Lead: China imported 402,000 tons of pure benzene in August, aligning with previous expectations. Due to maintenance shutdowns at Asian facilities and the diversion of some supply to Europe and the Americas during August–September, imports are forecast to decline to 350,000 tons in September and 330,000 tons in October.
According to customs statistics, China’s pure benzene imports in August 2026 totaled 401,979.082 tons, bringing cumulative imports for the year to 3,070,172.652 tons. The total import value for August was USD 393.07 million, with an average unit price of USD 977.84 per ton. Monthly import volumes decreased by 0.29% month-on-month and 8.89% year-on-year. Cumulative import volumes were down 16.56% compared to the same period last year.
Customs data also shows that China exported 2,850 tons of pure benzene in August 2026, with cumulative exports reaching 5,977.92 tons. The total export value for August was USD 5.7 million, at an average unit price of USD 2,000 per ton. Cumulative export volumes surged by 2,109.89% year-on-year.
In terms of trading partners, South Korea remained the largest source of imports in August 2026, supplying 230,100 tons. This represented a 20.97% decrease from July. However, South Korea’s share of total imports rose to 57.24%, up 10.05 percentage points from the previous month, exceeding the typical range of 45–50%.
Regarding other sources, imports from India stood at 23,500 tons in August, a reduction of 32,500 tons from July, which aligned with market expectations as some Indian cargoes were redirected to Europe and the Americas. Imports from Brunei reached 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 remained below 10,000 tons each.
By registration location, the primary entry points for pure benzene imports in August 2026 were Zhejiang, Shanghai, and Shandong, recording volumes of 168,700 tons, 55,600 tons, and 40,800 tons, respectively. Other significant entry points 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 through other locations.
By trade mode, general trade dominated imports in August 2026, accounting for 366,300 tons or 91.12% of the total volume. Processing trade accounted for the remaining 35,700 tons, representing 8.88%.
August import volumes of 402,000 tons remained nearly flat compared to July. Looking ahead, arbitrage opportunities have prompted some Asian supply to be diverted to Europe and the Americas in September. Additionally, concentrated maintenance shutdowns at South Korean units are scheduled to begin in October. Consequently, September imports are estimated to fall to 350,000 tons, with further declines expected in October to approximately 330,000 tons.
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