Asia top stories: weekly summary

SINGAPORE (ICIS)–Here are some of the top stories from ICIS Asia and the Middle East for the week ended 26 August 2016.

GCC importers expect improved September polyolefin demand
Polyolefin importers in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) are looking forward to improved demand in September after a summer season lull, market sources said on Friday.

East Med polymer importers expect September price rollover
Polyolefin importers in the East Mediterranean (East Med) markets expect a rollover in the polymer prices for September when offers are announced in the following week, market sources said late on Thursday.

Asia SBR to face upward pressure in Sept on high feedstock BD
Asia spot prices of styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) are likely to face upward pressure in September because of eroded margins from rising feedstock butadiene (BD) costs, market sources said on Thursday.

Asia SM finds support from strong crude, lower China inventory
Asia’s styrene monomer (SM) prices are likely to be propped up in the near term by the recent strength in crude futures and a drawdown of inventories in the key China market although downstream demand has remained lacklustre, traders said on Thursday.

China BG prices may extend gains on domestic price run-up
Spot butyl glycol (BG) prices into China may extend recent gains on the back of a domestic market rally and higher raw material prices, market participants said on Thursday.