Benzene Prices: Market Analysis, Trend, Graph, News and Forecast

North America

Benzene prices in the U.S. trended downward, driven by broader market uncertainties and subdued demand from key downstream sectors such as styrene monomer, phenol, and cumene. The weak consumption from major domestic consumers amplified pricing pressure, while volatility in naphtha prices—an essential feedstock for benzene production—further influenced the market.

Additional downward pressure stemmed from concerns about a potential oil market surplus, fueled by the approaching U.S. presidential election and slowing global oil demand growth. Refining margins were squeezed as market participants navigated increased volatility.

The U.S. chemical industry also faced the looming impact of an ongoing dockworkers’ strike on the Gulf and East Coasts. The labor unrest threatened to disrupt exports and worsen inventory build-ups. Although production remained moderate, persistent supply chain disruptions affected both imports and exports, contributing to weak market sentiment.

Get Real time Prices for Benzene : https://www.chemanalyst.com/Pricing-data/benzene-25

Asia-Pacific

Benzene prices in South Korea continued their downward trend in Q4 2024, largely due to weak demand and stable production costs. Market sentiment remained bearish, with no major drivers to support a price rebound. Domestic demand from downstream sectors such as styrene monomer, phenol, and cumene stayed muted, further weighing on prices.

The market maintained a delicate balance between supply and demand, with no significant shifts anticipated. Naphtha prices—the primary feedstock—remained stable, limiting cost-driven price changes. While local refiners made marginal price adjustments, overall trading activity stayed flat, with limited appetite for short-term shipping charters.

Geopolitical tensions, particularly the conflict between Israel and Lebanon, added a layer of uncertainty but failed to significantly move the market. As a result, benzene supply remained moderate, with demand weakness continuing to dominate the outlook.

Europe

Benzene prices in Germany extended their decline, in line with the global downtrend. Lower naphtha prices and persistent geopolitical uncertainties pressured benzene values throughout the quarter. A combination of subdued demand, elevated inventories, and weakened production economics sustained the downward trajectory.

Demand from key end-use segments—styrene monomer, phenol, and cumene—remained low, exacerbating the bearish outlook. Despite the resolution of a port strike in the U.S., European shipping volumes remained weak, and limited downstream activity kept domestic supply levels restrained.

With the demand outlook remaining sluggish and no strong catalysts for recovery, European benzene producers faced profitability challenges amid rising inventories and continued price softness.

Middle East & Africa

Benzene prices in Saudi Arabia declined at the beginning of Q4 2024, influenced by soft domestic demand and a heavy reliance on exports to India and other Asian markets. The market was further destabilized by a warning from the Saudi Energy Minister about potential oil price declines, which heightened volatility.

Demand from major derivative sectors—especially styrene and other aromatics—remained underwhelming. Despite steady supply levels, the regional market continued to feel the impact of external dependencies and fragile demand.

Geopolitical factors, including ongoing debates around crude oil quotas and evolving trade dynamics, also played a role in shaping price movements. A notable uptick in transshipment activity at Qatari ports indicated a regional shift in trade flows.

While supply increased slightly, demand from local industries such as packaging and construction remained lackluster. Logistics constraints and low feedstock costs further dampened market momentum, keeping prices under sustained pressure.

South America

Benzene prices in Brazil extended their decline through Q4 2024, continuing a downward trend that began in September. The market grappled with both domestic and global uncertainties, which compounded bearish sentiment.

Weak demand from primary downstream sectors—styrene monomer, phenol, and cumene—further intensified pricing pressure. In addition, fluctuating naphtha costs continued to influence the market dynamics. Political uncertainty surrounding the upcoming Brazilian presidential election and fears of a global oil surplus contributed to heightened volatility.

Tight domestic production capacity, coupled with logistical hurdles like port congestion, hindered smooth supply chain operations. Despite minor fluctuations linked to crude oil price movements, overall market activity remained subdued.

As demand from local manufacturers stayed weak, benzene prices faced continued downward pressure, presenting persistent challenges for producers and traders in the region.

Get Real time Prices for Benzene : https://www.chemanalyst.com/Pricing-data/benzene-25

 

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