US toluene, xylene heads up on spot barge market

21 April 2009 23:35  [Source: ICIS news]

HOUSTON (ICIS news)--Sellers announced price increases on US truck and railcar xylene and toluene in response to a stronger spot barge market, a distributor said on Tuesday.

The price hikes, which went into effect in mid-April, were for 2-3 cents/lb ($44-66/tonne, €34-51/tonne), and were the first increases heard this year, a reseller said.

The new prices put delivered prices for truck and railcar toluene and xylene at 32-36 cents/lb, according to global chemical market intelligence service ICIS pricing.

Aromatic demand, while increasing early in the second quarter over first-quarter values, remained well under seasonal averages, sellers said. Buyers continued to buy late, and in smaller-than-normal volumes.

US aromatic solvents producers include Citgo, ExxonMobil, Flint Hills Resources, Sunoco and Total.

($1 = €0.77)

For more on toluene and xylenes visit ICIS chemical intelligence
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By: Gene Lockard
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