Core Viewpoint - The prices of benzene and butadiene, essential raw materials for automotive and apparel industries, have dropped by approximately 20% over the past month and a half, raising concerns about declining global automotive demand due to economic downturns and tariff impacts [1][4]. Group 1: Benzene Market - The price of benzene in East Asia fell to $750 per ton as of April 14, a decrease of $85 (10%) from the previous week, and down $175 (19%) compared to the last week of February [3]. - Benzene is a key raw material for various products, including polystyrene, styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR), and ABS resin, as well as nylon fibers for apparel [3]. - The decline in benzene prices is attributed to a slowdown in exports to the U.S. and a sluggish Chinese economy, compounded by tariff disputes affecting global economic outlooks [3][4]. - ENEOS's April contract price for benzene dropped by $90 (10%) to $835 per ton, marking a new low since July 2023 [3]. Group 2: Butadiene Market - Butadiene prices in Asia fell to $1,145 per ton as of April 11, down $170 (13%) from the previous week and $320 (22%) from February's peak [4]. - The weakening demand for butadiene is linked to the broader economic decline and reduced automotive demand, which is increasingly recognized in the market [4]. - The apparel sector may also face challenges, as platforms like SHEIN could see production slow due to changing tariff conditions in the U.S. [4]. Group 3: Naphtha Market - The price of naphtha, a feedstock for benzene and butadiene, has also weakened, dropping below $600 per ton in early April [4]. - There are mixed views on the future of naphtha prices, with some suggesting that reduced imports of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and ethane by China to avoid high tariffs could lead to increased naphtha procurement, potentially supporting prices [5].