Market analysis

摘要

During the week ending Thursday, 8 August, Brent crude averaged 60.39/bbl, and WTI, $53.80/bbl, both down 6% following escalation of the US-China tarif war. Brent closed Thursday at $57.74/bbl, and WTI, at $52.92/bbl. US toluene dropped rapidly, and chemical demand remained relative low. European August contracts were settled with a slight increase from July, while spot prices continue to track gasoline; supply was well balanced. Asian toluene prices dropped for the frst time since the start of June; demand into alkylation and disproportionation remained high.