1. Overview of Import and Export Data

In August 2026, China's butadiene import volume was 15,772.87 tons, a month-on-month decrease of 35.76%. The average import price was 1,285.21 USD/ton, down 3.34% from the previous month. Total imports for January–August 2026 amounted to 182,121.03 tons, representing a year-on-year decline of 155,188.81 tons (-46.01%).

In August 2026, China's butadiene export volume was 6,079 tons, a month-on-month decrease of 38.50%. The average export price was 1,373.09 USD/ton, up 1.64% from the previous month. Total exports for January–July 2026 reached 130,153.71 tons, an increase of 109,515.72 tons compared to the same period last year (+530.65%).

2. Influencing Factors

Imports: The month-on-month decline in import volume in August was primarily driven by low water levels in the Rhine River in Europe, which disrupted shipping logistics and limited available imported resources. Additionally, reduced butadiene supply from regions such as Japan and South Korea meant insufficient cargo was available to replenish domestic stocks.

Exports: The month-on-month decrease in export volume in August was mainly due to tight domestic butadiene supply and limited marketable resources. Furthermore, high domestic prices weakened inquiry interest from downstream enterprises abroad.

3. Net Imports

In August 2026, China's net butadiene imports totaled 9,693.87 tons, a decrease from the previous month.

4. Import and Export Structure

4.1 Imports

4.1.1 Countries of Origin

In August 2026, the top three sources of China's butadiene imports were South Korea, Malaysia, and Thailand, accounting for 51.28%, 25.48%, and 12.70% of total import volume, respectively.

Table 1: Statistics on China's Butadiene Imports by Country/Region of Origin in August 2026

4.1.2 Trade Mode

In August 2026, all butadiene imports into China were conducted via general trade.

Table 2: Statistics on China's Butadiene Import Data by Trade Mode in August 2026

4.1.3 Place of Registration

In August 2026, butadiene imports were registered in Zhejiang Province, Jiangsu Province, and Shanghai Municipality, with shares of 57.66%, 30.16%, and 12.17%, respectively.

Table 3: Statistics on China's Butadiene Import Data by Place of Registration in August 2026

4.2 Exports

4.2.1 Destination Countries/Regions

In August 2026, China's butadiene exports were primarily shipped to South Korea and Taiwan, China, with smaller volumes going to Turkey and Pakistan. These destinations accounted for 65.80%, 32.90%, 0.86%, and 0.44% of total export volume, respectively.

Table 4: Statistics on China's Butadiene Exports by Destination Country/Region in August 2026

4.2.2 Trade Mode

In August 2026, all butadiene exports from China were conducted via general trade.

Table 5: Statistics on China's Butadiene Exports by Trade Mode in August 2026

4.2.3 Place of Registration

In August 2026, China's butadiene exports originated from Zhejiang Province, Sichuan Province, and Shandong Province, with shares of 98.70%, 0.86%, and 0.44%, respectively.

Table 6: Statistics on China's Butadiene Exports by Place of Registration in August 2026

5. Trend Forecast

In September 2026, low water levels in the Rhine River in Europe are expected to show no significant improvement, continuing to disrupt shipping logistics. Moreover, tight supply-demand conditions in East Asia will limit the arrival of imported cargoes, leading to an anticipated decline in import volumes. Domestically, butadiene prices are rising significantly, increasing export costs, while insufficient follow-up demand from overseas downstream users is expected to cause export volumes to decline. Monthly import volumes are projected to be around 10,000–15,000 tons, and export volumes around 5,000–6,000 tons.