operating rate of EPS plants will increase slightly

In demand side, with easing power restrictions, operating rate of EPS plants will increase slightly. However, demand in the winter will gradually decrease and the consumption for styrene will also slow down.

Some market participants believed that the drop in styrene was larger than that of feedstocks, which could lend some supports to the market. But in short term, the market is likely to continue its weaknessdue to the drops in thermal coal and crude oil futures.