Houston (Platts)–4 Dec 2017 440 pm EST/2140 GMT
US toluene values looked to remain strong this week as demand remained firm from the chemical segment.
US AROMATICS
Toluene-fed chemicals saw continued support as, despite declines on the week, benzene prices continued to subsidize disproportionation margins. TDP margins posted the most significant declines, shedding near $71.50 to close Friday at near $123/mt. MSTDP margins fell near $19 to close at near $99, while HDA margins were down roughly $39.50 to near $91.50/mt, according to S&P Global Platts data.
December mixed xylenes prices were down about 3 cents on the week, closing Friday at 230 cents/gal FOB USG and pressured to post further declines in the coming week. Derivative demand for mixed xylenes was limited amid recent length in the US paraxylene market. Mixed xylene’s blend value rose about 5 cents on the week to finish at near 215 cents/gal as sources reported blending material as derivative demand was limited.
