China's phenol import volume from January to July 2025 was 167,500 tons

August 26, News

In January-July 2025, China's phenol import volume reached 167,500 tons, representing a year-on-year increase of 37.86%. Phenol import contracts were smoothly delivered as scheduled to replenish domestic supplies. Although Saudi Arabia’s phenol-ketone production facility experienced a planned shutdown in April, the impact on first-half contract volumes was minimal, given existing inventory levels and vessel-loading schedules. However, contract volumes for July saw a slight reduction, yet overall imports still showed positive growth compared to the same period last year.

China is the world's largest consumer of phenol, and importing phenol plays a crucial role in filling the supply gap in China. From 2020 to 2024, China's phenol import contracts decreased year by year, mainly sourced from Saudi Arabia and nearby countries and regions. Apart from directly entering downstream factories for production, the imported volume mainly flows to the Huaxi warehouse in Jiangyin and the Shuntian warehouse in Zhangjiagang, and then is transshipped to surrounding trade, downstream, or re-export operations. In the first seven months of 2025, the reduction in phenol import contracts was not significant, showing a year-on-year increase.

According to customs data, from January to July 2025, China's phenol imports mainly came from Saudi Arabia, Thailand, Singapore, South Korea, Japan, and Taiwan, China. The import volume from other countries and regions was negligible. The phenol and acetone unit in Saudi Arabia began maintenance in April, but considering inventory and shipping schedules, the impact on contract cargo volumes in May and June was minimal. However, the volume of contract cargo arriving in July decreased. The import volume from Saudi Arabia accounted for 69.72% of the total from January to July, firmly ranking first. Additionally, most of the import contracts came from nearby regions such as Singapore, Thailand, South Korea, Japan, and Taiwan, China.

In September-December 2025, China is expected to add 440,000 tons of new phenol production capacity, further boosting domestic supply. Meanwhile, import contracts are likely to see a noticeable decline in the third quarter due to Saudi Phenol Ketone plant maintenance, with further monitoring needed in the fourth quarter. Overall, it is anticipated that China's phenol import contracts will temporarily decrease in the second half of the year, leading to a year-on-year drop in overall import volume compared to the first half. However, the full-year import volume is unlikely to differ significantly from 2024 levels.