China Benzene Imports to Hit New High in 2025
In August 2025, China’s benzene imports reached 441.2kt, marking a historic high for the same period. From January to August, China’s cumulative benzene imports totaled 3,679.7kt, representing a YoY increase of 46.90%.
The Asia-Pacific arbitrage window is projected to remain persistently closed in the fourth quarter, resulting in relatively ample imported benzene sources in China. It is projected that in 2025, China’s benzene imports will surpass 5 million mt, reaching a record high.
From January to August 2025, imported benzene accounted for 17.89% of the domestic total supply, an increase of 3.19 percentage points compared to the previous year. After 2025, domestic oil-based benzene output has steadily grown, while coal-based benzene output has remained relatively stable compared to the previous year. The rapid increase in imports continues to alter the structure of the domestic benzene supply.
From September to December, due to tariff impacts and decreased US demand, arbitrage opportunities between Asia and America are expected to remain limited; meanwhile, Northeast Asian refinery maintenance is dispersed. Benzene imports into China are projected to stay high in the fourth quarter, with annual imports possibly exceeding 5 million mt, a new record.
All information provided by SCI is for reference only, which shall not be reproduced without permission.
Please click "Read more" for the full article.
