USI Corporation and Asia Polymer Corporation stated at an investor conference that while the Middle East conflict initially pushed up oil and ethylene prices, the trend has weakened since mid-April as petrochemical plants resumed operations. Although margins expanded in April due to shipment lags, demand for PE and EVA has declined in May as buyers in China and Southeast Asia turn cautious. Taita Chemical also noted that ABS and PS markets face high costs and supply disruptions in Q2.