From January to July 2025, China's phenol imports reached 167,500 tons, a year-on-year increase of 37.86%. Phenol import contracts arrived at ports as planned. Although Saudi Arabia's phenol-ketone plant was shut down in April, inventory and cargo scheduling factors significantly impacted contract volumes in the first half of the year. Contract volumes decreased slightly in July, but overall imports showed year-on-year growth.

China is the world's largest consumer of phenol, and phenol imports play a crucial role in filling the domestic supply gap. From 2020 to 2024, China's phenol import contracts declined annually, primarily due to imports from Saudi Arabia and neighboring countries and regions. Besides going directly to downstream factories for production, imports primarily flowed to the Jiangyin Huaxi depot and the Zhangjiagang Suning depot, where they were then transferred to surrounding trade, downstream markets, or re-export operations. From January to July 2025, phenol import contracts saw a slight decrease, with year-on-year growth.

According to customs data, China's phenol imports from January to July 2025 primarily came from Saudi Arabia, Thailand, Singapore, South Korea, Japan, and Taiwan. Phenol imports from other countries and regions were negligible, essentially negligible. Saudi Arabia's phenol-ketone plant began maintenance in April. Considering inventory and shipping schedules, contract volumes for May and June were minimally impacted. Contract arrivals decreased slightly in July, leaving imports from January to July at a substantial 69.72%, maintaining their leading position. Other import contracts primarily came from near-sea destinations such as Singapore, Thailand, South Korea, Japan, and Taiwan.

From September to December 2025, China's phenol production capacity is expected to increase by 440,000 tons, further increasing domestic supply. Import contracts, impacted by maintenance at Saudi Arabia's phenol-ketone plant, saw a significant decrease in volume in the third quarter, with further following up in the fourth quarter. Taking all these factors into account, it’s expected that there will be a temporary decrease in Chinese phenol import contracts in the second half of the year, with overall imports declining month-over-month compared to the first half of the year. Annual imports are expected to remain relatively unchanged in 2024.

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