China Xylene Prices Surge 8.45% Last Week Amid Tight Supplies

The domestic spot price for xylene in China rose by 8.45% last week, outpacing the increase in toluene prices during the same period.

The surge was driven by bullish factors on both the cost and supply sides, including rising international crude oil prices and strengthening aromatics futures.

However, processing margins in downstream sectors such as PX production, gasoline blending, and industrial coating solvents weakened, limiting factories' willingness to stockpile at high prices and traders' appetite for chasing the rally.

The supply side remained tight due to low domestic spot inventory and limited external sales by independent refineries in Shandong, which raised their quoted prices multiple times over the weekend.