VIDEO: China SM drops on lower feedstock prices, heavy plant turnaround schedule ahead

SINGAPORE (ICIS)–ICIS analyst Aviva Zhang analyzes the recent sharp fall in China’s domestic styrene prices in March, and the potential impact of tight supply due to extensive plant maintenance.

• Lower costs driven by declining crude oil and benzene prices; market closely monitors crude fluctuations.
• East China styrene inventories transition from accumulation to drawdown; plant turnarounds expected to increase in March and April.
• Expanded polystyrene (EPS) producers maintain need-to-basis purchasing due to slow destocking and reduced operating rates.

ICN