Platts proposes to launch prompt, forward domestic China isomer-MX assessments

Platts, part of S&P Global Commodity Insights, is proposing to launch daily prompt and forward domestic China isomer-grade mixed xylene assessments, effective March 1, 2024.

As China grows to be among the largest importers of isomer-MX globally, there has been increased interest from the market to understand daily price trends in the domestic East China market.

The domestic China isomer-MX assessments, expressed in Yuan/mt, would reflect shipments:

* up to 10 days forward from date of publication (prompt);

* within the current calendar month (Bal-M1).

* within the second calendar month from date of publication (M2).

Platts proposes to assess on an ex-tank loading basis out of Zhangjiagang in East China's Jiangsu Province. The minimum volume assessed would be 100 mt, and the maximum volume would be 500 mt, in line with the standard parcel size traded in the domestic Chinese market.

Platts would assess cargoes with quality specifications conforming to latest edition of international standard ASTM D-843. Maximum bromine index of 20 ppm, maximum ethylbenzene content of 18% by wt, maximum non-aromatics content of 1% by wt and minimum paraxylene content of 18% by wt. Cargoes with higher non-aromatics content than 1% by wt may be normalized to reflect the value of maximum non-aromatics content of 1% by wt.

Platts would consider pricing information on standard credit terms per market practice, as agreed between counterparties. Prices would be based on latest information sourced from the market up to the close of the assessment window at 4:30 pm Singapore time (0830 GMT) daily.

Platts welcomes all feedback and questions on the proposed assessments through Jan. 30, 2024.

Please direct any questions or comments to petchems@spglobal.com, with a copy to pricegroup@spglobal.com.

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 to the public upon request.