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 6 May 016.

Asia VAM seen steady-to-firm as China exports in trickles
Spot vinyl acetate monomer (VAM) prices in Asia are well supported, with a possible upside, as supply of competitively-priced cargoes from China is scarce, industry sources said on Friday.

Asia IPA under downward pressure on lacklustre demand
Asia isopropanol (IPA) prices may come under downward pressure, after climbing for the last two months, as a result of weak regional demand but the downside will be limited because of tight supply, market sources said on Friday.

Asia ABS to maintain month-long downtrend on tepid demand
Asia acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) prices drifted lower again this week – on a decline since one month –  as demand remains lacklustre and key feedstock styrene monomer (SM) stays weak, suppliers and traders said on Friday.

Asia PP under pressure as supply grows while demand stays weak
Spot polypropylene (PP) prices in Asia may come under pressure in May, as plant start-ups in China will augment supply while demand is still weak, market sources said on Thursday.

Asia NBR near peak in May, demand to slow in monsoon by June
Asia acrylonitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) prices may continue to face upside potential in May, with demand still firm during this period before the onset of the monsoon season in June, market sources said on Thursday.

Asia methylene chloride under downward pressure on ample supply
Asia methylene chloride prices are under downward pressure as a result of ample supply in the key China market, and intense competition in the southeast, industry sources said on Wednesday.

Asia tyre makers resist $100/tonne hike in SBR prices
Downstream tyre makers in Asia are posing a strong resistance to the spike in styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) prices for May shipments, citing softer crude values and a fresh set of downbeat economic data from the key China market, industry sources said on Wednesday.

China seeks base oils from Europe, US on low Asia supply
Chinese importers have been seeking base oils from Europe and the US since April as supply of high-viscosity Group II grades in Asia is tight, industry sources said on Tuesday.