Has anyone analyzed the flow patterns of styrene in the domestic market?

Styrene has faced numerous negative factors recently, resulting in an overall downward trend. In this article, the editor will provide an analysis and summary of the styrene market trends from last week, as well as predictions for the market trends this week. Analysis of last week’s trends: Overall, prices in the styrene market varied from one region to another last week. Prices in East China, South China, and North China remain stable or show slight increases, with price differences existing among these regions as well. On the 16th, Qilu and Qingdao, which are part of Sinopec’s North China branch, charged 7,600 yuan per ton; Yuhuang charged 7,650 yuan per ton, while Yanshan charged 7,500 yuan per ton. The new price for styrene at companies such as Jinzhou, Fushun, and Daqing, which are part of CNPC Northeast, is 7,500 yuan per ton. The Guangzhou market has indications of offers at 8,000 yuan per ton for pick-up. In North China, there are current offers at 7,800 yuan/ton or slightly higher, including delivery costs. On the 17th, the negotiation range was between 7,900 yuan per ton. Under Sinopec’s North China branch, Qilu and Qingdao charge 7,600 yuan per ton, Yuhuang charges 7,650 yuan per ton, while Yanshan charges 7,500 yuan per ton. The new price for styrene at companies such as Jinzhou, Fushun, and Daqing, which are part of CNPC Northeast, is 7,500 yuan per ton. The quotation from Sinopec Guangzhou Branch for styrene is 7,900 yuan per ton. Shandong Yuhuang Chemical (Group) Co., Ltd.’s quote for styrene is 7,650 yuan per ton. On the 18th, Tianjin Dagu applied a new price of 7,900 yuan per ton to its key customers. The styrene commodity index stood at 67.82, down 43.54% from its peak of 120.11 points (October 29, 2012), and up 20.55% from its lowest point of 56.26 points on December 18, 2014. On the 19th, there were offers in North China at 7,900 yuan per ton, or slightly higher, for delivery. In East China, the selling interest is at 7,950 yuan/ton or slightly lower, while the buying interest is at 7,800 yuan/ton. On the 20th, the weekend negotiation price in East China was around 7,900 yuan per ton; in South China, prices ranged from 8,250 to 8,300 yuan per ton for delivery, while in North China, the offer price was around 7,900 yuan per ton for delivery. Summary: Last week, the styrene market remained generally stable, with some slight increases amid stability. The price range at the beginning of the week was 7,500–8,000 yuan per ton, while it ranged from 7,800–8,300 yuan per ton by the end of the week; price differences existed across different regions. Recently, it is the off-season for styrene, with operations mainly remaining at a standstill. The slight increase is mainly due to the strong prices of pure benzene in the international market, as well as plant maintenance activities, which have contributed to a modest upward trend; however, demand from end-users remains extremely weak. Developments at the start of this week: At the beginning of the week, Sinopec’s styrene prices in North China were reduced; Qilu and Qingdao lowered their prices by 200 yuan per ton, with prices set at 7,600 yuan per ton. Yuhuang reduced its price by 250 yuan per ton, resulting in a selling price of 7,600 yuan per ton. Yanshan decreased its price by 300 yuan per ton, with a selling price of 7,400 yuan per ton. In the Guangzhou market in South China, there are offers at 8,100 yuan per ton for pickup in person, while PetroChina’s subsidiaries in the Northeast region, such as those in Jinzhou, Fushun, and Daqing, apply a new price of 7,600 yuan per ton for styrene. Given the persistent low levels of crude oil, a decline in styrene prices is inevitable. Signs of a downward trend in the styrene market were already evident at the beginning of the week, driven largely by the impact of crude oil as well as weak demand from end-users. Forecast for this week: Crude oil will remain at low levels; as of now, there are no signs of a rebound. The styrene market is in a off-season period; demand fails to pick up, and market prices are declining. In summary, the styrene market is facing various negative factors at present; there is a lack of support from crude oil, and demand is also insufficient to provide support. Therefore, it is expected that styrene prices will remain relatively stable this week, with only slight fluctuations. Industry experts estimate that the price range will be around 200 yuan per ton.

This situation is mainly caused by our country’s market economy; whenever the price of styrene is favorable, people buy it from wherever it is available :)

I am in Xinjiang; styrene is supplied to EPS plants in summer, stored in smaller quantities during winter, and the excess is sold to the East China region.