Polymer spreads weakened WoW as a 5% rise in naphtha outpaced gains in downstream polymer prices. Among polymers, LDPE-naphtha spread was the best performer, remaining flat WoW at US$637/t, supported by resilient packaging-film demand and tighter regional supply. PS spread was the worst performer, plunging 26% WoW to US$202/t as benzene prices surged 8% WoW while GPPS prices rose only 1%, sharply compressing margins. In contrast, aromatics outperformed, with benzene-naphtha and PX-naphtha spreads rising 24% and 13% WoW, respectively. Meanwhile, the integrated PET spread declined 9% WoW as a 16% jump in MEG prices raised feedstock costs.
