Styrene Margin Squeeze
Styrene producers are currently struggling to maintain breakeven margins, leading to a significant reduction in benzene consumption. This lack of pull from core derivatives is preventing benzene from following the upward trajectory of other aromatics.
Tariff Isolated Markets
New trade policies have made importing benzene significantly more expensive, isolating the US domestic market. This has created a localized 'scarcity floor' that protects prices despite weak industrial demand.