower during
week 2. Supporting the price fall was sluggish buying activity in the region. CFR Far East Asia
prices of LDPE were assessed down at the USD 1370/mt mark, a week on week fall of USD
20/mt.CFRSouthEastAsiapriceswereassessedlowerattheUSD1425/mtmark,afallofUSD
10/mtontheweek.InChina,domesticratesofLDPEwereassessedattheYuan10920/mtex
workslevels.
LDPEpricesinAsiajourneyedsouthduringweek3.Theabsenceofbuyingcoupledwithafall
inethylenefeedstockcosts,pressuredspotpriceslowerintheregion.OnApril19,CFRFarEast
Asia prices of LDPE were assessed at the USD 1335/mt mark, a week on week fall of USD
35/mt.CFRSouthEastAsiapriceswereassessedlowerattheUSD1400/mtmark,asharpfall
ofUSD25/mtontheweek.InChina,domesticratesofLDPEwereassesseddownattheYuan
10770/mtexworkslevels.InIndia,RelianceIndustriesLtd(RIL)hasslasheditsLDPEpriceswith
effect from April 18, 2013. Prices of LDPE grade 1070LA17 have been decreased by Rs.3/kg
basicwhileLDPEgrade16MA400haveseenareductionofRs.2/kgbasic.AllotherLDPEgrade
priceshavebeenreducedbyRs.2.50/kgbasic.
PricesofLDPEdriftedlowerinAsiaduringweek4.Theabsenceofbuyingcoupledwithafallin
ethylenefeedstockcosts,pressuredspotpriceslowerintheregion. OnApril26,CFRFarEast
AsiapricesofLDPEwereassessedattheUSD1345/mtmark,aweekonweekfallofUSD5/mt.
CFR South East Asia prices were assessed lower at the USD 1380/mt mark, a drop of USD
20/mt.InChina,domesticratesofLDPEwereassessedattheYuan10770/mtexworkslevels.
Prices of LDPE were assessed mixed in Asia during week 5. CFR Far East Asia prices of LDPE
were assessed up at the USD 1345/mt mark, a week on week rise of USD 10/mt. CFR South
EastAsiapriceswereassesseddownattheUSD1355/mtmark,adropofUSD25/mtfromthe
previousweek.Thepricefallwasaresultofweakbuyingsentimentsintheregion.InIndia,a
MiddleEastproducerisheardtohaveoffereditsLDPEfilm gradeattheUSD1420/mtlevels,
CIFNhavaShevaportbasis.
A.2 LDPE Summary

25

A2(a)PolymersAverageweeklypriceofLDPEGeneralPurpose
Apr
13
Mar
13
Feb
13
Jan
13
GeneralPurpose
South
Korea
1440 1447 1463 1470 1470 1458 1518 1506 1436
Singapore 1450 1457 1473 1480 1480 1468 1528 1516 1446
Thailand 1420 1430 1453 1460 1460 1445 1508 1496 1433
Qatar 1420 1427 1443 1450 1450 1438 1504 1496 1426
A.2 LDPE Price Chart & Graphical Trend

26

A2(b)PolymersAverageweeklypriceofLDPEHeavyDuty@CFRIndiaBasis
Apr
13
Mar
13
Feb
13
Jan
13
HeavyDuty
South
Korea
1440 1447 1463 1470 1470 1458 1518 1506 1436
Singapore 1450 1457 1473 1480 1480 1468 1528 1516 1446
Thailand 1420 1430 1453 1460 1460 1445 1508 1496 1433
Qatar 1420 1427 1443 1450 1450 1438 1504 1496 1426

27

A2(c)PolymersAverageweeklypriceofLDPEMilkPouch@CFRIndiaBasis
Apr
13
Mar
13
Feb
13
Jan
13
MilkPouch
South
Korea
1440 1447 1463 1470 1470 1458 1518 1506 1436
Singapore 1450 1457 1473 1480 1480 1468 1528 1516 1446
Thailand 1420 1430 1453 1460 1460 1445 1508 1496 1433
Qatar 1420 1427 1443 1450 1450 1438 1504 1496 1426

28

A2(d)PolymersAverageweeklypriceofLDPEInjectionMoulding@CFRIndiaBasis
Apr
13
Mar
13
Feb
13
Jan
13
InjectionMoulding
South
Korea
1460 1467 1483 1490 1490 1478 1530 1526 1456
Singapore 1470 1477 1493 1500 1500 1488 1548 1536 1466
Thailand 1450 1460 1483 1490 1490 1475 1538 1526 1463

29

PriceMovementofLDPECFRIndiabasisduring
January2013toApril2013(USD/Tonne)
Grade Market
Apr13
Last4months(Jan13
Apr13)
High Low High Low
GeneralPurpose
South
Korea
1470 1440 1550 1400
Singapore 1480 1450 1560 1410
Thailand 1460 1420 1540 1400
Qatar 1450 1420 1540 1390
HeavyDuty
South
Korea
1470 1440 1550 1400
Singapore 1480 1450 1560 1410
Thailand 1460 1420 1540 1400
Qatar 1450 1420 1540 1390
MilkPouch
South
Korea
1470 1440 1550 1400
Singapore 1480 1450 1560 1410
Thailand 1460 1420 1540 1400
Qatar 1450 1420 1540 1390
InjectionMoulding
South
Korea
1490 1460 1570 1420
Singapore 1500 1470 1580 1430
Thailand 1490 1450 1570 1430
Lamination
Qatar 1650 1530 1680 1530
A.2 LDPE Price Movement

30

HDPE prices inched lower in parts of Asia during week 1. A drop in regional buying interest
contributed toward the price fall. On April 5, HDPE film prices were assessed at the USD
1410/mt CFR Far East Asia levels, a fall of USD 10/mt on the week. HDPE injection moulding
grade prices were assessed flat at the USD 1370/mt CFR Far East Asia levels while HDPE BM
grade prices were assessed unchanged at the USD 1380/mt CFR FarEast Asia levels. In South
East Asia, HD film prices were assessed unchanged at the USD 1450/mt CFR levels. Prices of
HDPE injection and HDPE blowmoulding in South East Asia were assessed flat at the USD
1450/mtlevels.InSouthAsia,HDPEInjectionandHDPEBMgradepriceswereassesseddown
attheUSD1440/mtlevels,aweekonweekfallofUSD10/mt.HDPEfilmpriceswereassessed
downattheUSD1460/mtCFRSouthAsialevels,afallof USD10/mt.In China,localpricesof
HDfilmwereattheYuan11520/mtexworkslevels.
HDPEpricesdeclinedduringweek2inAsia.Aweekonweekdropincrudeprices,adeclinein
pricesofnaphthaandafallinethylenefeedstockratesweigheddownonAsianHDPErates.A
drop in regional buying interest also contributed toward the price fall. In the Far East Asian
region,HDPEYarnpriceswereassesseddownattheUSD1450/mtlevels,aweekonweekfall
ofUSD10/mtwhileHDPEBMpriceswereassessedlowerattheUSD1370/mtlevels.OnApril
12, HDPE film prices were assessed down at the USD 1400/mt CFR Far East Asia levels. HDPE
Injection prices were assessed unchanged at the USD 1370/mt levels. CFR South East Asia
pricesofHDPEInjectionandHDPEBMweredownattheUSD1440/mtlevels,aweekonweek
fall of USD 10/mt. HDPE Yarn grade prices were assessed down at the USD 1450/mt while
HDPE film prices were lower at the USD 1440/mt CFR South East Asia levels, a fall of USD
10/mtontheweek.InSouthAsia,pricesofHDPEinjectionandHDPEBMgradewereassessed
flatattheUSD1440/mtlevels.HDPEfilmpriceswereassesseddownattheUSD1450/mtCFR
SouthAsialevels.InChina,localpricesofHDfilmwereattheYuan11520/mtexworkslevels.
HDPEpricesslippedduringweek3inAsia.Sluggishdemandtrendsintheregioncoupledwith
a sharp fall in feedstock ethylene rates supported the price fall. In the Far East Asian region,
HDPEYarnpriceswereassesseddownattheUSD1430/mtlevels,aweekonweekfallofUSD
20/mt, HDPE BM prices were assessed lower at the USD 1350/mt levels while HDPE Injection
prices wereassessed down at the USD 1350/mt levels. HDPE film prices were assessed lower
attheUSD1375/mtCFRFarEastAsialevels,asharpfallofUSD35/mtontheweek.CFRSouth
EastAsiapricesofHDPEInjectionandHDPEBMweredownattheUSD1425/mtlevels,aweek
onweekfallofUSD15/mt.HDPEYarngradepriceswereassesseddownattheUSD1425/mt,a
dropofUSD25/mt.HDPEfilmpriceswereassessedlowerattheUSD1425/mtCFRSouthEast
Asialevels,afallofUSD15/mtontheweek.InSouthAsia,pricesofHDPEinjectionandHDPE
BM grade were assessed lower at the USD 1430/mt levels. HDPE film prices were assessed
A.3 HDPE Summary

31

down at the USD 1440/mt CFR South Asia levels. In China, local pricesof HD filmwere at the
Yuan 11520/mt ex works levels. In India, Reliance Industries has slashed its HDPE pipe grade
price by Rs.2/kg basic while all other HDPE grade prices by Rs.1.50/kg basic with effect from
April18,2013.
HDPEpricesdroppedduringweek4inAsia.Aweekonweekdropincrudeprices,adeclinein
pricesofnaphthaandafallinethylenefeedstockratesweigheddownonAsianHDPErates.A
drop in regional buying interest also contributed toward the price fall. In the Far East Asian
region,HDPEYarnpriceswereassesseddownattheUSD1425/mtlevels,aweekonweekfall
of USD 5/mt while HDPE film prices were assessed lower at the USD 1375/mt levels, a fall of
USD 10/mt. HDPE BM and HDPE Injection prices were assessed flat at the USD 1350/mt CFR
FarEastAsialevels.CFRSouthEastAsiapricesofHDPEInjectionandHDPEBMweredownat
the USD 1385/mt levels, a plunge of USD 40/mt on the week. HDPE Yarn grade prices were
assessed down at the USD 1400/mt, a drop of USD 25/mt. HDPE film prices were assessed
lowerattheUSD1390/mtCFRSouthEastAsialevels,asharpfallofUSD35/mtontheweek.In
South Asia, prices of HDPE injection and HDPE BM grade were assessed lower at the USD
1410/mt levels. HDPE film prices were assessed down at the USD 1420/mt CFR South Asia
levels.InChina,localpricesofHDfilmwereattheYuan11520/mtexworkslevels.
HDPE prices were assessed mixed in Asia during week 5. In the Far East Asian region, HDPE
Yarn prices were assessed up at the USD 1430/mt levels, a week on week rise of USD 5/mt.
HDPE film prices were assessed flat at the USD 1375/mt levels. HDPE BM and HDPE Injection
priceswerealsoassessedflatattheUSD1350/mtCFRFarEastAsialevels.CFRSouthEastAsia
pricesofHDPEInjectionandHDPEBMwereupattheUSD1390/mtlevels,againofUSD5/mt
ontheweek.HDPEYarngradepriceswereassessedflatattheUSD1400/mt.HDPEfilmprices
were assessed higher at the USD 1395/mt CFR South East Asia levels, aweek on week rise of
USD5/mt.InSouthAsia,pricesofHDPEinjectionandHDPEBMgradewereassessedlowerat
theUSD1390/mtlevels,downUSD20/mtontheweek.HDPEfilmpriceswereassesseddown
at the USD 1410/mt CFR South Asia levels, a decline of USD 10/mt. Prices fell on the back of
muted buying interest in the region. In plant news, PTT is likely to resume production at its
250,000 mt/year HDPE plant located at Map Ta Phut, Thailand towards the week. The plant
wastakenoffstreamforamaintenanceturnaroundonApril21,2013.

32

A3(a)PolymersAverageweeklypriceofHDPERaffia@CFRIndiaBasisfor
April2013(USD/Tonne)
Apr
13
Mar
13
Feb
13
Jan
13
Raffia
South
Korea
1470 1480 1507 1525 1530 1502.4 1553 1550 1481
Thailand 1460 1470 1497 1515 1520 1492.4 1543 1540 1471
A.3 HDPE Price Chart & Graphical Trend A.3 HDPE Price Chart & Graphical Trend

33

A3(b)PolymersAverageweeklypriceofHDPEFilm@CFRIndiaBasis
Apr
13
Mar
13
Feb
13
Jan
13
Film
South
Korea
1450 1460 1487 1505 1510 1482 1533 1530 1461
Singapore 1440 1450 1477 1495 1500 1472 1523 1520 1451
Thailand 1450 1460 1487 1505 1510 1482 1533 1530 1461
Saudi
Arabia
1420 1430 1457 1475 1480 1452 1503 1500 1431
Kuwait 1430 1440 1467 1485 1490 1462 1513 1510 1441

34

A3(c)PolymersAverageweeklypriceofHDPEInjectionMoulding@CFRIndiaBasis
Apr
13
Mar
13
Feb
13
Jan
13
InjectionMoulding
South
Korea
1450 1460 1487 1505 1510 1482 1533 1530 1461
Singapore 1440 1450 1477 1495 1500 1472 1523 1520 1451
Thailand 1460 1470 1497 1515 1520 1492 1543 1540 1471
Saudi
Arabia
1430 1440 1467 1485 1490 1462 1513 1510 1441

35

A3(d)PolymersAverageweeklypriceofHDPEBlowMoulding@CFRIndiaBasis
Apr
13
Mar
13
Feb
13
Jan
13
BlowMoulding
South
Korea
1440 1450 1477 1495 1500 1472 1523 1520 1451
Singapore 1450 1460 1487 1505 1510 1482 1533 1530 1461
Thailand 1450 1460 1487 1505 1510 1482 1533 1530 1461

36

PriceMovementofHDPECFRIndiabasisduringJanuary2013toApril2013(USD/Tonne)
Grade Market
Apr13
Last4months(Jan13
Apr13)
High Low High Low
Raffia
South
Korea
1530 1470 1570 1450
Thailand 1520 1460 1560 1440
Film
South
Korea
1510 1450 1550 1430
Singapore 1500 1440 1540 1420
Thailand 1510 1450 1550 1430
Saudi
Arabia
1480 1420 1520 1400
Kuwait 1490 1430 1530 1410
InjectionMoulding
South
Korea
1510 1450 1550 1430
Singapore 1500 1440 1540 1420
Thailand 1520 1460 1560 1440
Saudi
Arabia
1490 1430 1530 1410
BlowMoulding
South
Korea
1500 1440 1540 1420
Singapore 1510 1450 1550 1430
Thailand 1510 1450 1550 1430
Pipe
South
Korea
1520 1460 1560 1440
HMHD
South
Korea
1560 1500 1600 1480
Singapore 1540 1480 1580 1470

A.3 HDPE Price Movement

37

PP prices in Asia were assessed mixed during week 1. On April 5, PP raffia and PP injection
gradepriceswereassessedattheUSD1410/mtCFRFarEastAsialevels,aweekonweekdrop
ofUSD15/mt.PPfilmpriceswereassesseddownattheUSD1425/mtCFRFarEastAsialevels.
Softerbuyinginterestintheregionsupportedthepricefall.PricesofPPraffiaandPPinjection
gradewereassessedupattheUSD1450/mtCFRSouthEastAsialevels,ariseofUSD5/mton
theweek.PPfilmpriceswerehigherattheUSD1470/mtCFRSouthEastAsialevels,againof
USD5/mt.Pricesclimbedonthebackoffirmerfeedstockpropylenevalues.InSouthAsia,PP
raffiaandPPinjectionpriceswereassessedupattheUSD1490/mtlevels,aweekonweekrise
ofUSD5/mt.PPfilmpriceswereassessedhigherattheUSD1510/mtCFRSouthAsialevels,a
gain of USD 5/mt on the week. In China, PP prices were assessed at the Yuan 10670/mt ex
works levels. In India, Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL) has reduced its PP prices by Rs.2/kg basic
witheffectfromApril1,2013.
PP prices drifted lower in Asia during week 2. The price fall was attributed to a drop in
feedstock propylene rates and dull buying sentiments in the region. On April 12, PP raffia
priceswereassesseddownattheUSD1385/mtCFRFarEastAsialevels,afallofUSD25/mton
theweek.PricesofPPraffiainSouthEastAsiawereassesseddownattheUSD1445/mtlevels,
aweekonweekfallofUSD5/mt.PPInjectionpriceswereassessedlowerattheUSD1385/mt
CFR Far East Asia levels, a fall of USD 25/mt. CFR South East Asia, prices of PP Injection were
assessedlowerattheUSD1445/mtlevels.CFRFarEastAsia,PPfilmpriceswereassessedflat
at the USD 1425/mt levels. CFR South East Asia prices of PP film were lower at the USD
1465/mt levels, down USD 5/mt on the week. In South Asia, PP raffia and PP injection prices
wereassesseddownattheUSD1470/mtlevelswhilePPfilmpriceswereassesseddownatthe
USD 1490/mt levels. In China, PP prices were assessed lower at the Yuan 10570/mt ex works
levels.
PP prices plunged in Asia during week 3. Prices slumped as the buying pulse remained very
weakintheregionandupstreamcrude,naphthaandpropyleneratesalsoslipped.OnApril19,
PP raffia prices were assessed at the USD 1350/mt CFR Far East Asia levels, a tumble of USD
50/mt on the week. Prices of PP raffia in South East Asia were assessed down at the USD
1390/mt levels, a steep week on week fall of USD 55/mt. PP Injection prices were assessed
lower at the USD 1350/mt CFR Far East Asia levels, a fall of USD 50/mt. CFR South East Asia,
prices of PP Injection were assessed lower at the USD 1390/mt levels, a sharp drop of USD
55/mtontheweek.CFRFarEastAsia,PPfilmpriceswereassesseddownattheUSD1385/mt
levels. CFR South East Asia prices of PP film were lower at the USD 1410/mt levels, a steep
dropofUSD55/mt.InSouthAsia,PPraffiaandPPinjectionpriceswereassesseddownatthe
USD 1425/mt levels while PP film prices were assessed down at the USD 1445/mt levels. In
A.4 PP Summary

38

India, Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL) has slashed its PP prices by Rs. 3/kg basic with effect from
April18,2013.
PPpricesinAsiawereassessedmixedduringweek4.OnApril26,PPraffiagradepriceswere
assessed up at the USD 1370/mt CFR Far East Asia levels, a rise of USD 15/mt on the week
whilePPinjectionpriceswereattheUSD1365/mtCFRFarEastAsialevels.PPfilmpriceswere
assessed flat at the USD 1385/mt CFR Far East Asia levels. The rise in prices were a result of
firmer feedstock propylene rates. Prices of PP raffia and PP injection grade were assessed
lowerattheUSD1385/mtCFRSouthEastAsialevels,aweekonweekfallofUSD5/mt.PPfilm
pricesweredownattheUSD1405/mtCFRSouthEastAsialevels,adropof USD5/mt.Prices
fell on the back of dull buying trends in the region. In South Asia, PP raffia and PP injection
priceswereassesseddownattheUSD1415/mtlevels,aweekonweekfallofUSD10/mt.PP
film prices were assessed down at the USD 1435/mt CFR South Asia levels, a drop of USD
10/mtontheweek.InChina,PPpriceswereassessedattheYuan10320/mtexworkslevels.
PPpriceswereassessedmixedinAsiaduringweek5.PPraffiagradepriceswereassessedup
attheUSD1370/mtCFRFarEastAsialevels,ariseofUSD5/mtontheweek.Firmerfeedstock
propylene rates supported the price rise. PP injection prices were assessed unchanged at the
USD 1365/mt CFR Far East Asia levels. PP film prices were also assessed flat at the USD
1385/mtCFRFarEastAsialevels.InSouthEastAsia,pricesofPPraffiaandPPinjectiongrades
were assessed up at the USD 1390/mt CFR levels, a week on week rise of USD 5/mt. PP film
prices were assessed flat at the USD 1405/mt CFR South East Asia levels. In South Asia, PP
raffia and PP injection prices were assessed down at the USD 1400/mt levels, a fall of USD
15/mt on the week. PP film prices were assessed lower at the USD 1420/mt CFR South Asia
levels,adropofUSD15/mtontheweek.DullbuyingsentimentspushedPPpriceslowerinthe
region.

39

A4(a)PolymersAverageweeklypriceofPPRaffia@CFRIndiaBasis
Apr
13
Mar
13
Feb
13
Jan
13
Raffia
South
Korea
1430 1430 1443 1470 1530 1461 1550 1543 1493
Singapore 1430 1430 1443 1470 1530 1461 1550 1543 1493
Thailand 1430 1430 1443 1470 1530 1461 1550 1543 1493
Saudi
Arabia
1420 1420 1433 1460 1510 1449 1530 1523 1473
A.4 PP Price Chart & Graphical Trend

40

A4(b)PolymersAverageweeklypriceofPPInjectionMoulding@CFRIndiaBasis
Apr
13
Mar
13
Feb
13
Jan
13
InjectionMoulding
South
Korea
1430 1430 1443 1470 1530 1461 1550 1543 1493
Singapore 1430 1430 1443 1470 1530 1461 1550 1543 143
Thailand 1430 1430 1443 1470 1530 1461 1550 1543 1493
Saudi
Arabia
1420 1420 1433 1460 1510 1449 1530 1523 1473

41

A4(c)PolymersAverageweeklypriceofPPTQFilm@CFRIndiaBasis
Apr
13
Mar
13
Feb
13
Jan
13
TQFilm
South
Korea
1450 1450 1463 1490 1550 1481 1577 1572 1513
Singapore 1450 1450 1463 1490 1550 1481 1577 1572 1513
Thailand 1450 1450 1463 1490 1550 1481 1577 1572 1513
Saudi
Arabia
1440 1440 1453 1480 1530 1469 1557 1552 1473

42

A4(d)PolymersAverageweeklypriceofPPBlockCopolymer@CFRIndiaBasis
Apr
13
Mar
13
Feb
13
Jan
13
BlockCopolymer
South
Korea
1480 1480 1493 1520 1580 1511 1593 1581 1523
Singapore 1470 1470 1483 1510 1570 1501 1590 1581 1523
Thailand 1470 1470 1483 1510 1570 1501 1590 1581 1523

43

A4(e)PolymersAverageweeklypriceofPPRandomCopolymer@CFRIndiaBasis
Apr
13
Mar
13
Feb
13
Jan
13
RandomCopolymer
South
Korea
1600 1600 1610 1630 1690 1626 1703 1709 1663
Singapore 1600 1600 1613 1640 1700 1631 1713 1719 1673
Thailand 1600 1600 1613 1640 1700 1631 1720 1729 1683

44

A4(f)PolymersAverageweeklypriceofPPBOPP@CFRIndiaBasis
Apr
13
Mar
13
Feb
13
Jan
13
BOPPHomopolymer
South
Korea
1450 1450 1463 1490 1550 1481 1569 1560 1513
Singapore 1450 1450 1463 1490 1550 1481 1569 1560 1513
Thailand 1460 1460 1473 1500 1560 1491 1579 1570 1523

45

PriceMovementofPPCFRIndiabasisduringJanuary2013toApril2013(USD/Tonne)
Grade Market
Apr13
Last4months(Jan13
Apr13)
High Low High Low
Raffia
SouthKorea 1530 1430 1560 1430
Singapore 1530 1430 1560 1430
Thailand 1530 1430 1560 1430
SaudiArabia 1510 1420 1540 1420
InjectionMoulding
SouthKorea 1530 1430 1560 1430
Singapore 1530 1430 1560 1430
Thailand 1530 1430 1560 1430
SaudiArabia 1510 1420 1540 1420
TQFilm
SouthKorea 1550 1450 1590 1450
Singapore 1550 1450 1590 1450
Thailand 1550 1450 1590 1450
SaudiArabia 1530 1440 1570 1440
BlockCopolymer
SouthKorea 1580 1480 1600 1480
Singapore 1570 1470 1600 1470
Thailand 1570 1470 1600 1470
RandomCopolymer
SouthKorea 1690 1600 1710 1600
Singapore 1700 1600 1720 1600
Thailand 1700 1600 1730 1600
BOPP
SouthKorea 1550 1450 1580 1450
Singapore 1550 1450 1580 1450
Thailand 1560 1450 1590 1450
A.4 PP Price Movement A.4 PP Price Movement

46

PVC prices tumbled in Asia during week 1. Prices dropped on the back of bearish demand
sentimentsintheregioncoupledwithweakerfeedstockEDCandVCMvalues.CFRSouthEast
AsiapricesofPVCwereassesseddownatthe USD980/mtlevels,asteepdropofUSD40/mt
ontheweek.CFRChinapricesof PVCwereassesseddownattheUSD980/mtlevels,asharp
fallofUSD30/mt.InChina,domesticpricesofethylenebasedPVCwereassessedattheYuan
6910/mt levels. In India, a South Korean producer is heard to have concluded deals for PVC
resin suspension grade at the USD 1030/mt levels on CIF Nhava Sheva port basis. In India,
RelianceIndustriesLtd(RIL)hasreduceditsPVCpricesbyRs.2/kgbasicwitheffectfromApril
1,2013.
Despiteweakerfeedstockethylene,EDCandVCMrates,PVCpriceswereassessedflatinAsia
duringweek2.CFRSouthEastAsiapricesofPVCwereassessedunchangedattheUSD980/mt
levels.CFRChinapricesofPVCwereassessedflatattheUSD980/mtlevels.InChina,domestic
pricesofethylenebasedPVCwereassessedupattheYuan6920/mtlevels.
PVC prices slipped during week 3 in Asia. Falling upstream ethylene values, sliding prices of
EDC and VCM feedstock and subdued buying trends together pressured the spot PVC price
lower.CFRSouthEastAsiapricesofPVCwereassesseddownattheUSD970/mtlevels,aweek
onweekdropofUSD10/mt.CFRChinapricesofPVCwereassessedlowerattheUSD970/mt
levels. In China, domestic prices of ethylene based PVC were assessed at the Yuan 6920/mt
levels. In India, Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL) has reduced its PVC prices by Rs. 3/kg basic with
effectfromApril18,2013.
PVC prices in Asia declined during week 4. Buying activity in Asias key market of China was
seenparticularlyslowtherebysendingoutbearishcuestobuyersinotherpartsoftheregion.
CFR China prices of suspension grade PVC were assessed down at the USD 960/mt levels, a
week on week decline of USD 10/mt. CFR South East Asia prices were assessed down at the
USD 960/mt levels, a fall of USD 10/mt on the week. In China, domestic prices of ethylene
basedPVCwereassesseddownattheYuan6880/mtlevels.
PVCpricesdriftedlowerinAsiaduringweek5.Weakerfeedstockethylenevaluescoupledwith
sluggishdemandtrendsintheregionsupportedthepricefall.CFRChinapricesofsuspension
gradePVCwereassesseddownattheUSD955/mtlevels,afallofUSD5/mtontheweek.CFR
SouthEastAsiapriceswereassessedlowerattheUSD950/mtlevels,aweekonweekdropof
USD10/mt.InIndia,Hanwha,SouthKoreahasconcludeddealsforPVCresinsuspensiongrade
attheUSD970/mtlevelsonCIFNhavaShevabasis.
A.5 Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Summary

47

A5(a)PolymersAverageweeklypriceofPVCSuspension@CFRIndiaBasis
Apr
13
Mar
13
Feb
13
Jan
13
Suspension
South
Korea
970 992 1030 1030 1030 1010 1067 1082 1041
Thailand 970 992 1030 1030 1030 1010 1067 1082 1041
Taiwan 970 970 1020 1020 1020 1000 1058 1079 1036
A5(b)PolymersAverageweeklypriceofPVCEmulsion@CFRIndiaBasis
Apr
13
Mar
13
Feb
13
Jan
13
Emulsion
South
Korea
1330 1330 1330 1330 1330 1330 1337 1350 1350
Taiwan 1330 1330 1330 1330 1330 1330 1337 1350 1350
A.5 - Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Price Chart & Graphical Trend

48

PriceMovementofPVCCFRIndiabasisduring
Grade Market
Apr13
Last4months(Jan13
Apr13)
High Low High Low
Suspension
South
Korea
1030 970 1090 970
Thailand 1030 970 1090 970
Taiwan 1020 970 1090 970
Emulsion
South
Korea
1330 1330 1350 1330
Taiwan 1330 1330 1350 1330

A.5 - Pol yvinyl Chloride (PVC) Price Movement

49

Despite firmer feedstock SM rates, prices of GPPS and HIPS dropped in Asia during week 1.
Pricesdeclinedonthebackofmutedbuyinginterestintheregion.GPPSpriceswereassessed
downattheUSD1800/mtCFRChinamark,asharpweekonweekfallofUSD30/mt.CFRSouth
East Asia prices were assessed down at the USD 1855/mt levels, a drop of USD 10/mt on the
week.HIPSpriceswereassessedlowerattheUSD1880/mtCFRChinamark,aweekonweek
dropofUSD10/mtwhileCFRSouthEastAsiapriceswereassesseddownattheUSD1950/mt
levels,afallofUSD15/mtontheweek.EPSpriceswerealsoassessedflatattheUSD1820/mt
FOB North East Asia mark for general purpose grades. Fire retardant grades were assessed
unchangedattheUSD1880/mtlevels.
PricesofPSslippedinAsiaduringweek2.Pricesdeclinedonthebackofmutedbuyinginterest
and softer week on week SM feedstock prices. GPPS prices were assessed down at the USD
1790/mt CFR China mark, a fall of USD 10/mt on the week. CFR South East Asia prices were
assessedflatattheUSD1855/mtlevels.HIPSpriceswereassessedlowerattheUSD1870/mt
CFR China mark, a week on week drop of USD 10/mt while CFR South East Asia prices were
assessed down at the USD 1920/mt levels, a fall of USD 30/mt on the week. EPS prices were
FireretardantgradeswereassessedunchangedattheUSD1880/mtlevels.
PSpricesinAsiaendedduringweek3down.Thepricefallwaspromptedbyaweekonweek
sharp drop in upstream SM values and sluggish regional buying trends. CFR South East Asia
priceswereassesseddownattheUSD1840/mtlevels,afallofUSD15/mtontheweek.GPPS
priceswereassessedflatattheUSD1790/mtCFRChinamark.HIPSpriceswereassessedlower
attheUSD1860/mtCFRChinamark,aweekonweekdropofUSD10/mtwhileCFRSouthEast
Asia prices were assessed at the USD 1910/mt levels, down USD 10/mt. EPS prices were also
assesseddownattheUSD1800/mtFOBNorthEastAsiamarkforgeneralpurposegrades.Fire
retardantgradeswereassessedlowerattheUSD1865/mtlevels.
DespiteaweekonweekriseinfeedstockSMvalues,PSpricesinAsiadeclinedduringweek4.
Prices slipped on the back of muted buying interest in the region. CFR South East Asia prices
GPPS were assessed down at the USD 1825/mt levels, a fall of USD 15/mt on the week. CFR
ChinapriceswereassessedlowerattheUSD1775/mtmark.HIPSpriceswereassesseddown
attheUSD1840/mtCFRChinamark,aweekonweekdropofUSD20/mtwhileCFRSouthEast
Asia prices were assessed flat at the USD 1910/mt levels. EPS prices were assessed steady at
theUSD1800/mtFOBNorthEastAsiamarkforgeneralpurposegrades.Fireretardantgrades
wereassessedunchangedattheUSD1865/mtlevels.
A.6 Polystyrene (PS) Summary

50

PSpriceswereassessedflatinAsiaduringweek5.GPPSpriceswereassessedflatattheUSD
1775/mt CFR China mark while CFR South East Asia prices were assessed unchanged at the
USD 1825/mt levels. HIPS prices were assessed stable at the USD 1840/mt CFR China mark
while CFR South East Asia prices were assessed at the USD 1915/mt levels. EPS prices were
FireretardantgradeswerestableattheUSD1865/mtlevels.
A6PolymersAverageweeklyPolystyrenepricesforApril2013(USD/Tonne)
Grades W5 W4 W3 W2 W1
Apr
13
Mar
13
Feb
13
Jan
13
PolystyreneGPPS
FarEast 1775 1780 1790 1793 1810 1790 1826 1862 1874
SEAsia 1825 1830 1843 1855 1858 1842 1884 1917 1919
PolystyreneHIPS
FarEast 1840 1847 1862 1873 1883 1861 1906 1936 1950
SEAsia 1913 1910 1912 1932 1958 1925 1980 1995 1998
A.6 Polystyrene (PS) Price Chart & Graphical Trend

51

PriceMovementofPSduringJanuary2013to
Grades Market
Apr13
Last4months(Jan13
Apr13)
High Low High Low
PolystyreneGPPS
FarEast 1830 1775 1900 1775
SEAsia 1865 1825 1940 1825
PolystyreneHIPS
FarEast 1890 1840 1955 1840
SEAsia 1965 1910 2010 1910
A.6 Polystyrene (PS) Price Movement

52

ABS prices slipped during week 1 in Asia. Prices fell in tandem with the drop recorded in
upstream prices of butadiene and ACN feedstock. The bearish regional buying interest
supporting the price fall. CFR China prices of ABS were assessed down at the USD 1910/mt
levels, a week on week fall of USD 20/mt. CFR South East Asia prices of ABS were assessed
lowerattheUSD1960/mtCFRlevels.
ABS prices slipped during week 2 in Asia. Prices fell on the back of subdued regional buying
sentiments.SupportingthepricefallwereweakerfeedstockpricesofACN,butadieneandSM.
CFRChinapricesofABSinjectiongradeswereassesseddownattheUSD1880/mtlevelswhile
CFRSouthEastAsiapriceswereassesseddownattheUSD1930/mtlevels,aweekonweekfall
ofUSD30/mt.
DespiteafallinfeedstockACNandSMvalues,ABSpriceswereassessedsteadyduringweek3
inAsia.CFRChinapricesofABSwereassessedflatattheUSD1880/mtlevelswhileCFRSouth
EastAsia,pricesofABSwereassessedunchangedattheUSD1930/mtCFRlevels.
DespiteariseinupstreamSMandbutadienerates,ABSpricestumbledduringweek4inAsia.
Supporting the price fall were bearish regional buying sentiments. CFR China prices of ABS
wereassesseddownattheUSD1845/mtlevels,asharpfallofUSD35/mtontheweek,while
CFR South East Asia, prices of ABS were assessed at the USD 1900/mt CFR levels, a week on
weekdropofUSD30/mt.
Despite higher feedstock butadiene values, ABS prices were assessed steady in Asia during
week5.CFRChinapricesofABSwereassessedflatattheUSD1845/mtlevelswhileCFRSouth
EastAsia,pricesofABSwerealsoassessedunchangedattheUSD1900/mtCFRlevels.Buying
activityinkeymarketslikeChinawasveryquietowingtolabourdayholidays.
A.7 ABS Summary

53

A7PolymersAverageweeklyABSpricesonCFRIndiabasis
Apr
13
Mar
13
Feb
13
Jan
13
ABS
South
Korea
1920 1920 1940 1970 1980 1946 2038 2130 2051
Thailand 1930 1930 1950 1980 1990 1956 2043 2120 2041
A.7 ABS Price Chart & Graphical Trend

54

PriceMovementofABSonCFRIndiabasisduring
Grade Market
Apr13
Last4months(Jan13
Apr13)
High Low High Low
ABS
South
Korea
1980 1920 2140 1920
Thailand 1990 1930 2130 1930
A.7 ABS Price Movement

55

Benzene prices in Asia climbed on April 2. A combination of triggers wereresponsible for the
priceriseincludingfirmerenergypricesandgainsindownstreamSMvalues.Pricesgainedon
the back of firmer benzene prices in the US and Europe. FOB Korea prices of benzene were
assessedupattheUSD1290/mtlevels,adayondaygainofUSD10/mt.
Benzene prices in Asia firmed on April 3. Prices gained on the back of improved buying
sentimentsintheregion.AriseindownstreamSMratessupportedthepriceclimb.FOBKorea
prices of benzene were assessed up at the USD 1310/mt levels, a day on day gain of USD
20/mt.
On April 4, benzene prices in Asia inched lower. The price fall was prompted by a decline in
upstreamenergyvaluesandweakerdownstreamSMvalues.FOBKoreapriceswereassessed
downattheUSD1305/mtlevels,adropofUSD5/mtontheday.
Despiteafallinupstreamenergyvalues,benzenepricesinAsiabolsteredhigherduringweek
1. Firmer downstream SM rates helped support the price rise in benzene. A rise in benzene
ratesintheUSandEuropefurthersupportedthepricegain.FOBKoreapricesofbenzenewere
assessedupattheUSD1315/mtlevels,asteepweekonweekriseofUSD50/mt.
Despite a rise in upstream crude values, benzene prices inched lower in Asia on April 8. The
pricefallwasonthebackofdullbuyingsentimentsintheregion.FOBKoreapricesofbenzene
wereassesseddownattheUSD1310/mtlevels,afallofUSD5/mtfromApril5assessedlevels.
Benzene prices in Asia on April 10 marched higher. Price gains were supported by firmer
benzenevaluesintheUS.FOBKoreapricesofbenzenewereassessedupattheUSD1330/mt
levels,upUSD20/mtontheday.
On April 11, benzene prices in Asia declined. The price fall was prompted by softer energy
valuesandanovernightdropinbenzenevaluesintheUS.Supportingthedeclinewereweaker
downstreamSMpricesontheday.FOBKoreapriceswereassesseddownattheUSD1320/mt
levels,adayondayfallofUSD10/mt.
B. Aromatics
B1 Benzene Summary

56

Benzene prices in Asia inched lower during week 2. The price fall wasmainly on account of a
dropinupstreamenergyvaluescoupledwithsofterdownstreamSMrates.FOBKoreapricesof
benzenewereassesseddownattheUSD1305/mtlevels,aweekonweekfallofUSD10/mt.
Trading sources reported that benzene prices in Asia have tumbled sharply on the back of
weaker upstream crude and naphtha values, a fall in downstream SM rates coupled with a
verysluggishdemandtrendswitnessedintheregion.Thepricefallwassupportedbyadropin
benzenevaluesintheUSandEurope.OnApril15,FOBKoreapricesofbenzenewereassessed
downattheUSD1280/mtlevels,asteepfallofUSD25/mtfromApril12assessedlevels.
On April 16, benzene prices in Asiaslipped.Thepricefallwaspromptedbyafallinupstream
energyvaluesandweakerdownstreamSMpricesontheday.FOBKoreapriceswereassessed
downattheUSD1265/mtlevels,adayondaydropofUSD15/mt.
BenzenepricesinAsiamarchedhigheronApril17.Acombinationoftriggerswereresponsible
forthepriceriseincludingaliftinregionalbuyinginterestandgainsindownstreamSMvalues.
FOBKoreapricesofbenzenewereassessedupattheUSD1290/mtlevels,asharpgainofUSD
25/mt.
On April 18, benzene prices in Asia inched lower. The price fall was prompted by weaker
downstream SM values. FOB Korea prices were assessed down at the USD 1280/mt levels, a
dayondaydropofUSD10/mt.
Benzene prices in Asia climbed during week 3. Improved buying sentiments in the region
supportedthepricerise.OnApril19,pricesofbenzenewereassessedupattheUSD1315/mt
FOBKorealevels,aweekonweekriseofUSD10/mt.
BenzenepricesinAsiainchedhigheronApril24.Firmerupstreamenergypricessupportedthe
pricerise.FOBKoreapricesofbenzenewereassessedupattheUSD1310/mtlevels,adayon
dayriseofUSD5/mt.
Despitefirmerupstreamcrudevalues,benzenepricesinchedlowerinAsiaduringweek4.On
April 26, prices of benzene were assessed at the USD 1310/mt FOB Korea levels, a week on
weekfallofUSD5/mt.Inthecontractmarkets,JXNipponOil&EnergyhasnominateditsMay
benzenecontractpriceattheUSD1360/mtCFRAsiamark.ThispricerepresentsariseofUSD
58/mtfromtheAprilsettlementprice.

57

B1(a)AromaticsAverageweeklyBenzenePrices
Apr
13
Mar
13
Feb
13
Jan
13
Benzene
FOB
Korea
1310 1311 1283 1318 1293 1303 1314 1409 1424
CFR
Japan
1315 1316 1288 1323 1298 1308 1319 1414 1429
CFR
India
1320 1321 1293 1328 1303 1313 1324 1419 1434
B1 Benzene Price Chart & Graphical Trend

58

PriceMovementofBenzeneduring
Grades Market
Apr13
Last4months(Jan13
Apr13)
High Low High Low
Benzene
FOB
Korea
1330 1265 1480 1255
CFRJapan 1335 1270 1485 1260
CFRIndia 1340 1275 1490 1265
B1 Benzene Price Movement

59

Toluene prices in Asia climbed on April 3. Prices gained in line with a rise in downstream
benzene values. Supporting the price rise was short covering activity witnessed in the region.
FOB Korea prices were assessed up at the USD 1120/mt levels, a day on day gain of USD
15/mt.CFRChinapriceswereupattheUSD1130/mtlevels.InChina,localrateswerehigher
attheYuan8305/mtextanklevels.
ToluenepricesinAsiamarchedhigherduringweek1.Pricesfirmedonthebackofasteeprise
indownstreambenzenerates.FOBKoreapriceswereassessedupattheUSD1125/mtlevels,
aweekonweekriseofUSD30/mt.CFRChinapricesoftoluenewereassessedupattheUSD
1135/mtlevels.CFRSouthEastAsiapriceswereassessedhigherattheUSD1160/mtlevels.In
China,localrateswerehigherattheYuan8305/mtextanklevels.
ToluenepricesinAsiaclimbedonApril8.Pricesgainedinlinewithimprovedbuyingtrendsin
theregion.FOBKoreapriceswereassessedupattheUSD1135/mtlevels,againofUSD10/mt
fromApril5assessedlevels.CFRChinapriceswereupattheUSD1140/mtlevels,ariseofUSD
10/mt.InChina,localrateswereattheYuan8255/mtlevels.
Toluene prices in Asia climbed on April 10. Prices gained in line with firmer downstream
benzene rates coupled with improved buying trends in key markets like China. FOB Korea
priceswereassessedupattheUSD1150/mtlevels,adayondaygainofUSD15/mt.CFRChina
priceswereupattheUSD1160/mtlevels,adayondayincreaseofUSD15/mt.InChina,local
rateswerehigherattheYuan8530/mtlevels.
Despite dull buying interest in the region, toluene prices in Asia climbed during week 2. On
April 12, although prices declined on the day, toluene was assessed at the USD 1140/mt FOB
Korealevels,aweekonweekriseofUSD15/mt.CFRChinapricesoftoluenewereassessedup
at the USD 1145/mt levels. CFR South East Asia prices were assessed higher at the USD
1170/mtlevels.InChina,localrateswereupattheYuan8530/mtextanklevels.
Toluene prices slipped in Asia on April 15. The price fall was attributed to weaker upstream
energy values coupled with a sharp fall in downstream benzene rates. FOB Korea toluene
prices were assessed at the USD 1115/mt levels, a sharp fall of USD 25/mt from April 12
assessed levels. CFR China prices were assessed down at the USD 1125/mt levels. In the
domesticmarkets,pricesoftoluenewereassessedlowerattheYuan8330/mtextanklevels.
ToluenepricesinAsiainchedhigheronApril17.Pricesgainedinlinewithariseindownstream
benzene rates. FOB Korea prices were assessed up at the USD 1120/mt levels, a gain of USD
B2 Toluene Summary

60

5/mt on the day. CFR China prices were up at the USD 1130/mt levels. In China, local rates
werehigherattheYuan8355/mtextanklevels.
ToluenepricesinAsiainchedlowerduringweek3.OnApril19,althoughpricesclimbedonthe
day,toluenewasassessedattheUSD1135/mtFOBKorea levels,aweekonweekfallofUSD
5/mt. CFR China prices of toluene were assessed at the USD 1140/mt levels. CFR South East
AsiapriceswereassesseddownattheUSD1165/mtlevels.InChina,localrateswerelowerat
theYuan8355/mtextanklevels.
ToluenepricesinAsiaedgedhigherduringweek4.Pricesgainedinlinewithfirmerupstream
crude values. On April 26, toluene prices were assessed up at the USD 1140/mt FOB Korea
levels,aweekonweekriseofUSD5/mt.CFRChinapricesoftoluenewereassessedhigherat
the USD 1150/mt levels. CFR South East Asia prices were assessed up at the USD 1170/mt
levels.InChina,localrateswereupattheYuan8555/mtextanklevels.
ToluenepricesinAsiainchedloweronApril29. Spottoluenepriceswerepressureddownon
thebackofdulldemandsentimentsintheregion.FOBKoreapricesoftoluenewereassessed
lower at the USD 1135/mt levels, a fall of USD 5/mt from April 26 assessed levels. CFR China
prices were assessed at the USD 1145/mt levels. In the domestic markets of China, toluene
priceswereassessedattheYuan8555/mtextankmark.

61

B2AromaticsAverageweeklyToluenePrices
Apr
13
Mar
13
Feb
13
Jan
13
Toluene
FOB
Korea
1138 1135 1122 1143 1109 1129 1155 1299 1323
CFR
Japan
1148 1145 1131 1145 1122 1138 1164 1314 1352
CFR
SEA
1170 1165 1166 1167 1138 1161 1201 1336 1365
B2 Toluene Price Chart & Graphical Trend

62

PriceMovementofTolueneduringJanuary2013
toApril2013(USD/Tonne)
Grades Market
Apr13
Last4months(Jan13
Apr13)
High Low High Low
Toluene
FOBKorea 1155 1095 1365 1095

CFRJapan 1155 1110 1390 1110
CFRSEA 1170 1130 1400 1130
B2 Toluene Price Movement

63

SpotPXpricesinAsiabolsteredhigheronApril2.SupportingtheriseinPXpriceswerehigher
feedstock Isomer MX and downstream PTA rates. Price gains were further supported by
reports of short covering activity witnessed in the region. FOB Korea prices of PX were
assessedupattheUSD1420/mtlevels,asharpriseofUSD35/mtontheday.CFRChinaprices
wereassessedhigherattheUSD1445/mtlevels.IsomerMXpricesinAsiaalsofinishedhigher.
Gains recorded were a rise in upstream energy values. FOB Korea prices of Isomer MX were
assessedhigherattheUSD1165/mtlevels,adayondaygainofUSD15/mt.CFRTaiwanprices
wereupattheUSD1175/mtlevels.
Paraxylene (PX) prices in Asia bolstered higher on April 3. The price surge was triggered by a
riseinupstreamisomerMXvaluesandgainsindownstreamPTAprices.FOBKoreapricesofPX
wereassessedupattheUSD1450/mtlevels,adayondayriseofUSD30/mt.CFRChinaprices
were assessed up at the USD 1475/mt levels, a sharp rise of USD 30/mt. Despite a fall in
enegry values, Asian Isomer MX prices firmed. FOB Korea prices of Isomer MX were assessed
up at the USD 1205/mt levels, a steeprise ofUSD 40/mt on the day.CFR Taiwanprices were
assessedupattheUSD1215/mtlevels.
Paraxylene (PX) prices declined in Asia April 4. Prices fell on account of a drop in upstream
crudeandIsomerMXvalues.FOBKoreapricesofPXwereassesseddownattheUSD1435/mt
levels,adeclineofUSD 15/mtontheday.CFRChinapricesofPXwereassessedloweratthe
USD 1460/mt levels. IsomerMX prices also declined in Asia. The price fall was on account of
hectic selling activity witnessed in the region. FOB Korea prices of Isomer MX were assessed
down at the USD 1185/mt levels, a day on day drop of USD 20/mt. CFR Taiwan prices were
downattheUSD1195/mtlevels.
Orthoxylene (OX) prices climbed in Asia during week 1. The price rise was a result of firmer
feedstock Isomer grade MX rates and improved buying trends in the region. A rise in
downstreamPApricessupportedthepriceclimb.FOBKoreapricesofOXwereassessedupat
the USD 1475/mt levels, a rise of USD 20/mt on the week. CFR China prices were assessed
higher at the USD 1495/mt to USD 1500/mt levels. CFR South East Asia prices were assessed
up at the USD 1520/mt levels. Paraxylene (PX) prices also firmed in Asia. FOB Korea prices of
PXwereassessedupattheUSD1435/mtFOBKorealevels,asharpweekonweekgainofUSD
60/mt. CFR Taiwan prices of PX were assessed up at the USD 1460/mt levels. Meanwhile,
Solvent MX in Asia declined. Prices fell on account of dull buying trends witnessed in key
marketslikeChina.FOB KoreapriceswereassesseddownattheUSD1100/mtlevels,aweek
onweekfallofUSD10/mt.CFRTaiwanpriceswereassessedlowerattheUSD1115/mtlevels,
a drop of 10/mt. CFR China prices of Solvent MX were assessed down at the USD 1135/mt
B3 Xylene Summary

64

levelswhileCFRSouthEastAsiapriceswereassessedlowerattheUSD1155/mtlevels.Isomer
MX prices witnessed a sharp rise in Asia. A gain in downstream PX rates coupled with
improved buying sentiments pushed spot prices of Isomer MX higher. FOB Korea prices of
IsomerMXwereassessedupattheUSD1180/mtFOBKorealevels,asteepriseofUSD60/mt
ontheweek.CFRTaiwanpricesofIsomerMXwereassessedupattheUSD1190/mtlevels.
Spot PX prices in Asia finished higher on April 8. The price climb was attributed to improved
buyingsentimentsintheregion.AriseinPTAfuturesontheZhengzhouCommodityExchange
also supported the price rise. FOB Korea prices of PX were assessed up at the USD 1445/mt
levels,ariseofUSD10/mtfromApril5assessedlevels.CFRChinapriceswereassessedhigher
attheUSD1475/mtlevels.IsomerMXpricesinAsiaalsoclimbed.FOBKoreapricesofIsomer
MXwereassessedupattheUSD1195/mtlevels,ariseofUSD15/mt.CFRTaiwanpriceswere
assessed up at the USD 1210/mt levels, a rise of USD 20/mt. In China, PetroChina has
increased its isomer MX prices in South China by Yuan 100/mt to Yuan 8700/mt ex works
levels.
Spot PX prices in Asia finished higher on April 9. The price rise was a result of improved
demandtrendsindownstreampolyestermarkets.FOBKoreapricesofPXwereassessedupat
the USD 1455/mt levels, a day on day rise of USD 10/mt. CFR China prices were assessed
higherattheUSD1485/mtlevels.
Paraxylene(PX)pricesinAsiabolsteredhigheronApril10.Thepricesurgewastriggeredbya
riseinupstreamisomerMXvaluesandgainsindownstreamPTAprices.FOBKoreapricesofPX
wereassessedupattheUSD1485/mtlevels,ariseofUSD30/mtontheday.CFRChinaprices
were assessed up at the USD 1510/mt levels. Isomer MX prices also rise inAsia on reports of
improvedbuyingactivityintheregion.FOBKoreapricesofIsomerMXwereassessedupatthe
USD 1235/mt levels, a steep day on day rise of USD 40/mt. CFR Taiwan prices were assessed
upattheUSD1245/mtlevels.
Paraxylene (PX) prices in Asia bolstered higher on April 11. Price gains came on the back of a
riseinupstreamIsomerMXvalues.Thepricerisewasalsoaresultofimproveddemandtrends
in downstream polyester markets. FOB Korea prices of PX were assessed up at the USD
1515/mt levels, a sharp rise of USD 30/mt on the day. CFR China prices were assessed up at
theUSD1545/mtlevels.FOBKoreapricesofIsomerMXwereassessedupattheUSD1250/mt
levels while CFR Taiwan prices were assessed up at the USD 1260/mt levels, a rise of USD
10/mt.
Orthoxylene (OX) prices firmed in Asia during week 2. Gains came on the back of a rise in
upstream Isomer MX rates and downstream PA prices. Reports of improved regional buying
trendssupportedthepricerise.FOBKoreapricesofOXwereassessedupattheUSD1495/mt

65

levels, a rise of USD 20/mt on the week. CFR China prices were assessed higher at the USD
1525/mtlevels,aweekonweekgainofUSD25/mt.CFRSouthEastAsiapriceswereassessed
upattheUSD1535/mtlevels.Paraxylene(PX)pricesalsomarchedhigherinAsia.OnApril12,
although prices declined sharply onthe day, PXwas assessed at the USD 1480/mt FOB Korea
levels, a steep gain of USD 45/mt on the week. CFR Taiwan prices of PX were assessed up at
theUSD1505/mtlevels.
Paraxylene(PX)pricesonApril16droppedinAsia.AfallinfeedstockIsomerMXratesanddull
buying sentiments pressured spot PX prices lower. Weaker upstream energy values and
downstream PTA rates supported the price decline. FOB Korea prices of PX were assessed
down at the USD 1430/mt levels, a day on day slide of USD 10/mt. CFR Taiwan prices were
assesseddownattheUSD1455/mtlevels.FOBKoreapricesofIsomerMXwereassesseddown
attheUSD1165/mtlevels,adayondaydropofUSD15/mt.CFRTaiwanpricesweredownat
theUSD1180/mtlevels.
Paraxylene (PX) prices drifted lower in Asia pn April 17. Prices fell on the back of weaker
downstream polyester markets in the region. FOB Korea prices of PX were assessed down at
theUSD1420/mtlevels,adeclineofUSD10/mtontheday.CFRTaiwanpriceswereassessed
down at the USD 1450/mt levels. A decline in PX rates in the US supported the price fall.
Meanwhile, despite a fall in downstream PX rates, prices of Isomer MX edged higher in Asia.
Thepricerisewasattributedtoimprovedbuyingsentimentsintheregion.FOBKoreapricesof
Isomer MX were assessed higher at the USD 1170/mt levels, a gain of USD 5/mt. CFR Taiwan
priceswereassessedupattheUSD1180/mtlevels.
AsianPXpricesonApril18tumbled.AdeclineinpricesofupstreamIsomerMXandaslidein
downstreamPTAvaluestogetherweigheddownbearishlyonspotPXprices.FOBKoreaprices
of PX were assessed down at the USD 1400/mt levels while CFR China prices were assessed
downattheUSD1430/mtlevels,asharpdeclineofUSD20/mtontheday.IsomerMXprices
alsoinchedlowerinAsia.FOBKoreapriceswereassesseddownattheUSD1165/mtlevels,a
fall USD 5/mt. CFR Taiwan prices of Isomer MX were assessed down at the USD 1175/mt
levels.
Orthoxylene (OX) prices witnessed a sharp fall in Asia during week 3. The price fall was
triggeredbydullregionalbuyinginterest,softerfeedstockIsomerMXgradevaluesandadrop
in downstream PA prices. FOB Korea prices of OX were assessed down at the USD 1445/mt
levels,aweekonweektumbleofUSD50/mt.CFRChinapriceswereassessedlowerattheUSD
1470/mt levels, a steep drop of USD 55/mt on the week. CFR South East Asia prices were
assessed down at the USD 1490/mt levels, a fall of USD 45/mt. Paraxylene (PX) prices also
driftedlowerinAsia.ThepricefallwaspromptedbyweekonweekdeclineinupstreamIsomer
MX and downstream PTA rates. On April 19, although prices climbed on the day, PX was

66

assessed at the USD 1430/mt FOB Korea levels, a steep fall of USD 50/mt on the week. CFR
Taiwan prices of PX were assesseddown at the USD 1455/mt levels. Solvent grade MX prices
alsopushedlowerinAsia.FOBKoreapriceswereassesseddownattheUSD1115/mtlevels,a
weekonweekfallofUSD20/mt.CFRTaiwanpriceswereassessedattheUSD1130/mtlevels,
down USD 20/mt. CFR China prices of Solvent MX were assessed down at the USD 1150/mt
levelswhileCFRSouthEastAsiapriceswereassesseddownattheUSD1170/mtlevels.Isomer
MX prices also tumbled in Asia. On April 19, although prices climbed on the day, Isomer MX
were assessed at the USD 1185/mt FOB Korea levels, a week on week plunge of USD 45/mt.
CFRTaiwanpricesofIsomerMXwereassesseddownattheUSD1195/mtlevels.
Spot PX prices in Asia on April 22 climbed. Supporting the rise in PX prices were higher
upstream crude values and a rise in feedstock Isomer MX rates. Short covering activity
witnessed in the region, allowed sellers of PX in Asia to steer their offer prices higher. FOB
KoreapricesofPXwereassessedattheUSD1440/mtlevels,aclimbofUSD15/mtfromApril
19 assessed levels. CFRChina prices were assessed up at the USD 1470/mt levels. Isomer MX
prices also firmed. FOB Korea prices of Isomer MX were assessed up at the USD 1200/mt
levels,ariseofUSD15/mt.CFRTaiwanpriceswereassessedupattheUSD1210/mtlevels.
Paraxylene (PX) prices in Asia down adjusted on April 23. The price fall was prompted by a
decline in downstream PTA rates. FOB Korea prices of PX were assessed down at the USD
1430/mt levels, a day on day fall of USD 10/mt. CFR China prices were assessed lower at the
USD1460/mtlevels.
AriseindownstreamPTAandupstreamIsomerMXvalues,supportedaclimbinspotPXprices
inAsiaonApril24.Reportsofimprovedbuyingsentimentsintheregionfurthersupportedthe
price rise. FOB Korea prices of PX were assessed up at the USD 1440/mt levels, a day on day
riseofUSD10/mt.CFRTaiwanpriceswereassessedhigherattheUSD1465/mtlevels.Isomer
MX prices in Asia also inch higher. Short covering activity witnessed in the region supported
thepricerise.FOBKoreapricesofIsomerMXwereassessedupattheUSD1205/mtlevels,a
dayondayriseofUSD5/mt.CFRTaiwanpriceswereassessedupattheUSD1215/mtlevels.
Spot PX prices in Asia on April 25 climbed. Supporting the rise in PX prices were firmer
upstream energy prices and a rise in downstream PTA values. FOB Korea prices of PX were
assessedattheUSD1450/mtlevels,adayondayclimbofUSD10/mt.CFRChinapriceswere
assessedupattheUSD1475/mtlevels.
Despite a rise in feedstock Isomer MX values, orthoxylene (OX) prices declined in Asia during
week4.ThepricefallwasonaccountofadropindownstreamPAprices.FOBKoreapricesof
OX were assessed down at the USD 1440/mt levels, a week on week fall of USD 5/mt. CFR
ChinapriceswereassessedlowerattheUSD1465/mtlevels,adropofUSD5/mtontheweek.

67

CFRSouthEastAsiapriceswereassesseddownattheUSD1470/mtlevels,afallofUSD20/mt.
Meanwhile,paraxylene(PX)pricesedgedhigherinAsia.OnApril26,althoughpricesdeclined
ontheday,PXwasassessedattheUSD1435/mtFOBKorealevels,aweekonweekriseofUSD
5/mt.CFRTaiwanpricesofPXwereassessedupattheUSD1460/mtlevels.FeedstockIsomer
MXpriceswereassessedattheUSD1215/mtFOBKorealevels,asharpriseofUSD30/mton
theweek.Inthecontractmarkets,JXNipponOil&EnergyhasnominateditsMayPXcontract
price at the USD 1520/mt CFR Asia mark. This price represents a steep rise of USD 120/mt
from April settlement levels. Solvent MX prices also finished higher in Asia. FOB Korea prices
wereassessedupattheUSD1120/mtlevels,aweekonweekriseofUSD10/mt.CFRTaiwan
priceswereassessedattheUSD1135/mtlevels,upUSD5/mt.CFRChinapricesofSolventMX
were assessed higher at the USD 1160/mt levels while CFR South East Asia prices were
assessedattheUSD1170/mtlevels.
Asian PX prices drifted lower on April 29. The price fall was attributed to weaker upstream
IsomerMX values. FOB Korea prices of PX were assessed down at the USD 1425/mt levels, a
fall of USD 10/mt from April 26 assessed levels. CFR China prices were assessed at the USD
1450/mt levels. FOB Korea prices of Isomer MX were assessed down at the USD 1210/mt
levels, a fall of USD 5/mt. CFR Taiwan prices of Isomer MX were assessed lower at the USD
1225/mtlevels.

68

B3AromaticsAverageweeklyXylenePrices
Grades W5 W4 W3 W2 W1 Apr13 Mar13 Feb13 Jan13
OrthoXylene
FOBKorea 1440 1445 1478 1482 1462 1461 1518 1585 1580
CFRSEA 1470 1487 1520 1525 1507 1502 1563 1620 1592
ParaXylene
FOBKorea 1430 1440 1429 1475 1417 1438 1503 1681 1654
CFRSEA 1455 1467 1458 1504 1442 1465 1529 1705 1670
SolventMixed
FOBKorea 1120 1117 1128 1112 1107 1117 1129 1224 1234
CFRSEA 1170 1170 1183 1167 1165 1171 1188 1270 1275
IsomerMixed
FOBKorea 1213 1203 1179 1215 1168 1196 1231 1366 1370
CFRSEA 1223 1223 1205 1230 1179 1212 1254 1384 1392
B3 Xylene Price Chart & Graphical Trend

69

PriceMovementofXyleneduringJanuary2013toApril2013(USD/Tonne)
Grades Market
Apr13
Last4months(Jan13
Apr13)
High Low High Low
OrthoXylene
FOBKorea 1495 1440 1600 1440

CFRSEA 1535 1470 1635 1470
ParaXylene
FOBKorea 1515 1375 1710 1375

CFRSEA 1545 1410 1735 1400
SolventMixed
FOBKorea 1135 1100 1255 1095

CFRSEA 1190 1155 1295 1155
IsomerMixed
FOBKorea 1250 1120 1430 1120

CFRSEA 1260 1150 1450 1150
B3 Xylene Price Movement

70

Methanol prices climbed in parts of Asia during week 1. CFR South East Asia prices were
assessedupattheUSD390/mtlevels,ariseofUSD5/mt.Thepricerisewassupportedbytight
productavailsintheregion.CFRChinapriceswereassessedattheUSD365/mttoUSD370/mt
levels. CFR Korea prices of methanol were assessed at USD 380/mt levels while CFR India
prices were assessed at the USD 330/mt levels. In the domestic markets of China, methanol
priceswereassessedattheYuan2715/mtlevels.
MethanolpricesfinishedhigherinpartsofAsiaduringweek2.CFRSouthEastAsiapriceswere
assessedupattheUSD395/mtlevels,aweekonweekriseofUSD5/mt.Tightproductavailsin
the region supported the price rise. CFR China prices were assessed up at the USD 370/mt
levels.CFRKoreapricesofmethanolwereassessedflatatUSD380/mtlevels.CFRIndiaprices
were assessed up at the USD 335/mt levels. In the domestic markets of China, methanol
priceswereassessedattheYuan2700/mtlevels.
assessed up at the USD 400/mt levels, a week on week rise of USD 5/mt. The price rise was
supported by continued tight product avails in the region. CFR China prices were assessed
down at the USD 365/mt levels. CFR Korea prices of methanol were assessed flat at USD
380/mt levels. CFR India prices were assessed up at the USD 340/mt levels. In the domestic
marketsofChina,methanolpriceswereassessedlowerattheYuan2645/mtlevels.
assessedupattheUSD405/mtlevels,aweekonweekriseofUSD5/mt.Thepricerisewasa
result of tight product avails in the region. CFR China prices were assessed down at the USD
360/mt levels. CFR Korea prices of methanol were assessed flat at USD 380/mt levels. CFR
India prices were assessed at the USD 340/mt levels. In the domestic markets of China,
methanolpriceswereassessedlowerattheYuan2630/mtlevels.
B4 Methanol Summary

71

B4AromaticsAverageweeklyMethanolPrices
Apr
13
Mar
13
Feb
13
Jan
13
Methanol
CFR
India
340 340 335 330 330 335 336 352 317
CFR
China
360 362 367 370 368 365 370 372 358

B4 Methanol Price Chart & Graphical Trend

72

PriceMovementofMethanolduringJanuary2013to
Grades Market
Apr13
Last4months(Jan13
Apr13)
High Low High Low
Methanol
CFRIndia 340 330 355 300

CFRChina 370 360 375 350
B4 Methanol Price Movement

73

Prices of butadiene hammered lower in Asia during week 1. The price fall was triggered by
extremely dull purchase sentiments in the region. Supporting the price tumble were weaker
upstreamnaphthavaluescoupledwithampleproductavailsintheregion.FOBKoreapricesof
butadiene were assessed down at the USD 1415/mt levels, a week on week tumble of USD
55/mt.CFRChinapricesofbutadienewereassesseddownattheUSD1415/mtlevels,plunge
USD85/mtontheweek.CFRSouthEastAsiapricesofbutadienewereassessedsharplylower
attheUSD1385/mtlevels,asteepweekonweekdropofUSD90/mt.
Prices of butadiene declined in Asia during week 2. Prices fell on the back of weak buying
trends in the region. Supporting the price fall were softer upstream propylene values and
ampleproductavailabilityintheregion.FOBKoreapricesofbutadienewereassesseddownat
theUSD1400/mtlevels,afallofUSD15/mtontheweek.CFRChinapricesofbutadienewere
assessed down at the USD 1405/mt levels. CFR South East Asia prices of butadiene were
assessedlowerattheUSD1355/mtlevels,aweekonweekdropofUSD30/mt.
Butadiene rates galloped higher in Asia during week 3. Despite weak buying in Asia, regional
ratesofbutadieneclimbedandwerepushedhigheronaccountofincreaseddemandintheUS
markets where Asian cargoes were diverted. FOB Korea prices were assessed up at the USD
1455/mtlevels,asharpweekonweekgainofUSD55/mt.CFRChinapricesofbutadienewere
assessedattheUSD1455/mtlevels.CFRSouthEastAsiapricesofbutadienewereassessedup
attheUSD1410/mtlevels.
Butadiene prices climbed in parts of Asia during week 4. CFR China prices of butadiene were
assessed up at the USD 1465/mt levels, a rise of USD 10/mt on the week. FOB Korea prices
were assessed flat at the USD 1455/mt levels. CFR South East Asia prices of butadiene were
assessedunchangedattheUSD1410/mtlevels.
C. Olefins
C1 Butadiene Summary

74

C1OlefinsAverageweeklyButadienePricesfor
Apr
13
Mar
13
Feb
13
Jan
13
Butadiene
South
Korea
1455 1455 1420 1411 1441 1436 1754 2034 1761
Japan 1445 1445 1412 1412 1443 1431 1757 2021 1742
C1 Butadiene Price Chart & Graphical Trend

75

PriceMovementofButadieneduringJanuary2013to
Grades Market
Apr13
Last4months(Jan13
Apr13)
High Low High Low
Butadiene
Japan 1475 1395 2095 1395

South
Korea
1470 1400 2105 1400
C1 Butadiene Price Movement

76

Ethylene prices inAsia assessed mixed on April3. Ethyleneprices wereassessed down at the
USD1345/mtCFRSouthEastAsialevels,adeclineofUSD15/mtontheday.Thepricefallwas
supportedbysluggishdownstreamPEdemandtrends.Meanwhile,CFRNorthEastAsiaprices
wereassessedhigherattheUSD1300/mtlevels,adayondayriseofUSD15/mt.
Ethylene prices in Asia were assessed mixed during week 1. CFR South East Asia prices were
assessed down at the USD 1320/mt levels, a sharp fall of USD USD 40/mt on the week.
Improvedproductavailabilityintheregionsupportedthepricefall.CFRNorthEastAsiaprices
ofethylenewereassessedupattheUSD1300/mtlevels,aweekonweekriseofUSD15/mt.
FOB Korea prices of ethylene were assessed up at the USD 1235/mt levels, a week on week
gainofUSD15/mt.
EthylenepricesinAsiaplungedonApril8.Thepricefallwasonthebackofweakerupstream
crude and naphtha rates coupled with very sluggish downstream demand trends. CFR South
East Asia prices were assessed at the USD 1280/mt levels, plunge USD 40/mt from April 5
assessed levels. CFR North East Asia prices of ethylene were assessed down at the USD
1290/mtmark,adropofUSD10/mt.
EthylenepricesinAsiaslippedonApril11.Thepricefallwasonthebackofadropinupstream
crude and naphtha values coupledwith sluggish downstream demand trends. CFR North East
Asia prices of ethylene were assessed down at the USD 1265/mt mark, a day on day drop of
USD 5/mt. CFR South East Asia prices were assessed at the USD 1265/mt levels, a fall of USD
15/mt.
AsianpricesofEthyleneplungedduringweek2.Thepricefallwaspromptedbyacombination
of bearish triggers including sinking prices of crude and naphtha, subdued buying sentiments
andweakdownstreamdemandtrends.OnApril12,CFRSouthEastAsiapriceswereassessed
downattheUSD1260/mtlevels,asteepdropofUSD60/mtontheweek.CFRNorthEastAsia
pricesofethylenewereassessedlowerattheUSD1250/mtlevels,asharpweekonweekfall
ofUSD50/mt.
EthylenepricesinAsiadriftedloweronApril16.Subduedbuyinginterestsandampleproduct
avails in the region coupled with weaker upstreamcrudeand naphtha values together pulled
pricesofethylenelower.CFRSouthEastAsiapriceswereassesseddownattheUSD1230/mt
levels, a sharp day on day fall of USD 25/mt. CFR North East Asia prices of ethylene were
assesseddownattheUSD1230/mtmark,adayondayfallofUSD15/mt.
C2 Ethylene Summary

77

EthylenepricestumbledinAsiaduringweek3.Thepricefallwasonthebackofasharpweek
on week drop in upstream crude and naphtha values. Supporting the sharp price fall were
ampleproductavailsandsluggishdownstreamdemandtrendsintheregion.FOBKoreaprices
ofethylenewereassesseddownattheUSD1120/mtlevels,asteepdropofUSD60/mtonthe
week.CFRNorthEastAsiapricesofethylenewereassessedlowerattheUSD1190/mtlevels,a
sharp week on week fall of USD 60/mt. CFR South East Asia prices were assessed at the USD
1210/mtlevels,adropofUSD50/mtontheweek.
Ethylene prices inched lower in parts of Asia on April 22. The price fall was on the back of
sluggishbuyingsentimentscoupledwithreportsofsufficientproductavailabilityintheregion.
CFRNorthEastAsiapricesofethylenewereassesseddownattheUSD1185/mtmark,afallof
USD 5/mt from April 19 assessed level. CFR South East Asia prices were assessed at the USD
1210/mtlevels.
Ethylene prices in Asia were assessed mixed on April 25. CFR North East Asia prices were
assesseddownattheUSD1165/mtlevels,adayondaydeclineUSD20/mt.Reportsofample
productavailsintheregionsupportedthepricefall.Ethylenepricesmeanwhilewereassessed
higher at the USD 1215/mt CFR South East Asia levels, a rise of USD 5/mt on the day. Prices
climbedonthebackoftightproductavailabilityintheregion.
EthylenepriceswereassessedmixedinAsiaduringweek4.FOBKoreapricesofethylenewere
assesseddownattheUSD1080/mtlevels,atumbleofUSD40/mtontheweek.CFRNorthEast
AsiapricesofethylenewereassessedlowerattheUSD1160/mtlevels,asharpweekonweek
fall of USD 30/mt. The price fall was attributed to ample product avails and sluggish
downstream demand trends in the region. CFR South East Asia prices were assessed at the
USD1215/mtlevels,ariseofUSD5/mt.
Ethylene prices on April 29 were assessed stable across Asia. Holidays in China saw regional
buying activity crippled. Buying action in the downstream PE markets was also at a standstill
on account of labour day holidays in China. CFR North East Asia prices of ethylene were
assessedflatattheUSD1160/mtlevelswhileCFRSouthEastAsiapriceswereassessedatthe
USD1215/mtlevels.

78

C2OlefinsAverageWeeklyEthylenePrices
Apr
13
Mar
13
Feb
13
Jan
13
Ethylene
South
Korea
1080 1107 1169 1235 1225 1163 1247 1365 1277
Japan 1065 1092 1155 1225 1215 1150 1234 1350 1266
SEAsia 1215 1212 1228 1273 1342 1254 1389 1421 1371

C2 Ethylene Price Chart & Graphical Trends

79

PriceMovementofEthyleneduringJanuary2013to
Grades Market
Apr13
Last4months(Jan13
Apr13)
High Low High Low
Ethylene
Japan 1225 1065 1355 1065

South
Korea
1235 1080 1370 1080
SEAsia 1360 1210 1440 1210
C2 Ethylene Price Movement

80

PropylenepricesinAsiaclimbedonApril3.FOBKoreapricesofpropylenewereassessedupat
theUSD1310/mtlevels,adayondayriseofUSD10/mt.CFRChinapriceswereassessedatthe
USD1345/mtlevels.
Despiteafallinupstreamenergyvalues,propylenepricesinAsiafinishedhigherduringweek
1. Prices climbed as availability in the region continued to remain constrained. FOB Korea
pricesofpropylenewereassessedupattheUSD1310/mtlevels,aweekonweekriseofUSD
10/mt.CFRChinapriceswereassessedupattheUSD1345/mtlevels,againofUSD5/mt.CFR
SouthEastAsiapricesofpropylenewereassessedflatattheUSD1375/mtlevels.
On April 8, propylene prices in Asia dipped. Weak buyer sentiments coupled with a fall in
downstream PP values pressured spot propylene prices lower. FOB Korea prices of propylene
wereassessedattheUSD1300/mtlevels,afallofUSD10/mtfromApril5assessedlevels.CFR
ChinapricesweredownattheUSD1340/mtlevels,adropofUSD5/mt.
Propylene prices in Asia slide during week 2. Softer upstream crude and naphtha values
supportedthepricefallinAsianpropyleneasdidreportsofsluggishbuyingsentimentsinthe
downstream PP markets. FOB Korea prices of propylene were assessed down at the USD
1275/mtlevels,asteepfallofUSD35/mtontheweek.CFRChinapriceswereassessedlower
at the USD 1325/mt levels, a week on week fall of USD 20/mt. CFR South East Asia prices of
propylene were assessed at the USD 1355/mt levels, down USD 20/mt on the week. In plant
news, Mitsubishi Chemical is likely to shut its cracker located at Mizushima, Japan, for a
maintenanceturnaroundonMay17,2013,foraperiodofaround4550days.Thecrackerhas
an ethylene production capacity of 495,000 mt/year and propylene capacity of 320,000
mt/year.
PropylenepricesinAsiadroppedonApril16.Pricesfellonthebackofweakerupstreamcrude
and naphtha rates and sluggish downstream demand sentiments in the region. CFR China
prices were assessed down at the USD 1275/mt levels, a day on day fall of USD 20/mt. FOB
Korea prices of propylene were assessed down at the USD 1225/mt levels, a drop of USD
10/mt.
Propylene prices in Asia plunged during week 3. Prices were hammereddown on the back of
bearish upstream energy rates coupled with extremely sluggish buying cues from the
downstreammarkets.FOBKoreapricesofpropylenewereassesseddownattheUSD1225/mt
levels, a tumble of USD 50/mt on the week. CFR China prices were assessed at the USD
C3 Propylene Summary

81

1280/mt levels, a week on week fall of USD 45/mt. CFR South East Asia prices of propylene
wereassesseddownattheUSD1310/mtlevels,adropofUSD45/mtontheweek.
Propylene prices in Asia climbed on April 25. Bullish upstream energy values coupled with
gainsindownstreamPPratessupportedthepriceclimb.FOBKoreapricesofpropylenewere
assessedupattheUSD1230/mtlevels,adayondayriseofUSD5/mt.CFRChinapriceswere
assessedhigherattheUSD1300/mtlevels,againofUSD10/mt.
Propylene prices in Asia climbed during week 4. The price rise was prompted by higher
upstream crude and naphtha rates. FOB Korea prices of propylene were assessed up at the
USD1235/mtlevels,againofUSD10/mtontheweek.CFRChinapriceswereassessedatthe
USD 1300/mt levels, a week on week rise of USD 20/mt. CFR South East Asia prices of
propylenewereassessedflatattheUSD1310/mtlevels.

82

C3OlefinsAverageweeklyPropylenePrices
Apr
13
Mar
13
Feb
13
Jan
13
Propylene
South
Korea
1235 1228 1227 1291 1307 1258 1286 1361 1273
Japan 1220 1213 1240 1268 1275 1243 1263 1347 1237
SEAsia 1310 1310 1340 1368 1375 1341 1374 1396 1261
C3 Propylene Price Chart & Graphical Trend

83

PriceMovementofPropyleneduringJanuary2013to
Grades Market
Apr13
Last4months(Jan13
Apr13)
High Low High Low
Propylene
Japan 1275 1210 1365 1180

South
Korea
1310 1225 1375 1220
SEAsia 1375 1310 1430 1220
C3 Propylene Price Movement

84

SM prices firmed in Asia on April 2. Prices climbed on the back of tight product availability in
theregion.Thepricerisewassupportedbygainsinfeedstockbenzenerates.FOBKoreaprices
ofSMwereassessedupattheUSD1645/mtlevels,adayondayriseofUSD20/mt.CFRChina
prices were assessed up at the USD 1675/mt levels. In China, domestic prices of SM were
higher at the Yuan 12600/mt ex tank levels. In plant news, NS Styrene Monomer has shut its
190,000mt/yearNo.2SMplantlocatedatOita,JapanforamaintenanceturnaroundonApril
1,2013.TheplantisexpectedtoremainshutuntilmidJuly2013.
SM prices finished higher in Asia on April 3. Prices firmed on the back of improved buying
sentiment in the region and limited avails. The price rise was also supported by gains in
feedstock benzene prices. FOB Korea prices of SM were assessed up at the USD 1660/mt
levels, a day on day rise of USD 20/mt. CFR China prices were assessed higher at the USD
1690/mtlevels.InChina,domesticpricesofSMwereattheYuan12750/mtextanklevels.
Styrene Monomer (SM) prices in Asia inched lower on April 4. Prices fell on the back of a
declineinupstreamcrudeandbenzenevalues.FOBKoreapricesofSMwereassesseddownat
theUSD1650/mtlevels,afallofUSD10/mt.CFRChinapriceswereassesseddownattheUSD
1680/mt levels. In the domestic markets of China, SM prices were assessed at the Yuan
12750/mtlevels.
Styrene Monomer (SM) prices in Asia firmed during week 1. Continued tight supplies in the
region pushed prices higher. FOB Korea prices of SM were assessed up at the USD 1655/mt
FOBKorealevels,aweekonweekriseofUSD25/mt.CFRChinapriceswereassessedupatthe
USD1685/mtlevels.CFRSouthEastAsiapriceswereassessedupattheUSD1690/mtlevels,a
weekonweekgainofUSD25/mt.Inthedomesticmarkets,SMpriceswerehigherattheYuan
12750/mtextankmark.
Prices of SM in Asia inched lower on April 9. Prices fell in tandem with softer upstream
ethylenevaluesanddullbuyinginterestintheregion.FOB KoreapricesofSMwereassessed
down at the USD 1650/mt levels, a drop of USD 5/mt on the day. CFR China prices were
assessed down at the USD 1680/mt levels. In the domestic markets of China, SM prices were
assessedlowerattheYuan12725/mtextanklevels.
D. Feedstock
D1 Styrene Monomer Summary

85

Prices of SM in Asia inched lower on April 11. Prices fell in tandem with softer upstream
ethylene and benzene values and dull buying interest in the region. FOB Korea prices of SM
were assessed down at the USD 1645/mt levels, a day on day drop of USD 5/mt. CFR China
prices wereassessed down at the USD 1675/mt levels. In the domestic markets of China, SM
priceswereassessedattheYuan12625/mtextanklevels.
Spot prices of SM were assessed lower in Asia during week 2. Supporting the price fall was a
declineinupstreamethyleneandbenzenevaluescoupledwithdulldemandsentimentsinthe
region. FOB Korea prices of SM were assessed down at the USD 1645/mt levels, a week on
weekfallofUSD10/mt.CFRChinapriceswereassesseddownattheUSD1675/mtlevels.CFR
SouthEastAsiapriceswereassesseddownattheUSD1680/mtlevels,adropofUSD10/mton
theweek.Inthedomesticmarkets,SMpriceswerelowerattheYuan12625/mtextankmark.
Prices of SM in Asia declined on April 15. Prices fell in tandem withsofter upstreamethylene
and benzene values coupled with a fall in prices of crude. FOB Korea prices of SM were
assesseddownattheUSD1625/mtlevels,adropofUSD 20/mtfrom April12assessedlevel.
CFR China prices were assessed down at the USD 1655/mt levels. In the domestic markets of
China,SMpriceswereassessedlowerattheYuan12475/mtextanklevels.
Styrene Monomer (SM) prices in Asia dropped on April 16. Spot prices were pressured down
onthebackofsinkingupstreamcrude,naphtharatescoupledwithafallinfeedstockbenzene
andethylenevalues.FOBKoreapricesofSMwereassesseddownattheUSD1605/mt,aday
ondayfallofUSD20/mt.CFRChinapriceswereassesseddownattheUSD1635/mtlevels.In
the domestic China markets, SM prices were assessed lower at the Yuan 12350/mt ex tank
levels. In plant news, Saudi Petrochemical Company (Sadaf) has resumed production at its
580,000 mt/year SM plant located at AlJubail, Saudi Arabia. The plant had undergone a
scheduledmaintenanceturnaroundinearlyMarch2013.
Styrene Monomer (SM) prices in Asia edged higher on April 17. The price rise was supported
by firmer upstream benzene values. FOB Korea prices of SM were assessed up at the USD
1610/mt levels, a gain of USD 5/mt on the day. CFR China prices wereassessed higher at the
USD1640/mtlevels.InthedomesticmarketsofChina,SMpriceswereassessedupattheYuan
12500/mtlevels.
Styrene Monomer (SM) prices in Asia declined during week 3. Spot prices were pressured
down on the back of sinking upstream crude and naphtha values coupled with a sharp fall in
feedstockethylenerates.OnApril19,althoughpricesclimbedontheday,SMwasassessedat
theUSD1625/mtFOBKorealevels,aweekonweekfallofUSD20/mt.CFRChinapriceswere
assesseddownattheUSD1655/mtlevels.CFRSouthEastAsiapriceswereassesseddownat

86

theUSD1660/mtlevels,adropofUSD20/mt.Inthedomesticmarkets,SMpriceswereatthe
Yuan12700/mtextankmark.
Despiteafallinupstreambenzenevalues,pricesofSMinAsiainchedhigheronApril23.Prices
climbedonthebackoftightproductavailabilityintheregion.FOBKoreapriceswereassessed
up at the USD 1630/mt levels, a gain of USD 5/mt on the day. CFR China prices of SM were
assessed up at the USD 1660/mt levels. In the domestic markets of China, SM prices were
assessedattheYuan12675/mtextanklevels.
StyreneMonomer(SM)pricesinAsiainchedhigherduringweek4.Thepricerisewasaresult
of tight product availability in the region. FOB Korea prices of SM were assessed at the USD
1630/mtFOBKorealevels,aweekonweekriseofUSD5/mt.CFRChinapriceswereassessed
up at the USD 1660/mt levels. CFR South East Asia prices were assessed up at the USD
1665/mt levels, a rise of USD 5/mt. In the domestic markets, SM prices were at the Yuan
12675/mtextankmark.

87

D1FeedstockStyreneMonomerPricesfor
April2013(USD/Tonne)@CNFIndia
Grade W5 W4 W3 W2 W1
Apr
13
Mar
13
Feb
13
Jan
13
Styrene
Monomer
1655 1655 1678 1710 1710 1682 1701 1763 1741
D1 Styrene Monomer Price Chart & Graphical Trend

88

PriceMovementofStyreneMonomerduringJanuary2013to
Grade
Apr13
Last4months(Jan13
Apr13)
High Low High Low
Styrene
Monomer
1720 1655 1770 1655
D1 Styrene Monomer Price Movement

89

EDCandVCMpricesslippedinAsiaduringweek1.Theabsenceofbuyerswieldeddownward
pressureonspotpricesasdidasharpdeclineindownstreamPVCpricesintheregion.CFRFar
EastAsiapricesofEDCwereassesseddownattheUSD380/mtlevels,aweekonweekfallof
USD15/mt.CFRSouthEastAsiapriceswereassessedattheUSD385/mtlevels,adropofUSD
20/mt on the week. VCM prices in Asia were pressured lower due to a fall in upstream EDC
rates and a steep decline in downstream PVC prices. CFR Far East Asia prices of VCM were
assessed down at the USD 845/mt levels, a week on week fall of USD 15/mt. CFR South East
AsiapriceswereassesseddownattheUSD880/mtlevels,asharpdropofUSD30/mt.
EDC prices in Asia tumbled duringweek 2. Prices fell not only on the back of subdued buying
butalsoonaccountofasharpdeclineinfeedstockethylenerates.CFRFarEastAsiapricesof
EDCwereassesseddownattheUSD370/mtlevels,aweekonweekdropofUSD10/mtwhile
CFR South East Asia prices were lower at the USD 370/mt levels, a fall of USD 15/mt. VCM
pricesalsofell.PricesinAsiawerepressuredlowerduetothefallinupstreamEDCrates.CFR
FarEastAsiapricesofVCMwereassesseddownattheUSD810/mtlevels,plungeUSD35/mt.
CFRSouthEastAsiapriceswereassessedlowerattheUSD875/mtlevels,downUSD5/mton
theweek.
EDC prices in Asia dropped during week 3. Sliding prices of feedstock ethylene wielded
downward pressure on spot EDC prices. CFR Far East Asia and CFR South East Asia prices of
EDCwereassesseddownattheUSD350/mtlevels,aweekonweekdropofUSD20/mt.VCM
pricesalsodeclined.CFRFarEastAsiapricesofVCMwereassessedattheUSD790/mtlevels,a
fall of USD 20/mt. CFR South East Asia prices were assessed lower at the USD 855/mt levels,
down USD 20/mt on the week. VCM prices in Asia were pressured lower due to the fall in
upstreamEDCratesandthedeclineindownstreamPVCprices.
Despiteweakerfeedstockethylenevalues,EDCpriceswereassessedsteadyduringweek4in
Asia. CFR Far East Asia prices of EDC were assessed flat at the USD 350/mt levels. CFR South
East Asia prices of EDC were assessed steady at the USD 350/mt levels. VCM prices were
assessedflatattheUSD790/mtCFRFarEastAsialevelswhileCFRSouthEastAsiapriceswere
assessedunchangedattheUSD855/mtlevels.Inplantnews,HanwhaChemicalislikelytoshut
its 200,000 mt/year No.1 VCM plant located at Yeosu, South Korea for a maintenance
turnaround. The plant is expected to be takenoffstream in early 4th week of May2013 for a
periodofaround50days.
D2 EDC/VCM Summary

90

D2FeedstockAverageWeeklyEDC/VCMPrices
Apr
13
Mar
13
Feb
13
Jan
13
FarEastAsiaCFR
EDC 350 350 363 375 390 366 402 391 359
VCM 790 790 803 828 855 813 909 925 844
SouthEastAsiaCFR
EDC 350 350 363 378 398 368 412 384 342
VCM 885 885 868 878 900 883 952 960 907

D2 EDC/VCM Price Chart & Graphical Trend

91

PriceMovementofEDC/VCMduringJanuary2013to
Grade
Apr13
Last4months(Jan13
Apr13)
High Low High Low
EDC
FEAsia 395 350 405 315
SEAsia 405 350 415 315
VCM
FEAsia 860 790 945 790
SEAsia 910 855 980 835
D2 EDC/VCM Price Movement

92

GainsinupstreamPXpricessupportedapriceriseinspotAsianPTApricesonApril2.Reports
ofanincreaseinMEGvaluesalsohelpedboostspotpurchaseinterestinPTA.CFRChinaprices
of PTA were assessed up at the USD 1040/mt levels, a rise of USD 5/mt on the day. In China,
domesticpricesofPTAwereupYuan125/mt,attheYuan7760/mtlevels.
PTApricesinAsiabolsteredhigheronApril3.Pricegainsweretriggeredbyimprovedregional
buyingtrends.ThepricerisewasalsosupportedbyhigherupstreamPXvaluesandanincrease
infellowpolyesterfeedstockMEGrates.CFRChinapricesofPTAwereassessedupattheUSD
1060/mt levels, a climb USD 20/mt on the day. In the domestic markets of China, PTA prices
wereassessedupattheYuan7850/mtlevels.
AspikeinAsianpricesofPXduringweek1supportedariseinspotpricesofPTA. Pricegains
wasattributedtoimproveddownstreamdemandinChina'spolyestersector.CFRChinaprices
of PTA were assessed at the USD 1060/mt levels, a week on week surge of USD 20/mt while
CFR South East Asia prices were assessed higher at the USD 1065/mt. In the domestic China
markets, PTA prices were assessed at the Yuan 7850/mt levels. In China, Sinopec has
nominateditsPTAcontractpriceforAprilatYuan8400/mtlevels.Thispricerepresentsaroll
overfromitsMarchlevels.
DespiteariseinupstreamPXvalues,pricesofPTAinAsiaedgedloweronApril8.Adeclinein
fellowpolyesterfeedstockMEGvaluessupportedthefallinspotPTAprices.CFRChinaprices
of PTA were assessed down at the USD 1055/mt levels, a fall of USD 5/mt from April 5
assessedlevels.Inthedomesticmarkets,PTApricesweredownattheYuan7810/mtlevels.
Prices of PTA on April 10 bolstered higher in Asia. Firmer upstream PX prices were seen
supporting the increase in spot PTA prices. CFR China prices of PTA were assessed up at the
USD1070/mtlevels,adayondayriseofUSD15/mt.InChina,domesticpricesofPTAwereup
byYuan155/mttoYuan8010/mtlevels.
PTApricesinAsiainchedhigherduringweek2.Pricegainsweretriggeredbyfirmerfeedstock
PXvalues.CFRChinapricesofPTAwereassessedattheUSD1065/mtlevels,aweekonweek
riseofUSD5/mtwhileCFRSouthEastAsiapriceswereassessedhigherattheUSD1070/mt.In
the domestic China markets, PTA prices were assessed up at the Yuan 7910/mt levels. The
pricerisewasalsosupportedbyimproveddemandtrendsindownstreampolyestermarkets.
Prices of purified terephthalic acid (PTA) on April 16 edged down in Asia. The price fall was a
result of a drop in feedstock PX values. CFR China prices of PTA were assessed down at the
D3 PTA Summary

93

USD 1045/mt levels, a day on day fall of USD 5/mt. A decline in fellow polyester feedstock
MEGvaluesalsosupportedthefallinspotPTAprices.
PricesofPTAinAsiadeclinedonApril18.ThepricefallwastriggeredbyadropinfeedstockPX
prices. CFR China prices were assessed at the USD 1025/mt levels, a day on day fall of USD
15/mt. In the domestic markets of China, prices of PTA were assessed lower at the Yuan
7650/mtlevels.
Prices of purified terephthalic acid (PTA) slipped in Asia during week 3. The price fall was a
result of a sharp drop in upstream PX values coupled with bearish demand trends in
downstream polyester markets. On April 19, although prices climbed on the day, PTA was
assessedattheUSD1030/mtCFRChinalevels,aweekonweekfallofUSD35/mt. CFRSouth
EastAsiapriceswereassesseddownattheUSD1035/mt.InthedomesticChinamarkets,PTA
priceswereassessedlowerattheYuan7750/mtlevels.
DespiteariseinupstreamPXvalues,pricesofPTAinAsiaedgedloweronApril22.CFRChina
pricesofPTAwereassesseddownattheUSD1025/mtlevels,afallofUSD5/mtfromApril19
assessedlevels.Inthedomesticmarkets,PTApriceswereattheYuan7750/mtlevels.
PricesofPTAinAsiaslippedonApril23.Thepricefallwastriggeredbyadeclineinfeedstock
PX prices. CFR China prices of PTA were assessed down at the USD 1015/mt levels, a day on
day fall of USD 10/mt. In China, domestic prices were lower at the Yuan 7700/mt levels. A
declineinMEGvaluesalsosupportedthefallinspotPTAprices.
PTA prices in Asia edged up on April 24. Price gains were prompted by a rise in upstream PX
values.CFRChinapricesofPTAwereassessedupattheUSD1020/mtlevels,adayondayrise
ofUSD5/mt.InthedomesticmarketsofChina,pricesofPTAwereattheYuan7680/mtlevels.
PTApricesfinishedhigherinAsiaonApril25.AriseinupstreamPXcostscoupledwithreports
of a spike in PTA futures on the Zhengzhou Commodity Exchange supported the price climb.
CFRChinapricesofPTAwereassessedupattheUSD1030/mtmark,adayondaygainofUSD
10/mt.InChina,domesticpricesofPTAwereupYuan105/mt,attheYuan7800/mtlevels.
Prices of PTA in Asia were assessed steady during week 4. CFR China prices of PTA were
assessed flat at the USD 1030/mt levels. CFR South East Asia prices of PTA were assessed
unchanged at the USD 1035/mt levels. Domestic prices of PTA in China were at the Yuan
7750/mtlevels.

94

D3FeedstockAverageWeeklyPTAPricesfor
Apr
13
Mar
13
Feb
13
Jan
13
FarEastAsiaCFR
PTA 1030 1025 1043 1062 1049 1042 1106 1192 1191
SouthEastAsiaCFR
PTA 1035 1030 1048 1067 1054 1047 1103 1187 1183
D3 PTA Price Chart & Graphical Trend

95

PriceMovementofPTAduringJanuary2013to
Grade
Apr13
Last4months(Jan13
Apr13)
High Low High Low
PTA
FEAsia 1070 1015 1215 1040
SEAsia 1075 1020 1210 1045
D3 PTA Price Movement

96

On April 2, MEG prices firmed in Asia. Gains in PTA numbers prompted the increase in spot
MEG rates as did reports of a slight improvement in the flow of need based inquiries. CFR
China prices of MEG were assessed up at the USD 985/mt levels, a rise of USD 15/mt on the
day.InChina,localpricesofMEGwerehigherattheYuan7360/mtlevels.
OnApril3,MEGpricesinAsiamarchedhigher.FirmerPTAnumberspromptedtheincreasein
spotMEGrates.CFRChinapricesofMEGwereassessedupattheUSD1005/mtlevels,aday
ondayriseofUSD20/mt.InChina,localpricesofMEGwereupattheYuan7450/mtlevels.
MEG prices marched higher in Asia during week 1. The price rise was a result of improved
demand trends in downstream polyester markets. Firmer polyester cofeedstock PTA rates
supportedthepricerise.CFRChinaandCFRSouthEastAsiapricesofMEGwereassessedupat
theUSD1005/mtlevels,againofUSD20/mtontheweek.InthedomesticmarketsofChina,
MEGpriceswereassessedattheYuan7450/mtlevels.
MEG prices on April 8 edged lower in Asia. Prices dropped on the back of a fall witnessed in
ethylene feedstock values. Supporting the decline was a drop in fellow polyester feedstock
PTAprices.CFRChinapricesofMEGwereassesseddownattheUSD1000/mtlevels,afallof
USD 5/mt from April 5 assessed prices. In the domestic markets of China, MEG prices were
downattheYuan7430/mtlevels.
Despite weaker feedstock ethylene values, MEG prices in Asia on April 9 edged higher. CFR
China prices of MEG were assessed up at the USD 1005/mt levels, a day on day rise of USD
5/mt.InChina,localpricesofMEGwereattheYuan7410/mtlevels.
MEG prices in Asia on April 10 firmed. Price gains were prompted by a rise in polyester co
feedstock PTA and improved demand sentiments. CFR China prices were assessed up at the
USD 1020/mt levels, a day on day rise of USD 15/mt. In China, domestic prices of MEG were
assessedupattheYuan7600/mtlevels.
Despiteweakercrudeandnaphtharatesandadeclinerecordedinupstreamethylenevalues,
MEGpricesinAsiaonApril11edgedhigher.CFRChinapricesofMEGwereassessedupatthe
USD1025/mtlevels,adayondayriseofUSD5/mt.InChina,localpricesofMEGwereatthe
Yuan7550/mtlevels.
MEG prices climbed in Asia during week 2. Price gains were prompted by a rise in fellow
polyester cofeedstock PTA values and reports of improved downstream demand sentiments
intheregion.CFRChinaandCFRSouthEastAsiapricesofMEGwereassessedupattheUSD
D4 MEG Summary

97

1025/mt levels, a week on week rise of USD 20/mt. In the domestic markets of China, MEG
priceswereassessedhigherattheYuan7700/mtlevels.
MEG prices in Asia dropped on April 16. Prices slipped on the back of a fall in ethylene
feedstockvaluesandadeclinewitnessedinpolyestercofeedstockPTArates.CFRChinaprices
of MEG were assessed down at the USD 1005/mt, a day on day fall of USD 5/mt. In the
domesticmarketsofChina,MEGpriceswereattheYuan7450/mtlevels.
MEG prices on April 18 slide in Asia. Prices dropped on the back of a sharp fall witnessed in
ethylene feedstock values. Supporting the decline was a drop in fellow polyester feedstock
PTAprices.CFRChinapricesofMEGwereassesseddownattheUSD985/mt,atumbleofUSD
20/mtontheday.InChinatoopricesdeclinedwithMEGratesdownYuan80/monthedayat
theYuan7330/mtlevels.
MEG prices in Asia slipped during week 3. Prices declined on the back of weak energy values
and a steep fall in ethylene feedstock rates. Supporting the price fall were softer fellow
polyester feedstock PTA prices. On April 19, although prices climbed on the day, MEG was
assessed at the USD 995/mt CFR China levels, a week on week fall of USD 30/mt. CFR South
East Asia prices of MEG were at the USD 995/mt levels, down USD 30/mt. In the domestic
marketsofChina,localpricesofMEGweredownattheYuan7390/mtlevels.
MEG prices on April 23 down adjusted in Asia. Prices fell on the back of a drop in fellow
polyester feedstock PTA prices. CFR China prices of MEG were assessed down at the USD
990/mt, a fall of USD 5/mt on the day. In the domestic markets of China, MEG prices were
downattheYuan7320/mtlevels.
Despite stable upstream ethylene values, MEG prices edged down in Asia on April 24. CFR
ChinapricesofMEGwereassesseddownattheUSD985/mt,adayondayfallofUSD5/mt.In
thedomesticmarketsofChina,MEGpriceswereattheYuan7360/mtlevels.
Despiteweakerfeedstockethylenevalues,MEGpricesinAsiainchedhigheronApril25.Prices
gainedonthebackofariseinfellowpolyesterfeedstockPTAvalues.CFRChinapricesofMEG
were assessed up at the USD 990/mt levels, a rise of USD 5/mt on the day. In China, local
pricesofMEGwerehigherattheYuan7400/mtlevels.
MEG prices in Asia edged lower during week 4. Prices fell on the back of quiet buying trends
aheadofnextweekslabourdayholidaysinChina.CFRChinapricesofMEGwereassessedat
the USD 990/mt levels, a week on week fall of USD 5/mt. CFR South East Asia prices of MEG
wereattheUSD990/mtlevels,downUSD5/mt.InthedomesticmarketsofChina,localprices
ofMEGwerelowerattheYuan7320/mtlevels.

98

D4FeedstockAverageWeeklyMEGPrices@CNFIndiabasisfor
Apr
13
Mar
13
Feb
13
Jan
13
MEG 990 991 1007 1014 993 999 1031 1166 1186
PriceMovementofMEGduringJanuary2013to
Grade
Apr13
Last4months(Jan13
Apr13)
High Low High Low
MEG 1025 970 1215 970
D4 MEG Price Movement
D4 MEG Price Chart & Graphical Trend

99

As demand for ACN continued sluggish in Asia during week 1, prices were seen further
tumbling. CFR Far East Asia prices of ACN were assessed down at the USD 1815/mt levels,
tumble USD 90/mt on the week. CFR South East Asia prices were assessed down at the USD
1825/mt levels, a steep week on week fall of USD 90/mt. CFR South Asia prices of ACN were
assessedattheUSD1825/mtlevels,downUSD90/mtontheweek.Inthedomesticmarketsof
China,pricesofACNwereassesseddownattheYuan12800/mtlevels.
Acrylonitrile(ACN)pricesduringweek2declinedinAsia.Pricesfellonthebackofdullregional
buying sentiments and a week on week fall in feedstock propylene rates. CFR Far East Asia
prices of ACN were assessed down at the USD 1805/mt levels, a week on week fall of USD
10/mt.CFRSouthEastAsiapriceswereassesseddownattheUSD1815/mtlevels,adeclineof
USD 10/mt. CFR South Asia prices of ACN were assessed lower at the USD 1815/mt levels. In
the domestic markets of China, prices of ACN were assessed down at the Yuan 12600/mt
levels.
Acrylonitrile (ACN) prices during week 3 inched lower in Asia. Supporting the price fall were
weakerupstreamcrude,naphthaandpropylenevalues.CFRFarEastAsiapricesofACNwere
assessed down at the USD 1800/mt levels, a week on week fall of USD 5/mt. CFR South East
AsiapriceswereassesseddownattheUSD1810/mtlevels,adeclineofUSD5/mt.CFRSouth
AsiapricesofACNwereassesseddownattheUSD1810/mtlevels.Inthedomesticmarketsof
China,pricesofACNwereassessedattheYuan12700/mtlevels.
Pricesofacrylonitrile(ACN)tumbledduringweek4inAsia.Ampleproductavailabilitycoupled
with bearish downstream ABS demand trends in the region supported the price fall. CFR Far
East Asia prices of ACN were assessed down at the USD 1750/mt levels, a plunge of USD
45/mt.CFRSouthEast AsiapriceswereassessedattheUSD1760/mtlevels,aweekonweek
drop of USD 50/mt. CFR South Asia prices of ACN were assessed lower at the USD 1755/mt
levels. In the domestic markets of China, prices of ACN were assessed at the Yuan 12900/mt
levels.
Despite firmer feedstock propylene rates, prices of acrylonitrile (ACN) drifted lower in Asia
during week 5. The price fall was on account of dull buying sentiments in the region. CFR Far
EastAsiapricesofACNwereassesseddownattheUSD1740/mtlevels,adropofUSD10/mt
E. Intermediates
E1 Acrylonitrile (ACN) Summary

100

ontheweek.CFRSouthEastAsiapriceswereassessedattheUSD1730/mtlevels,aweekon
weekfallofUSD30/mt.CFRSouthAsiapricesofACNwereassesseddownattheUSD1730/mt
levels,adeclineofUSD25/mt.
E1IntermediatesAverageWeeklyAcrylonitrilePrices
Apr
13
Mar
13
Feb
13
Jan
13
FarEastAsiaCFR
ACN 1750 1767 1802 1807 1845 1794 1993 2002 1878
SouthEastAsiaCFR
ACN 1760 1777 1812 1817 1855 1804 1995 2004 1886
E1 Acrylonitrile (ACN) Price Chart & Graphical Trend

101

PriceMovementofACNduringJanuary2013to
Petrochemical
Intermediates
Apr13
Last4months(Jan13
Apr13)
High Low High Low
ACN
FEAsia 1905 1750 2025 1750
SEAsia 1915 1760 2025 1760
E1 Acrylonitrile (ACN) Price Movement

102

DOP prices in Asia inched higher during week 1, rising in tandem with gains recorded in
upstream 2EH. Also seen supporting firmer DOP rates was a climb in regional prices of PA
feedstock.CFRChinapricesofDOPwereassessedupattheUSD1710/mtlevels,againofUSD
5/mt. CFR South East Asia prices were assessed up at the USD 1770/mt levels, a rise of USD
5/mtontheweek.DomesticpricesofDOPinChinawereassessedattheYuan12300/mtmark.
DOP prices in Asia edged higher during week 2. Prices climbed on the back of reports of
improvedregionalbuyingtrendscoupledwithgainsinfeedstockPA.CFRChinapricesofDOP
were assessed up at the USD 1715/mt levels, a week on week gain of USD 5/mt. CFR South
EastAsiapriceswereassessedupattheUSD1775/mtlevels,ariseofUSD5/mtontheweek.
DomesticpricesofDOPinChinawereassessedhigherattheYuan12500/mtmark.
DOP prices fell in Asia during week 3 as buying trends softened in the region. Supporting the
price fall were weaker upstream 2EH and PA values. CFR China prices of DOP were assessed
down at the USD 1695/mt levels, a week on week drop of USD 20/mt. CFR South East Asia
priceswereassesseddownattheUSD1755/mtlevels,afallofUSD20/mt.InChinasdomestic
market,pricesofDOPwereassessedlowerattheYuan12400/mtmark.
DOP prices were assessed flat in Asia during week 4. CFR China prices of DOP were assessed
steady at the USD 1695/mt levels. CFR South East Asia prices were assessed flat at the USD
1755/mt levels. Domestic prices of DOP in China were assessed down at the Yuan 12300/mt
mark.Theregionalproductdemandisreportedtobepoor.
E2 DOP Summary

103

E2IntermediatesAverageWeeklyDOPPricesfor
Apr
13
Mar
13
Feb
13
Jan
13
FarEastAsiaCFR
DOP 1695 1695 1708 1712 1707 1703 1737 1772 1767
SouthEastAsiaCFR
DOP 1755 1755 1768 1772 1767 1763 1779 1802 1797

E2 DOP Price Chart & Graphical Trends

104

PriceMovementofDOPduringJanuary2013to
Petrochemical
Intermediates
Apr13
Last4months(Jan13
Apr13)
High Low High Low
DOP
FEAsia 1715 1695 1780 1695
SEAsia 1775 1755 1810 1755
E2 DOP Price Movement

105

InAsiaduringweek1,pricesof2EHclimbed.Thepricerisewasaresultofstrongerfeedstock
propylenevaluesontheonehandandariseindownstreamDOPratesontheother.CFRChina
pricesof2EHwereassessedupattheUSD1540/mtlevels,ariseofUSD10/mtontheweek.In
South East Asia, prices of 2EH were assessed up at the USD 1560/mt CFR levels. In China,
domesticpricesof2EHfirmedwithratesattheYuan11200/mtmark.
In Asia during week 2, prices of 2EH were seen sliding. Prices fell on the back of sluggish
regionaldemandtrendscoupledwithafallinupstreampropylenefeedstockrates.CFRChina
prices of 2EH were assessed down at the USD 1520/mt levels, a week on week fall of USD
20/mt. In South East Asia, prices of 2EH wereassessed lower at theUSD 1540/mt CFR levels,
down USD 20/mt. In China, domestic prices of 2EH were assessed up at the Yuan 11400/mt
mark. In plant news, Mitsubishi Chemical is likely to shut its 145000 mt/year 2EH and 95000
mt/year NBA plant located at Mizushima, Japan for a maintenance turnaround towards end
May2013.Theplantisexpectedtoremainshutforaround4045days.
Pricesof2EHtumbledduringweek3inAsia.Thepricefallwasonaccountofsofterpropylene
feedstock rates, a decline in prices of downstream DOP andsluggish regional buyinginterest.
CFR China prices of 2EH were assessed down at the USD 1490/mt levels, a sharp fall of USD
30/mtontheweek.InSouthEastAsia,pricesof2EHwereassessedlowerattheUSD1510/mt
CFRlevels,aweekonweekdropofUSD30/mt.InChina,domesticpricesof2EHwereassessed
downattheYuan11300/mtmark.
Despite weak demand trends in the region, prices of 2EH were assessed stable in Asia during
week 4. CFR China prices of 2EH were assessed flat at the USD 1490/mt levels. In South East
Asia, prices of 2EH were assessed unchanged at the USD 1510/mt CFR levels. In China,
domesticpricesof2EHwereassessedattheYuan11300/mtmark.
E3 2EH Summary

106

E3IntermediatesAverageweekly2EHPricesfor
Apr
13
Mar
13
Feb
13
Jan
13
FarEastAsiaCFR
2EH 1490 1490 1510 1533 1533 1511 1565 1600 1598
SouthEastAsiaCFR
2EH 1510 1510 1530 1553 1553 1531 1585 1620 1621
E3 2EH Price Chart & Graphical Trend

107

PriceMovementof2EHduringJanuary2013to
Petrochemical
Intermediates
Apr13
Last4months(Jan13
Apr13)
High Low High Low
2EH
FEAsia 1540 1490 1610 1490
SEAsia 1560 1510 1630 1510
E3 2EH Price Movement

108

AverydullbuyingmoodcontinuedtoprevailintheopenmarketsofMumbaionApril1.
BuyingactivityremainedverysoftonApril5intheopenmarketsofMumbai.
Thebuyingpulseremainedverysoftthroughouttheweek1intheopenmarketsofMumbai.
AslowbuyingmoodwasrecordedintheopenmarketsofMumbaiatthestartoftheweek2.
AslowbuyingmoodwasrecordedintheopenmarketsofMumbaionApril9.
OnApril10,aslowbuyingmoodwasrecordedintheopenmarketsofMumbai.
BuyingactivityremainedverysoftonApril11intheopenmarketsofMumbai.
Averydullbuyingmoodcontinuedtoprevailintheopen marketsofMumbaion April15,16
and17.
AveryslowbuyingmoodwasobservedintheopenmarketsofMumbaionApril18.
AveryslowbuyingmoodwasobservedintheopenmarketsofMumbaionApril19.
AnextremelysluggishbuyingmoodwasobservedintheopenmarketsofMumbaionApril22.
ThebuyingmoodwasveryslowintheopenmarketsofMumbaionApril23.
ThebuyingmoodwasverysluggishintheopenmarketsofMumbaionApril26.
F1 Indian Polymers Market Summary

F. Indian Polymers

109

PriceMovementofLLDPEinIndianPolymermarketforApril2013(Rs./Kg)
LLDPE
Apr13 Last4months(Jan'13Apr'13)
High Low High Low
Film 89.26 87.26 90.26 85.76
RotoMoulding 91.46 89.46 92.46 87.96
Injection
Moulding
95.26 94.26 96.26 91.26
Extrusion
Coating
91.76 89.76 92.76 88.26
PriceMovementofLDPEinIndianPolymermarketforApril2013(Rs./Kg)
(Note:LDPEpricesareexBhivandi,inclusiveofexciseduty)
LDPE
High Low High Low
General
Purpose
104.86 100.97 104.86 98.12
HeavyDuty 105.84 101.94 105.84 97.98
MilkPouch 108.70 105.89 109.82 103.08
Injection
Moulding
108.13 105.92 108.13 100.83
Lamination 111.48 108.11 111.48 104.18
PriceMovementofHDPEinIndianPolymermarketforApril2013(Rs./Kg)
HDPE
High Low High Low
Raffia 91.86 90.36 94.36 90.36
Film 87.46 84.96 88.96 83.96
Injection
Moulding
90.36 88.86 92.86 87.86
BlowMoulding 87.26 85.76 89.76 84.76
F2 Indian Polymers Price Movement

110

PriceMovementofPPinIndianPolymermarketforApril2013(Rs./Kg)
PP
High Low High Low
Raffia 95.75 92.75 99.70 92.75
InjectionMoulding 90.93 87.93 94.90 87.93
TQFilm 92.13 89.13 96.10 89.13
BlockCopolymer 92.53 89.53 96.50 89.53
RandomCopolymer 94.05 91.05 98.00 91.05
BOPP 92.74 89.74 96.70 89.74
PriceMovementofPVCinIndianPolymermarketforApril2013(Rs./Kg)
PVC
High Low High Low
Suspension 63.50 60.50 65.50 60.50
PriceMovementofPSinIndianPolymermarketforApril2013(Rs./Kg)
PS
High Low High Low
GPPS 115.00 115.00 115.00 111.00
HIPS 122.00 122.00 122.00 119.00
PriceMovementofABSinIndianPolymermarketforApril2013(Rs./Kg)
ABS
High Low High Low
ABS 128.97 128.97 133.97 126.97
PriceMovementofPETinIndianPolymermarketforApril2013(Rs./Kg)
PET
High Low High Low
Bottle 103.00 103.00 108.50 103.00

111

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POLYMERUPDATE - Asian Petrochemical

Monthly Price Watch Report

Crude Oil Price Movement

NymexCrude DatedBrent WTICushing

Naphtha Graphical Trend

A.1 LLDPE Price Chart & Graphical Trend

A.1 LLDPE Price Movement

A.2 LDPE Price Chart & Graphical Trend

A.2 LDPE Price Movement

A.4 PP Price Chart & Graphical Trend

A.4 PP Price Movement A.4 PP Price Movement

A.6 Polystyrene (PS) Price Chart & Graphical Trend

A.6 Polystyrene (PS) Price Movement

A.7 ABS Summary

A.7 ABS Price Chart & Graphical Trend

A.7 ABS Price Movement

B1 Benzene Price Chart & Graphical Trend

B1 Benzene Price Movement

B2 Toluene Price Chart & Graphical Trend

FOBKorea 1155 1095 1365 1095

B2 Toluene Price Movement

B3 Xylene Price Chart & Graphical Trend

FOBKorea 1495 1440 1600 1440

FOBKorea 1515 1375 1710 1375

FOBKorea 1135 1100 1255 1095

FOBKorea 1250 1120 1430 1120

B3 Xylene Price Movement

B4 Methanol Price Chart & Graphical Trend

CFRIndia 340 330 355 300

B4 Methanol Price Movement

C1 Butadiene Price Chart & Graphical Trend

Japan 1475 1395 2095 1395

C1 Butadiene Price Movement

C2 Ethylene Price Chart & Graphical Trends

Japan 1225 1065 1355 1065

C2 Ethylene Price Movement

C3 Propylene Price Chart & Graphical Trend

Japan 1275 1210 1365 1180

C3 Propylene Price Movement

D1 Styrene Monomer Price Chart & Graphical Trend

D1 Styrene Monomer Price Movement

D2 EDC/VCM Price Chart & Graphical Trend

D2 EDC/VCM Price Movement

D3 PTA Price Chart & Graphical Trend

D3 PTA Price Movement

E1 Acrylonitrile (ACN) Price Chart & Graphical Trend

E1 Acrylonitrile (ACN) Price Movement

E2 DOP Price Chart & Graphical Trends

E2 DOP Price Movement

E3 2EH Price Chart & Graphical Trend

E3 2EH Price Movement

F1 Indian Polymers Market Summary

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