Cumene Price History & Forecast

About Cumene. Cumene (also known as Isopropylbenzene), an aromatic compound found in crude oil, is primarily used as a raw material in the manufacture of phenol, acetone, and methyl styrene - compounds with many chemical and industrial uses. In fact, the production of cumene is largely associated with the demand for phenol and phenol derivatives. It is manufactured majorly by alkylation of benzene with propylene.

Chart Description. The chart above presents indicative transaction prices for bulk quantities of cumene for the countries listed below.

• Netherlands: export price, FOB (recent three months are preliminary + 9-month forecast)
• United States: export price, FOB, from January/2007 to January/2013; import price, CIF, from February/2013 to present (recent two months are preliminary + 9-month forecast)
• Japan: export price, FOB (recent two months are preliminary + 9-month forecast)

The prices presented are average transaction prices, defined based on the data reported in official trade statistics issued by the indicated countries. Such prices are indicative and do not necessarily characterize particular contract prices, spot transactions or spot bids in the locations specified. Rather, they reflect the average values practiced and are treated in order to remove outliers, in cases where significant distortions from historical tendencies are verified. Outlying prices may occur when quantities traded are small, in cases of errors in the trade statistics or price data reported, or when prices between specific countries (or companies in different countries) are differentiated.

When the release of official statistics of a given chemical is delayed, preliminary prices may also encompass estimations made by Intratec. Such estimations are based on prices fluctuations of (i) main raw materials employed in the production of that chemical; and/or (ii) main products manufactured from that chemical.

The forecast prices presented are based on estimates made by Intratec. Such estimates are derived from correlations with forecasts for (i) prices of main raw materials employed in the production of the chemical; (ii) main products manufactured from the chemical; and/or (iii) official industry/economic indexes.

Finally, prices are expressed considering the International Chamber of Commerce’s Incoterms (FOB - Free on Board;; CIF - Cost, Insurance & Freight; DEL - Delivered), which indicate which costs that price includes. Unless otherwise stated, prices do not include Value Added Tax (VAT). All figures are quoted in US dollars per metric ton (USD/mt).