Summary of Pure Benzene Trends in August (August 1, 2025 - August 29, 2025) in China

August 29 update

I. Price Trends

According to the commodity market analysis system, the pure benzene market prices in Shandong region of China first rose and then fell this month. In the first half of the month, the market prices mainly increased, while in the second half, they mainly decreased. The price on August 1st was 6075.33 CNY/ton; on August 29th, it was 6012 CNY/ton, a decrease of 1.04% from the beginning of the month.

Note: There seems to be a discrepancy in the original text regarding the percentage change. The price on August 29th (6012 CNY/ton) is actually lower than the price on August 1st (6075.33 CNY/ton), which would indicate a decrease rather than an increase.

II. Market Analysis

Pure benzene: Today, the market price of pure benzene in China has fallen. Continuous imports for future months are impacting the Chinese market, with pessimistic futures trading and low-end buying following paper transactions, leading to insufficient market confidence. Shandong local refining companies have lowered their quotes, and transactions within the market are moderate. Overall, there is insufficient willingness for rigid demand procurement. It is expected that in the short term, pure benzene will experience a period of consolidation, with actual transactions being negotiated on a case-by-case basis.

This month, Sinopec's pure benzene price was reduced by 50 CNY/ton to 6,000 CNY/ton in China.

Downstream sector

3. Future Market Forecast

Crude Oil Futures: On August 28, international crude oil futures closed higher. The settlement price for the U.S. WTI crude oil October contract was reported at $64.60 per barrel, up $0.47, or 0.7%. Meanwhile, the settlement price for the Brent crude oil November contract came in at $67.98 per barrel, gaining $0.54, or 0.8%.

Foreign market pure benzene: On August 28, FOB Korea fell by $1 to $726 per ton, while CFR China dropped by $1 to $742 per ton. FOB Rotterdam remained steady at $669 per ton, and FOB U.S. Gulf declined by 2 cents to 258 cents per gallon.

Overall forecast: In the short term, the pure benzene market in China will experience fluctuating and consolidating operations, with a watchful eye on cost and demand news. Continued attention should be given to the trends of crude oil and foreign markets, as well as the operational dynamics of pure benzene and downstream facilities, and changes in demand, all of which impact the price of pure benzene.