US cumene prices gained in mid-December 2025, marking the 12th straight week of upward movement and indicating that the momentum in the market was persisting. Upturn was supported by a temporary recovery of benzene feedstock prices, which raised the cost support for cumene production after weeks of horizontal selling pressure. Benzene recovered following seasonal refinery maintenance and regional trade in aromatics, providing the short-term support to price. Acetone demand from downstream coatings, adhesives and industrial solvents received some support, offsetting the impact of the general oversupply concerns. Crude oil, which plays a role in determining the cost structures of benzene and cumene, was relatively weak in the majority of 2025, but a lagged pricing response in aromatics pricing helped keep cumene prices high. Traders also said purchasing appeared to be cautious “hand-to-mouth” and spot supply was limited, which supported prices in the short-run. According to ChemAnalyst, the direction of the cumene futures will depend on a continued strengthening in feedstock or the downstream could results in the bullish momentum rolling over into 2026.
