US cumene market firmed into mid-February as late-January supply disruptions and firmer benzene values tightened the near-term balance. After a post-holiday lull and a mid-January softness, activity rebounded as Gulf Coast outages disrupted supply. By early February the market appeared balanced with a bullish tone as downstream buyers, notably integrated phenol and acetone producers, secured feedstock ahead of spring turnarounds. Seasonal maintenance and stronger benzene intake for gasoline blending supported cautious buying. Demand across end markets remained mixed but broadly supportive of spot cumene, with phenol and acetone demand driving feedstock allocation; coatings, plastics and resins remained steady. Weather-driven outages and feedstock moves shaped supply dynamics as rising benzene costs pressured producers while propylene movements offered relief. Severe winter storms caused Gulf Coast disruptions, lifting spot assessments in the short term. The outlook is mixed: a modest near-term dip anticipated, followed by possible recovery later in spring, contingent on weather, feedstock swings, and regional imports.
