據ICIS網站7月27日消息 由于衍生產品需求的不斷增長，美國苯需求在2020年下半年有望小幅增長，盡管預計定價通常會遵循能源價值。

隨著市場從第二季度低點反彈，美國苯價值繼續隨原油價格上漲。7月24日當周，苯當月現貨價格收于1.465美元/加侖，高于一個月前的1.355美元/加侖。

多數市場參與者指出，原油價格上漲是近幾周美國苯現貨價格的主要推動力。一位市場人士表示，苯市場一直是“能源驅動型”，目前的市場狀況不強調其他成本驅動因素。

自6月下旬以來，WTI原油期貨一直在39-42美元/桶的區間波動，自4月下旬價格迅速從負值飆升以來一直處于平穩狀態。

雖然衍生產品需求大部分仍然疲弱，但苯的價格可能會跟隨原油價格持續到下半年。

隨著衍生苯乙烯出口需求的增強，需求可能會增加。

王磊 摘譯自 ICIS

原文如下：

US benzene demand to rise in H2, strengthening upstream to add support

US benzene demand looks to strengthen slightly into the second half of 2020 on rising derivative demand, although pricing is expected to generally follow energy values.

US benzene values continue to rise with crude values as markets rebound from Q2 lows. Benzene current month spot prices closed at $1.465/gal the week of 24 July, above $1.355/gal a month ago.

Most market participants have pointed toward rising crude oil values as the main mover for US spot benzene prices in recent weeks. One market source stated the benzene market has been “energy driven”, with current market conditions de-emphasising other cost drivers.

WTI crude futures have been rangebound at $39-42/bbl since late June, plateauing since values quickly jumped from negative territory in late April.

While derivative demand remains mostly weak, benzene values will likely follow crude costs into the second half of the year.

However, demand will likely increase amid strengthening export demand for derivative styrene.