US Nitro Benzene prices weakened in mid-December 2025 as upstream and downstream scenarios met. Crude oil benchmarks, such as WTI and Brent, fell during the period due to concerns of oversupply and weak global demand, which, provided minimal cost support to benzene, the major feedstock for Nitro Benzene production. In the United States, benzene price indices recorded mild regional pressure stemming from robust refinery runs and increasing product inventories, which leveraged spot availability of the feedstock. From the demand side, aniline demand got significantly weak which pulled down Nitro Benzene demand and aniline prices dropped sharply due to weaker offtake in polyurethane and rubber chemical uses. Sellers were under pressure to lower offers as buyers postponed purchases and exports enquiries were delayed. In the absence of any recovery in the fundamentals for crude and benzene, or a revival of demand from the downstream meanwhile, ChemAnalyst sees Nitro Benzene prices facing further downdraft in early 2026.
Selenis has effectively manufactured recycled PET chips using terephthalic acid sourced from Circ®, a textile-to-textile recycler based in Virginia. The chip production took place through a series of batches at Selenis' pilot plant in San-Giorgio, Italy. By utilizing inputs recovered from polycotton textile waste, Selenis has created high-quality PET chip, which has been further processed into DTY yarn. This yarn will play a crucial role in product development as Circ prepares for additional capsule launches. Selenis is leveraging the success of this initial collaboration phase and is committed to advancing towards an offtake partnership to support Circ's inaugural industrial facility.
Eduardo Santos, Head of Corporate Strategy at Selenis, remarked that the monomer synthesis showed a performance comparable to virgin terephthalic acid. He expressed optimism about the consistent quality of Circ's monomer output and anticipated future commercial success. Santos pointed out that the Circ partnership complements Selenis's existing mission and goals for a more sustainable textile industry. He further stated their anticipation of expanding upon this collaboration and providing support for Circ's forthcoming commercial production trials.
