Weekly Data Analysis of Production Profit for China's Phenol and Acetone Samples

This week (October 8, 2026), the weekly average profit for China's phenol and acetone sample enterprises was -1,213 yuan/ton, a decrease of 215 yuan/ton from the previous period (September 28–30, 2026).

According to calculations by Chempricehub Information, as of October 8, Sinopec East China’s phenol and acetone profit margin stood at -1,213 yuan/ton, down 125 yuan/ton from September 30. This week, Sinopec’s listed price for pure benzene remained stable at 10,200 yuan/ton, while the propylene price in East China rose by 250 yuan/ton to 10,150 yuan/ton, bringing the total production cost for phenol and acetone to 15,755 yuan/ton. The opening prices for Sinopec East China’s phenol and acetone remained unchanged at 8,900 yuan/ton and 9,100 yuan/ton, respectively. Consequently, the theoretical loss margin for phenol and acetone producers has slightly widened.

Data source: Chempricehub Information

Table: Weekly Profit Comparison for China's Phenol and Acetone Sample Enterprises

Data source: Chempricehub Information

This week, geopolitical drivers on the cost side resonated with slower-than-expected supply recovery, pushing pure benzene futures prices to hit the daily limit up. Next week, international crude oil prices are expected to rise slightly. On the supply side, some refineries face constraints due to feedstock limitations and requirements to prioritize fuel production over chemicals, resulting in limited increases in operating rates. Import arrivals are insufficient due to feedstock constraints at South Korean refineries, leading to a slow overall pace of supply recovery. Although port inventories have increased slightly, absolute levels remain low, and the tight spot market situation has not fundamentally changed. Post-holiday downstream restocking has slowed, and high raw material costs continue to squeeze profits. Major products such as styrene are suffering severe losses, with unplanned reductions or shutdowns increasing. Weak real demand is gradually becoming apparent, exerting pressure on prices. It is expected that the pure benzene market will trade weakly after consolidating at high levels next week, with reference transaction prices in East China projected between 10,500 and 11,000 yuan/ton. Currently, cost prices remain elevated, and the negative spread between phenol and pure benzene exceeds 1,000 yuan/ton. In the short term, there are positive expectations for the domestic phenol and acetone market; however, despite favorable cost outlooks, the recovery of corporate loss margins is expected to be limited.

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

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 type and quantity of product. For phenol and acetone, production cost refers to the theoretical cost derived from the two main raw materials (pure benzene and propylene).
• Profit: Phenol and acetone production profit is calculated based on petrochemical enterprise pricing benchmarks, specifically defined as Sinopec East China’s listed prices minus total costs and additional fees (excluding financial expenses).
• Statistical Scope: The statistical period covers last Friday through this Thursday, comparing profit data from this Thursday against last Thursday. Chempricehub Information’s phenol and acetone profit figures are primary statistical data, released between 15:00 and 17:00 on Thursdays during working days.