Trump trade tensions: How US-China tariffs are reforming the aromatics and derivative markets

The recent tariff impositions by both the US and China are reshaping the global petrochemical landscape. We expect these tariffs to lead to higher prices for aromatics along with supply disruption and price inflation along the value chain. The new wave of tariffs will increase US PTA import costs and reduce supplier diversity which will lead to supply disruption and price inflation along the value chain. The US PX business is inextricably linked to global trade with significant exposure to gasoline price volatility which can potentially lead to supply constraints. Benzene trade flows to the US could see a rebalancing, with a reduction in imports from Asia. Europe and Latin America are well-positioned to fill the deficit.