Weekly Data Analysis of China Phenol-Acetone Sample Production Profit (20260904-0910)

This week (September 4–10, 2026), China's phenol-acetone sample weekly average profit was -809 yuan/mt, down 19 yuan/mt from the previous period.

According to Chempricehub Information estimates, as of September 10, the phenol-acetone profit of Sinopec East China enterprises was -556 yuan/mt, an increase of 554 yuan/mt from September 3. This week, Sinopec's benzene list price was cumulatively raised by 1,000 yuan/mt to 9,900 yuan/mt; Sinopec East China's propylene price was cumulatively raised by 400 yuan/mt to 10,100 yuan/mt; and the phenol-acetone cost side was 15,460 yuan/mt. Sinopec East China's phenol ex-works price was cumulatively raised by 600 yuan/mt to 9,200 yuan/mt, and Sinopec East China's acetone ex-works price was cumulatively raised by 1,700 yuan/mt to 9,200 yuan/mt. Therefore, the theoretical loss margin of phenol-acetone enterprises narrowed to some extent.

Data source: Chempricehub Information

Table: China Phenol-Acetone Sample Profit Weekly Data Comparison

Data source: Chempricehub Information

This period, East China benzene spot continued its strong rise. In the next period, both petroleum benzene and hydrogenated benzene output will increase, while imports will decline somewhat. Downstream demand for benzene from styrene, phenol, adipic acid, caprolactam, and aniline is all trending upward, and restocking willingness is strengthening. On the cost side, continued US-Iran maritime friction and rising navigation risk in the Strait of Hormuz will further support oil prices through geopolitical risk, providing strong cost support for benzene. With both supply and demand increasing plus cost support, the benzene market may continue to run relatively strong next week. East China benzene prices are expected to continue rising after a correction, with market discussions referenced at 9,200–10,000 yuan/mt. This period, domestic propylene market prices rebounded strongly after a decline. Cost-side support remains, but downstream demand is mixed, plant startups and shutdowns alternate, and some integrated plants are expected to release propylene externally. Next week, propylene prices may pull back from highs. Market focus should be on whether Zhenhua Oil's maintenance proceeds as scheduled; if maintenance is implemented on schedule, tighter supply will offset bearish demand-side factors, and propylene prices may return to firm levels. In the short term, prices of both feedstocks are expected to remain relatively strong. Driven by costs, the phenol market holds cautiously positive expectations, though end-users are cautious about chasing gains, limiting upside. High acetone prices may trigger resistance from end-users, but with costs at high levels, suppliers may cautiously support prices. Based on an analysis of costs, phenol-acetone supply and demand, and price trends, phenol-acetone enterprises' losses are expected to fluctuate little next week.

Sample description: On the data release day, theoretical cost and profit monitoring is conducted based on Sinopec East China phenol-acetone and feedstock list prices compiled by Chempricehub Information.

Term explanation: Cost: Production cost is the sum of direct expenses, direct labor, and indirect manufacturing overhead incurred by an enterprise to produce a certain type and quantity of products. Phenol-acetone production cost refers to the theoretical production cost from the two major feedstocks (benzene and propylene).

Profit: Phenol-acetone production profit calculated based on phenol-acetone petrochemical enterprise prices, i.e., profit after subtracting total costs and additional expenses (excluding financial expenses) from Sinopec East China list prices.

Statistical scope: The statistical period is from last Friday to this Thursday, and the profit data comparison is between this Thursday and last Thursday. Chempricehub Information's phenol-acetone product profit is first-hand statistical data, released on workdays every Thursday from 15:00 to 17:00.