US spot benzene hits 17-month high.

摘要

US benzene was assessed at $3.02/gal ($903/mt) FOB USGC on Jan. 5, that highest in Platts data since July 21, 2015. Sources said that the strength was due to reduced shipments from Asia, where prices have been equal or greater than in the US. The bulk of US benzene imports typically come from Asia, but the arbitrage has been for the most part closed since the start of 4Q 2016. "The arbitrage just hasn't been open and the US will eventually need mat usual flow," said a US trader.