Aromatics Brokerage

Aromatic chemicals, which include benzene, toluene, mixed xylene, para xylene and styrene are liquids which are widely traded around the world.

Benzene is primarily used in the production of styrene. It is made as a by-product of other industrial processes and via on-purpose production (using toluene) which can also generate para xylene. Mixed xylene – a para xylene feedstock – can be used alongside toluene as an octane booster in gasoline blending.

The interconnectedness of these products and the interplay between chemical and gasoline markets can result in sudden domestic movements and the rapid opening and closing of global arbitrages.