US cumene prices are expected to decline further through June 2026, driven by easing benzene costs, steady propylene availability, and seasonal demand softness across the phenol–acetone chain, automotive, and construction sectors. With Gulf Coast operating rates stable and inventories near seasonal norms, sellers are likely to continue easing offers. Export demand remains moderate, and downstream buyers are maintaining just in time procurement. Unless benzene rebounds sharply or refinery outages tighten reformate supply, June pricing is expected to drift lower. May and early June set the stage for this weakness. Cumene FOB Louisiana in May, supported early in the month by benzene tightness linked to ExxonMobil outages. However, as benzene softened and downstream demand remained muted, prices slipped to by a 2.1% weekly decline. Overall, cumene is poised for continued downside through summer before a potential autumn recovery tied to restocking and refinery maintenance.
