In August 2025, China's phenol imports were 7,800 tons, a decrease of 50.32% month-on-month and 62.32% year-on-year. In August 2025, China's phenol exports were 1,400 tons, a decrease of 86.79% month-on-month and 78.46% year-on-year.

The main reasons for the fluctuations in imports and exports are: there was no replenishment of the ocean cargo contract in August, and the replenishment was mainly based on the near-sea cargo contract, with the monthly import volume less than 10,000 tons; the demand gap for near-sea phenol narrowed within the month, and China's phenol export operations decreased.

According to customs data statistics, China's phenol imports from January to August 2025 totaled 175,400 tons, an increase of 23.26% over the same period in 2024; while exports totaled 40,900 tons, a year-on-year decrease of 24.68%.

The increase in imports was primarily driven by contract supply from Saudi Arabia. The 2025 maintenance period fell in the second quarter. Considering inventory and shipping cycles, contract volumes gradually decreased from June to July, with no cargoes available in August. Maintenance in 2024 was concentrated in the first quarter, and coupled with international cargo transfers, this has led to a significant decrease in phenol contracts in China. The decline in exports was primarily due to the reduced financial pressure on phenol-ketone companies in 2025, and was also related to domestic phenol supply and prices.

In the short term, the export growth is not expected to be large. In September, the domestic phenol spot market was tight in many places, and the inventory at Jiangyin Port fluctuated below 10,000 tons. In addition, the domestic price was relatively high, and there was not much advantage in export negotiations. It is estimated that the month-on-month growth in September will not be outstanding.

In the long run, ocean-going contracts are expected to resume normal operations in the fourth quarter, and import volumes are expected to increase compared to the third quarter. However, considering changes in the international supply situation, it is highly likely that the volume will not reach the high levels of the first and second quarters, and the full-year data is still changing.

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