Price trend

According to the data of SunSirs’ bulk list, the listing price of pure benzene on August 1 was 3,230-3,400 RMB/ton (average price 3,370 RMB/ton), and the listing price on August 31 was 3,020-3,450 RMB/ton (average price 3,390 RMB/ton), the average price increased by 20 RMB/ton compared to August 1, an increase of 0.59% this month.

Analysis review

In early August, the pure benzene market continued its upward trend in late July and continued to rise. Beginning in the middle of the month, downstream equipment maintenance increased, and the willingness to lower prices was obvious. The price of pure benzene in North China dropped significantly.

The operating rate of petroleum benzene in August dropped by about 3% from the beginning of the month. Port inventory rose by about 15,000 tons this month, and port inventory dragged down market prices.

In terms of crude oil, international crude oil prices showed a volatile upward trend in August, and supply and demand were still the main factors restricting price recovery. Compared with July 31, the Brent oil price in August increased by 1.99 US dollars/barrel, an increase of 4.64%; WTI oil prices increased by 2.33 US dollars/barrel, an increase of 5.74%. Compared with December 31, 2019, Brent oil prices fell by 32.79%; WTI oil prices fell by 29.41%.

In August, the outer disk fluctuated and fell in a narrow range. On August 31, the price of pure benzene imported in South Korea was 421.33 US dollars/ton, a decrease of 28.67 US dollars/ton from the previous month, or 6.37%; the price of pure benzene imported in East China was 437.5 US dollars/ton, a decrease of 7.5 US dollars/ton from the previous month, or 1.69%.

On the downstream side, styrene: the price of styrene rose slightly at the beginning of this month, and then the price plunged. It rebounded in the late ten days of the month, and the overall price went down from the beginning of the month. On August 1, the price of styrene in Shandong was 5,333.33 RMB/ton, and on August 31, the price was 5,300 RMB/ton, a monthly decrease of 0.62%. The highest price of this month appeared on August 6-9, the price was 5,366.67 RMB/ton; the lowest price appeared on August 21-23, the price was 5,133.33 RMB/ton.

Aniline: On August 1, the price of aniline in Shandong was 4,250-4,330 RMB/ton, the price of aniline in Nanjing was 4,300-4,500 RMB/ton; on August 31, the price of aniline in Shandong was 4,250-4,430 RMB/ton, the price of aniline in Nanjing In 4,400-4,600 yuan / ton, this month's increase was 1.16%.

Market outlook

In terms of crude oil, September crude oil is expected to increase overall, continuing to focus on the impact of public health incidents.

Entering September, the downstream operating rate is expected to increase, the pressure on the inventory of pure benzene ports may be relieved, and the later price is expected to break through.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact SunSirs with support@sunsirs.com.