SOUTH KOREA DATA: Orthoxylene exports rise 2% MOM in May

South Korea's orthoxylene exports rose 2% month over month but fell 32% year over year to 6,145 mt in May, according to the latest customs data.

Similar to April, all orthoxylene shipments from South Korea were exported to Belgium, with none to Asia, according to the data.

Tightness in aromatics was considered the main reason for the year-over-year decline, as producers said that low reformer run rates and tight feedstock isomer-MX have been hindering the ramp-up of OX production during the month.

Platts, part of S&P Global Energy, last assessed FOB Korea OX at $1285/mt June 12, down $12/mt week over week.