On May 14, a portion of domestic butadiene enterprises' auctions and sales status: Dongming Petrochemical auctioned 336 tons externally at a base price of 12,450 yuan/ton; Satellite Chemical auctioned 224 tons externally with a starting price of 12,700 yuan/ton. Currently, refinery inventories are at low levels, and the export arbitrage window remains attractive, providing support for toluene and xylene prices. However, international crude oil closed lower, the aromatics night session showed a weaker trend, and market prices had already climbed in the previous trading day. As a result, trading sentiment among traders and downstream buyers may become more cautious intraday. It is expected that toluene and xylene market trends will remain stagnant and consolidative for the day.

Chempricehub Rating for Butadiene: Bullish-Bearish Score = 1
Currently, butadiene refinery inventories are low, the export arbitrage window is attractive, and the base prices of domestic enterprises' external auctions provide price support. This is favorable for butadiene spot prices, indicating a stronger trend.

Toluene: Bullish-Bearish Score = 0
Low refinery inventories and export arbitrage support toluene prices. However, due to the drop in international crude oil, weaker aromatics night session, and prior price increases, downstream procurement sentiment has become cautious. The intraday market is expected to be stagnant and consolidative, with relatively balanced bullish and bearish factors.

Xylene: Bullish-Bearish Score = 0
Low refinery inventories and export arbitrage support xylene prices. However, due to the drop in international crude oil, weaker aromatics night session, and prior price increases, downstream procurement sentiment has become cautious. The intraday market is expected to be stagnant and consolidative, with relatively balanced bullish and bearish factors.