SUBSCRIBER NOTE: Platts to align quality, specs of European MX January 2, 2015

Based on industry feedback, Platts will align the quality specifications reflected in its FOB ARA solvent- and isomer/virgin-grade mixed xylenes assessments from January 2, 2015.

Platts currently assesses solvent-grade mixed xylenes that conform 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 will 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 conform to 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 will increase the non-aromatics content to 2% maximum to better align its solvent and virgin/isomer 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 comments and feedback to petchems@platts.com and pricegroup@platts.com.

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