SUBSCRIBER NOTE: Platts proposes to align quality and specs of European MX Jan 2, 2015

Platts proposes to refine the quality specifications reflected in its FOB ARA solvent- and isomer/virgin-grade mixed xylenes assessments from January 2, 2015. This proposal supersedes the previous proposal published on October 20.

Platts currently assesses solvent-grade mixed xylenes that conforms to ASTM 843 standards, with a maximum ethyl-benzene content of 55-60%, non-aromatics content of 4% maximum and metaxylene, paraxylene and orthoxylene content at a maximum of 15-20%.

Platts proposes to reduce the ethyl-benzene content to a maximum of 20%, eliminate the limits on metaxylene, paraxylene and orthoxylene and reduce the non-aromatics content to 2% maximum to better reflect industry standards.

Platts assesses virgin/isomer-grade mixed xylenes that conforms to the ASTM 843 standards, with a maximum ethylbenzene content of 20%, a non-aromatics content of 1% maximum and a minimum paraxylene content of 18%.

Platts proposes to increase the non-aromatics content to 2% maximum to better align its solvent and virgin/isomer grades.

Platts invites feedback surrounding all aspects of this methodology enhancement including but not limited to the prevailing industry standard of a bromine content of maximum 20 ppm on both grades.

Weekly assessments of solvent xylene (PHAAW00) and virgin xylene (PHABD00) can be found on Platts Petrochemical Alert and Europe and Americas Petrochemicalscan.

Please send any feedback and questions to petchems@platts.com and pricegroup@platts.com by November 26, 2015. For written comments, please provide a clear indication if comments are not intended for publication by Platts for public viewing.

Platts will consider all comments received and will make comments not marked as confidential available upon request.