Weekly Analysis of Sample Production Margins for China's Phenol-Acetone Industry (October 16–22, 2026)

This week (October 16–22, 2026), the weekly average profit for Chinese phenol/acetone samples was -1,488 yuan/ton, a decrease of 47 yuan/ton compared to the previous period.

According to Chempricehub data, as of October 22, the phenol/acetone profit margin for Sinopec East China enterprises stood at -1,595 yuan/ton, down by 206 yuan/ton from October 15. This week, Sinopec reduced its listed price for pure benzene by 200 yuan/ton to 10,600 yuan/ton, while the price of propylene in East China remained stable at 10,650 yuan/ton, resulting in a total production cost of 16,365 yuan/ton. Meanwhile, Sinopec East China lowered its opening price for phenol by 200 yuan/ton to 9,500 yuan/ton and its opening price for acetone by 300 yuan/ton to 8,500 yuan/ton. Consequently, the theoretical loss margin for phenol/acetone producers has widened.

Data Source: Chempricehub

Data Source: Chempricehub

This week, spot prices for pure benzene in the East China market fluctuated downwards. Looking ahead, international crude oil prices have room for increase. Domestic production of both pure benzene and hydrogenated benzene is rising, leading to a slight increase in total supply. Port inventories are expected to continue declining, while consumption by key downstream industries remains steady with a slight upward trend. Supported by robust cost levels and continuous destocking at ports, the East China pure benzene market is expected to maintain strong performance at high levels next week, with prices likely ranging between 10,300 and 10,700 yuan/ton. In Shandong, propylene prices retreated from highs this period. Next week, the domestic propylene market may rebound due to stronger cost expectations. On the supply side, maintenance and restart schedules are dispersed, making it difficult for these factors to create concentrated market shocks. Combined with support from essential restocking by downstream users, mainstream propylene prices in Shandong are projected to range between 10,300 and 10,700 yuan/ton. Currently, the inverted spread between pure benzene and phenol remains above 1,000 yuan. Phenol market fluctuations will depend on costs, average prices, and supply-demand changes, with prices expected to fluctuate or show slightly stronger volatility. Suppliers in the acetone market show little intention to offer discounts and tend to maintain prices, suggesting potential market improvement. Considering comprehensive analyses of costs, phenol/acetone supply-demand dynamics, and price trends, the loss margin for phenol/acetone producers is expected to remain relatively stable next week.

Sample Description: Data published on the release date reflects theoretical cost and profit monitoring based on Sinopec East China’s listed prices for phenol, acetone, and raw materials, compiled by Chempricehub.

Term Definitions:

• Cost: Production cost refers to the sum of direct expenses, direct labor, and indirect manufacturing overhead incurred by an enterprise to produce a specific variety and quantity of products. The production cost for phenol/acetone is calculated theoretically based on the two primary raw materials (pure benzene and propylene).
• Profit: Phenol/acetone production profit is calculated based on petrochemical enterprise pricing benchmarks. Specifically, it is defined as the profit remaining after subtracting total costs and additional fees (excluding financial expenses) from Sinopec East China’s listed prices.

Statistical Methodology: The statistical period covers last Friday through this Thursday, comparing profit data from this Thursday against that of last Thursday. Chempricehub’s phenol/acetone product profit data is primary statistical data, released between 15:00 and 17:00 on Thursdays during working days.