Weekly Analysis of Sample Production Profit for Phenol and Acetone in China (October 9–15, 2026)

This week (October 9–15, 2026), the weekly average profit for China’s cumene-phenol-acetone sample enterprises was -1,441 yuan/ton, a decrease of 228 yuan/ton from the previous period (October 8, 2026).

According to calculations by Chempricehub, as of October 15, Sinopec East China’s phenol-acetone profit stood at -1,389 yuan/ton, down 176 yuan/ton from October 8. This week, Sinopec’s listed price for pure benzene increased cumulatively by 600 yuan/ton to 10,800 yuan/ton, and Sinopec East China’s propylene price rose cumulatively by 500 yuan/ton to 10,650 yuan/ton, bringing the total cost of phenol-acetone production to 15,156 yuan/ton. Meanwhile, Sinopec East China’s opening price for phenol increased cumulatively by 800 yuan/ton to 9,700 yuan/ton, while its opening price for acetone decreased by 300 yuan/ton to 8,800 yuan/ton. Consequently, the theoretical loss margin for phenol-acetone producers widened slightly.

Data source: Chempricehub

Table: Weekly Profit Comparison for China Phenol-Acetone Sample Enterprises

Data source: Chempricehub

Looking ahead, international crude oil prices are expected to rise modestly in the next period. Geopolitical risk premiums will support oil prices, but weak demand and policy rhetoric will limit gains. Pure benzene supply and demand are both declining; defensive load reductions by refineries have tightened supply, while downstream losses and reduced output have led to weaker demand, narrowing the market gap. Due to timing differences in pickup schedules, actual inventory drawdowns occurred at East China ports, maintaining a tight spot market situation that supports near-month contracts. The negotiated price range for East China pure benzene is projected to be 10,000–10,500 yuan/ton next week. During this period, Shandong’s propylene market fluctuated at high levels after rising. Propylene prices in the domestic market are expected to pull back next week. Although cost-side factors provide some support, fundamentals remain weak with sluggish trading activity. Producers may offer temporary discounts to reduce inventory risks. The mainstream operating range for Shandong propylene is forecast at 10,300–10,700 yuan/ton. Currently, the inverted price spread between pure benzene and phenol remains above 1,000 yuan. Phenol price movements should be monitored closely regarding costs, average prices, and supply-demand dynamics, with prices expected to show mixed fluctuations within a high range. For acetone, accumulating port inventories and insufficient follow-on demand constitute major downward pressure, leading to short-term weak oscillations. Considering comprehensive analysis of costs, phenol-acetone supply/demand, and price trends, changes in next week’s loss margins for phenol-acetone producers are expected to be limited.

Sample Description: On the data release date, Chempricehub compiles Sinopec East China’s listed prices for phenol-acetone products and raw materials to monitor theoretical costs and profits.

Definitions:

• Cost: Production cost refers to the sum of direct expenses, direct labor, and indirect manufacturing overhead incurred by an enterprise to produce specific types and quantities of goods. In this context, phenol-acetone production cost represents the theoretical cost derived from two key raw materials: pure benzene and propylene.
• Profit: Phenol-acetone production profit is calculated based on petrochemical enterprise pricing benchmarks—specifically, Sinopec East China’s listed prices minus total production costs and other fees (excluding financial expenses).

Statistical Methodology: The statistical cycle runs from last Thursday to this Thursday, comparing profit data for these two dates. Chempricehub’s phenol-acetone profit figures are primary statistical data, released between 15:00–17:00 on each business Thursday.