During this reporting period (August 13–19, 2026), the average profit of China's non-integrated styrene units was -558 yuan/ton, with losses widening by 161 yuan/ton week-on-week, an increase of 40.44%. Within the week, losses deepened for non-integrated producers, putting further pressure on profit margins. Operating loads at production enterprises declined slightly, and overall capacity utilization remained at a relatively low level.
Comparison of weekly profit data for China's non-integrated styrene units (yuan/ton)
| Type | Week of Aug 12 | Week of Aug 19 | Change | Change (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Non-integrated units | -397.37 | -558.06 | -160.69 | -40.44% |
Comparison of price, cost, and profit for China's non-integrated styrene units with the same period last year (yuan/ton)
| Item | 2025/8/19 | 2026/8/19 | Change | Change (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pure benzene | 6,095 | 8,240 | 2,145 | 35.19% |
| Ethylene CFR Northeast Asia | 825 | 1,000 | 175 | 21.21% |
| Styrene | 7,280 | 9,000 | 1,720 | 23.63% |
| Styrene cost | 7,606.61 | 9,571.57 | 1,964.96 | 25.83% |
| Non-integrated unit profit | -326.61 | -571.57 | -244.96 | -75.00% |
Crude oil prices are expected to rise, while pure benzene on the feedstock side may strengthen and then consolidate. In the short term, styrene itself is likely to see slight increases on both the supply and demand sides, with no significant pressure from fundamentals. Spot buyers remain cautious about chasing higher prices, which may limit upward room for prices. At the same time, non-integrated units still face a certain degree of cost pressure. Processing margins for non-integrated units are expected to recover modestly next week.
As of this week, the average profit of China's non-integrated styrene units has declined. Under the current profit level, non-integrated production units face pressure in both production and sales. Rigid support from raw material costs persists, providing bottom support for styrene prices.
Sample description: On the day of data release, theoretical profit monitoring is conducted based on raw material prices in China's major styrene-producing regions and mainstream styrene transaction prices, as compiled by Chempricehub Information.
Glossary: Non-integrated profit refers to the production profit of producers operating non-integrated styrene units that source raw materials externally. It is calculated as the actual spot transaction price in the mainstream market minus the total per-ton cost and additional expenses (excluding financial costs).
Statistical scope: The non-integrated styrene profit data from Chempricehub Information are first-hand statistics. The sample covers domestic non-integrated styrene production enterprises in mainland China. Statistics are compiled daily and released on working days every Thursday from 15:00 to 17:00.
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