Asian paraxylene prices slumped US$28.33 a ton CFR Taiwan/China and FOB Korea in the third week of June. Isomer-grade mixed xylene prices declined US$19 a ton FOB Korea on the week.
Paraxylene prices moved in line with falling energy complex, falling sharply on Thursday following the almost US$1 a barrel drop in crude oil prices overnight. Naphtha and mixed xylene values also declined as well with latter hitting 6-week low. Although several paraxylene units are under maintenance shutdown, supply was still loose as a whole. Negotiation for contract price will begin soon.