Singapore (Platts)--5 Oct 2015 520 am EDT/920 GMT
Margins for non-integrated styrene monomer producers in Asia shrank to their narrowest in six months Friday due to bearish SM demand and relatively firm feedstock ethylene prices.
The margin was calculated at $4.25/mt FOB Korea above the breakeven level Friday, down $13.65/mt from Thursday. It was last narrower March 20 at $3.10/mt, Platts data showed.
The breakeven level is calculated using feedstock benzene and ethylene prices and a production cost of $150/mt.
The SM margin has narrowed due to weak demand ahead of the typical off-peak season in winter and as concerns loom about the strength of China's economy.
