Lead: China’s pure benzene imports totaled 402,000 tons in August, aligning with previous forecasts. Due to planned maintenance at Asian facilities and the diversion of some supply to Europe and North America during August–September, import volumes are expected to decline to approximately 350,000 tons in September and 330,000 tons in October.
According to customs data, China imported 401,979.082 tons of pure benzene in August 2026, bringing the year-to-date cumulative imports to 3,070,172.652 tons. The total value of imports for the month was USD 393.07 million, with an average unit price of USD 977.84 per ton. Monthly import volume decreased by 0.29% compared to July (month-on-month) and fell by 8.89% compared to August 2025 (year-on-year). Cumulative imports were down 16.56% from the same period last year.
In terms of exports, China shipped out 2,850 tons of pure benzene in August 2026, with cumulative exports reaching 5,977.92 tons. The export value for the month was USD 5.70 million, at an average unit price of USD 2,000 per ton. Cumulative export volume surged by 2,109.89% year-on-year.
Import Breakdown by Trading Partner
Customs statistics indicate that South Korea remained the largest source of pure benzene imports in August 2026, accounting for 230,100 tons. This represented a 20.97% decrease from the previous month. However, South Korea’s share of total imports rose to 57.24%, an increase of 10.05 percentage points from July, exceeding the typical range of 45–50%.
Regarding other suppliers, imports from India totaled 23,500 tons in August, a reduction of 32,500 tons from the previous month, which met market expectations as some Indian cargoes were redirected to Western markets. Imports from Brunei stood at 49,200 tons, followed by Japan (23,500 tons), Vietnam (18,200 tons), Malaysia (14,900 tons), Indonesia (12,000 tons), and Singapore (11,500 tons). Volumes from Oman, Thailand, and other countries were each below 10,000 tons.
Import Breakdown by Registration Location
The primary destinations for pure benzene imports in August 2026 were Zhejiang, Shanghai, and Shandong, with volumes of 168,700 tons, 55,600 tons, and 40,800 tons, respectively. Other significant regions included Hainan (37,400 tons), Guangxi (32,500 tons), Fujian (26,100 tons), Jiangsu (22,800 tons), Guangdong (8,900 tons), Tianjin (5,800 tons), and Chongqing (3,000 tons). Minor volumes totaling 300 tons were recorded in other locations.
Import Breakdown by Trade Mode
General trade remained the dominant mode of importation, accounting for 366,300 tons, or 91.12% of the total volume. Processing trade accounted for the remaining 35,700 tons, representing 8.88% of imports.
Outlook
August’s import volume of 402,000 tons was nearly flat compared to July. Looking ahead, arbitrage opportunities have prompted some Asian suppliers to redirect cargoes to Europe and North America in September. Additionally, concentrated maintenance shutdowns at South Korean facilities are scheduled to begin in October. Consequently, import volumes are projected to decline to approximately 350,000 tons in September and further drop to around 330,000 tons in October.
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