Styrene prices are trading in a wide range at elevated levels, driven by supply contraction and the recovery of domestic demand from low base.

Lead: From October 9 to October 15, 2026, the domestic styrene market center shifted upward. The weekly average ex-works price in Jiangsu stood at RMB 11,337 per ton, rising by RMB 988 per ton week-on-week, a gain of 9.55%. Geopolitical risks in the Middle East drove up oil prices this week, while tight spot supplies of pure benzene provided cost support. Domestic production saw a slight decline, and continued destocking at Jiangsu ports underpinned prices. Following the holiday, downstream operations resumed, leading to a notable recovery in consumption for SBR, ABS, and SAN (collectively known as "3S"). However, amid high raw material costs, buyers remained cautious about chasing higher prices, primarily adopting a strategy of buying on dips.

1. Middle East conflicts disrupt oil prices; tight pure benzene spot resources provide strong cost support