Asian paraxylene prices gained US$9 a ton CFR Taiwan/China and FOB Korea in the first week of February. Isomer-grade mixed xylene rose US$7.50 a ton FOB Korea on the week.
Paraxylene prices hit their 19-month high in Asian markets as bullish market sentiment driving values up for March and April-shipment cargoes. Isomer-mixed xylene was also up as China returned and CPC issued tender for March-loading cargo. Supply of orthoxylene was seen short in coming months and prices were up, buoyed by strong feedstock prices for isomer-grade xylene.