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Asia Aromatics Outlook 2026: Benzene, Toluene, Xylenes and Styrene Rebound
Asian aromatics markets rose sharply in July as crude strengthened, regional supply tightened and export opportunities improved, although downstream...
Industry Insights
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China Nylon 6 and Methanol Outlook 2026: Inventory and Import Risk Dominate
China’s nylon 6 and methanol markets experienced sharp cost-driven swings, but weak demand and high inventories continue to constrain upside.
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East Asia Olefins and Derivatives: Feedstock Volatility Reshapes July 2026 Pricing
East Asian olefins and derivatives reversed early-summer declines in July as crude and feedstock costs increased, even as downstream markets entered...
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China Phenol Chain Outlook 2026: Overcapacity Caps the Oil-Driven Rebound
Higher oil prices lifted China’s phenol chain again in July, but the response was far more restrained than in March because overcapacity and weak...
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China Plasticizers, Chlor-Alkali and Polyols: Weak Demand Limits Cost-Led Rallies
Across Chinese plasticizers, chlor-alkali and polyols, rising feedstock costs created short-term price support, but weak downstream demand remains...
1 min read
China Maleic Anhydride, Acrylonitrile and ABS: Cost Support Returns in July 2026
Higher oil and feedstock costs supported a July rebound in Chinese maleic anhydride, acrylonitrile and ABS, although weak summer demand continues to...
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China Acetic Acid, VAM and Caustic Soda Outlook 2026: Oversupply Sets the Tone
Temporary export surges and feedstock shocks lifted several Chinese chemical markets in H1 2026, but structural oversupply quickly reasserted itself.
1 min read
China PX, PTA, PA 66 and Isocyanates: Mid-Year 2026 Market Review
Geopolitical premiums have faded across several Chinese petrochemical chains, leaving supply, demand and producers’ ability to pass through costs as...
1 min read
Caustic Soda Market Outlook 2026: Freight, Outages and Structural Change
Caustic soda volatility in H1 2026 was driven less by demand growth than by outages, vessel constraints, freight disruption and changing trade flows.
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Epoxy Resin Market Outlook 2026: Feedstock Costs Support Prices as Demand Lags
Epoxy resin prices rose sharply in early 2026 as feedstock costs increased, but weak demand and shifting geopolitical risk created an uneven...
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China PET Packaging Resin Outlook 2026: Capacity Growth Slows, but Pressure Returns
Disciplined production and fewer capacity additions supported Chinese PET resin prices and margins in H1 2026, but new H2 supply could reverse part...
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MDI and TDI Market Outlook 2026: Supply Disruptions Meet Weak Demand
Regional outages and logistics disruption tightened MDI and TDI supply in H1 2026, while weak downstream demand kept buyers focused on immediate...