Weekly Data Analysis of Phenol/Acetone Sample Production Profits in China (Oct 23–29, 2026)

This week (October 23–29, 2026), the average weekly profit for China’s phenol-acetone sample enterprises was -1,113 RMB/ton, an increase of 375 RMB/ton compared to the previous period.

According to calculations by Chempricehub, as of October 29, the profit margin for Sinopec East China’s phenol-acetone operations stood at -1,015 RMB/ton, up by 580 RMB/ton from October 22. During this week, Sinopec reduced its posted price for pure benzene by 300 RMB/ton to 10,300 RMB/ton, while the cumulative price increase for propylene in East China reached 1,000 RMB/ton, bringing it to 11,650 RMB/ton. Consequently, the production cost for phenol-acetone rose to 16,595 RMB/ton. On the product side, Sinopec East China raised its opening price for phenol by 500 RMB/ton to 10,000 RMB/ton and increased the opening price for acetone by 500 RMB/ton to 9,000 RMB/ton. As a result, the theoretical loss margin for phenol-acetone producers has narrowed slightly.

Data Source: Chempricehub

Data Source: Chempricehub

In the spot market for pure benzene in East China, prices surged before pulling back, resulting in a slight rise in the average price. Cost-side support remains strong. Supply and demand fundamentals show growth on both sides; domestic pure benzene output and total supply have increased slightly, partially offset by a decline in hydrogenated benzene production. On the demand side, consumption by major downstream industries has risen, with significant increases in usage for phenol and aniline, leading to a narrower supply-demand gap. The interplay between strong crude oil prices providing a floor and essential restocking by downstream users limits further downside potential. The market is expected to maintain high-level volatility next week, with spot negotiation references in East China ranging from 9,500 to 10,200 RMB/ton.

Regarding propylene in Shandong, prices rebounded after an initial drop. Domestic propylene prices are expected to experience a high-level bounce back next week, supported by strong cost factors. However, downstream demand remains sluggish due to high raw material costs, and localized supply increases act as a constraint. The market trend is likely to rise first and then fall, operating within a range of 10,800 to 11,800 RMB/ton. Currently, there has been little change in the inverted price spread between pure benzene and phenol. Pure benzene trends are expected to weaken in the next period, with attention focused on end-user purchasing interest. Suppliers face limited shipment pressure at the beginning of the month, leaving little room for price concessions, suggesting a narrow and weakly trending market. For acetone, supply-side pressure is low, and suppliers may cautiously hold prices steady. End-user procurement progress is moderate, implying short-term price fluctuations. Considering comprehensive analysis of costs, phenol-acetone supply/demand dynamics, and price trends, the losses for phenol-acetone producers are expected to fluctuate within a limited range next week.

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

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

Statistical Scope: The statistical period covers last Friday through this Thursday. Profit data comparisons are made between this Thursday and last Thursday. Chempricehub’s phenol-acetone product profit data consists of primary statistical figures, published every Thursday between 15:00 and 17:00 on working days.