Imported Styrene Monomer Bulk in Kandla

Styrene Monomer prices strengthened across Asia despite weak crude trends, with Indian bulk imports priced at ₹82/kg. Domestic Styrene Copolymer markets remained subdued in April, but demand is expected to rebound from June. Upstream benzene prices firmed up, while traders anticipate steady price hikes due to seasonal demand and tighter supply.

Styrene Monomer prices showed minimal fluctuations due to weak buying trends. Rising benzene costs have increased production expenses, squeezing profit margins. Demand remains sluggish, particularly in EPS and 3S sectors. Meanwhile, supply remains stable despite maintenance activities. Market expectations indicate continued price consolidation, influenced by crude oil trends and benzene movements.

Polystyrene prices increased in January, driven by strong export demand, restocking, and higher benzene costs. Prices later stabilized despite fluctuations in feedstock ethylene and styrene. Supply tightened due to reduced imports and limited production expansions. While cost pressures persist, steady demand from packaging and construction supports a stable market outlook.

The styrene market shows mixed trends, balancing adequate supply and moderate demand. Prices rose marginally in China to 8,550 Yuan/MT. Imported styrene at Kandla is priced at ₹95.5/kg. Despite seasonal stocking, increasing inventories weigh on market momentum. Near-term fluctuations are expected, influenced by supply pressures and cautious demand recovery.

Caustic Soda Flakes and Lye prices dropped ₹2/kg due to subdued demand from key sectors like pharmaceuticals and aluminium. New supply from Sreyas Industries is adding pressure to an already oversupplied market. While demand from textiles and paper remains stable, the overall market sentiment is bearish with price pressure likely to persist.

Toluene prices rose by ₹3/kg across India, fueled by tight import supply and uncertainty around July shipments. Importers are withholding fresh offers, leading to panic buying in the spot market. Despite a price rally, downstream demand outside pharmaceuticals remains weak. Margins for refiners are under pressure as BTX spreads shrink.

Importers have lowered Acetonitrile prices by ₹5/kg this week, bringing bulk offers down to ₹100/kg Ex-Mumbai on 60 days payment terms. Traders' spot offers currently stand at ₹101/kg Ex-Kandla, also on 60 days credit terms.

Ethyl Acetate prices have surged by ₹3–4/kg across major producers due to tight raw material availability, geopolitical tensions, and rising freight costs. Output reductions and cautious supplier behavior have fueled bullish sentiment. With downstream demand firming up, prices are expected to remain volatile through June and may breach ₹75/kg.

Importers have raised Toluene prices by ₹1/kg, with bulk deals now quoted at ₹68.50++ Ex-Mumbai and ₹68.00++ Ex-Kandla on 60 days credit terms. Traders' spot offers are even firmer, ranging between ₹70-71++ Ex-Mumbai and Ex-Kandla on similar terms. Toluene prices have surged nearly ₹4.5/kg on a week-on-week basis, primarily driven by the sharp rally in crude oil prices and escalating geopolitical tensions between Iran and Israel.