During the current period (October 29 – November 4, 2026), the average profit for China’s non-integrated styrene units was -9 CNY/ton. This represents a significant recovery from losses compared to the previous week, with losses narrowing by 104 CNY/ton, a reduction of 91.73%. While weekly losses are continuously recovering and production pressure has notably eased, shortfalls in ethylene feedstock remain, inhibiting the pace of operating rate recovery for non-integrated units. In the short term, only a few units have seen slight increases in operating rates, keeping overall industry utilization under pressure. Further relief on the feedstock side is needed before broader improvements can occur.
Chart: Profit Trend of Styrene Non-Integrated Units, 2022–2026 (CNY/ton)
Data Source: Chempricehub Information
Table: Weekly Profit Comparison for China’s Styrene Non-Integrated Units (CNY/ton)
| Type | Oct 29 – Nov 4 | Oct 22 – Oct 28 | Change Value | Change Rate (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Non-integrated units | -9.39 | -113.59 | 104.20 | -91.73% |
Data Source: Chempricehub Information
Table: Comparison of Price, Cost, and Profit for China’s Styrene Non-Integrated Units vs. Same Period Last Year (Unit: CNY/ton)
| Item | 2026/11/4 | 2025/11/4 | Price Difference | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pure Benzene | 8990 | 5405 | 3585 | CNY/ton |
| Ethylene CFR Northeast Asia | 1240 | 740 | 500 | USD/ton |
| Styrene | 10790 | 6400 | 4390 | CNY/ton |
| Styrene Production Cost | 10668.46 | 6844 | 3824 | CNY/ton |
| Non-integrated Unit Profit | 122 | -444 | 566 | CNY/ton |
Data Source: Chempricehub Information
On the feedstock side, declining pure benzene costs and weakening supply-demand dynamics are creating a resonance effect. The shift toward a looser supply balance and inventory accumulation at ports are exerting downward pressure on prices. The market is expected to continue fluctuating weakly next week, reducing support for styrene prices. In the short term, styrene inventories remain low; however, there are signs that its own fundamentals are shifting toward looseness. Additionally, new terminal orders have not shown significant improvement, suggesting that the transaction center for styrene may continue to decline. Overall, while styrene port inventories may remain at low levels, tightness on the ethylene side limits the increase in styrene supply. There remains room for a slight recovery in processing profits for non-integrated units.
As of this week, the profitability of non-integrated units has improved compared to previous periods. However, given the coexistence of weakening cost-side support and expectations of loosening fundamentals, the sustainability of profit recovery remains to be observed.
Chart: Daily Profit and Market Price Trend for Styrene Non-Integrated Units (CNY/ton)
Data Source: Chempricehub Information
Sample Description: On the day of data release, Chempricehub Information monitors theoretical profits based on raw material prices and mainstream transaction prices of styrene in major Chinese production regions.
Term Definition: "Non-integrated profit" refers to the production profit of styrene manufacturers using externally sourced raw materials. It is calculated as the actual spot transaction price in mainstream markets minus the total cost per ton and additional fees (excluding financial expenses).
Statistical Scope: Chempricehub Information’s styrene non-integrated profit data is primary statistical data. Samples cover domestic non-integrated styrene producers located inland. The statistical cycle is daily, and data is released between 15:00 and 17:00 on Thursdays during working days.
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