Market analysis

摘要

The global oil market strengthened, reaching new highs for 2016 on 6 May despite concerns over output from the Middle East and high US crude inventories. A weaker US dollar and lower US pro- duction have put oil under pressure. With energy values higher overall, base chemicals were frm, with a marginal decrease in some aromatics. In North America, toluene and mixed xylenes frmed slightly, where- as benzene dropped $10/m.t. on oversupply and a sluggish spot mar- ket. US benzene prices are now the lowest globally. Wildfres in Canada are threatening crude oil supply, refnery operations, and aromatics.