August exports rose, and September volumes are expected to remain at high levels.

Lead-in: In August 2026, China’s styrene import and export market continued to exhibit a pattern of low imports and high exports. Exports rebounded from July’s low point to 113,600 tons, rising by 42.86% month-on-month, while maintaining an exceptionally high year-on-year growth rate. Imports increased slightly to 12,500 tons; although this represented a significant month-on-month surge of 196.37%, the volume remained at a low level with limited impact on the domestic market, underscoring China’s robust self-sufficiency.

1. Export Market: Significant Month-on-Month Rebound, Sustained Ultra-High Year-on-Year Growth