Weekly Data Analysis of Sample Production Profit for Phenol and Acetone in China (September 11–17, 2026)

This week (September 11–17, 2026), the weekly average profit for Chinese phenol-acetone sample enterprises was -140 RMB/ton, an increase of 669 RMB/ton from the previous period.

According to Chempricehub calculations, as of September 17, the phenol-acetone profit margin for Sinopec East China enterprises stood at -394 RMB/ton, up by 162 RMB/ton compared to September 10. This week, Sinopec’s listed price for pure benzene remained stable at 9,900 RMB/ton, while Sinopec East China’s propylene price was cumulatively lowered by 200 RMB/ton to 9,900 RMB/ton, resulting in a phenol-acetone cost base of 15,360 RMB/ton. On the sales side, Sinopec East China’s opening price for phenol held steady at 9,200 RMB/ton, whereas the opening price for acetone rose cumulatively by 100 RMB/ton to 9,300 RMB/ton. Consequently, the theoretical loss margin for phenol-acetone producers narrowed slightly.

Data Source: Chempricehub

Data Source: Chempricehub

This week, spot prices for pure benzene in East China rebounded after an initial decline, with negotiation centers rising. While signals of easing tensions between the US and Iran have emerged—loosening marginal support for crude oil prices—uncertainty persists regarding the Middle East situation, meaning geopolitical premiums could reignite at any time. Production volumes for both petroleum-based benzene and hydrogenated benzene increased, while imports remained at low levels. Demand from downstream sectors for pure benzene improved, maintaining inventory drawdowns in the supply-demand balance sheet. Although simultaneous growth in supply and demand combined with destocking provides fundamental resilience, expectations of geopolitical de-escalation are pressuring the cost side. Next week, the pure benzene market is expected to fluctuate at high levels, with reference trading ranges likely between 9,200 and 9,800 RMB/ton.

The domestic propylene market operated with high-level fluctuations this week. In the short term, weak purchasing willingness from downstream users, coupled with scheduled maintenance shutdowns at some polypropylene (PP) and acrylonitrile plants, has further suppressed raw material buying interest, potentially leading to a narrow correction. However, subsequent phase-out of multiple units will tighten supply availability, and restocking demand ahead of the Mid-Autumn Festival may trigger a rebound. Thus, the domestic propylene market is expected to dip first and then rise next week, with mainstream prices in Shandong hovering around 9,500–10,000 RMB/ton.

In the short term, prices of both feedstocks may fluctuate at high levels, and volatility on the cost side could influence the sentiment of phenol-acetone traders. With expectations of tightened spot supply for phenol, suppliers are likely to maintain bullish quoting behavior. However, cautious chasing of highs by end-users may cap potential gains, so attention should be paid to trends in pure benzene prices; the market maintains a generally positive outlook. Conversely, downstream industries for acetone show weak acceptance of higher prices, sticking to rigid demand purchases, which lacks sufficient support for upward movement. Considering costs, supply-demand dynamics, and price trends, it is projected that the loss margins for phenol-acetone enterprises will not change significantly next week.

Sample Description: On the data release date, Chempricehub monitors theoretical costs and profits based on the listed prices of Sinopec East China phenol-acetone products and their raw materials.

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. The production cost for phenol-acetone refers to the theoretical production cost derived from its two main raw materials: pure benzene and propylene.
• Profit: Phenol-acetone production profit is calculated based on petrochemical enterprise pricing, specifically defined as Sinopec East China’s listed prices minus total costs and additional fees (excluding financial expenses).

Statistical Methodology: The statistical period covers last Friday through this Thursday, comparing profit data for this Thursday against last Thursday. Chempricehub’s phenol-acetone product profit figures are primary statistical data, released on Thursdays between 15:00 and 17:00 on working days.