Since December, the phenol market in mainstream regions across the country has been rising, with an average increase of around 200-300 yuan/ton. As of the 9th, the phenol market in East China was quoted at 8018 yuan/ton. The sentiment of traders reluctant to sell and reporting high prices is highlighted. During the same period, the price of raw material pure benzene has risen, and market benefits are concentrated. Traders have steadily pushed up their offers, with the focus accelerating. According to data monitored by Business Society, the domestic phenol market price was 7787 yuan/ton on December 1 and 8018 yuan/ton on December 9, with a 2.95% increase in early December.

The port inventory is low, and there is no replenishment of imported cargo. The cargo statistics in the East China region are 12000 tons, and have reached 6000 tons. The inventory at Jiangyin Port is at a low level of 6000 tons. The tightening of spot supply has highlighted the sentiment of traders being reluctant to sell and reporting high prices. During the same period, the price of raw material pure benzene has risen, and market benefits are relatively concentrated. Led by the increase in factory opening prices in the middle of the week, the pace of the upward trend has accelerated. With the continuous rise in prices, downstream demand is mainly driven by high prices, and trading has slowed down.

Sinopec Huadong phenol is listed at a price range of 7900-8000 yuan/ton. Sinopec North China phenol is listed at a price range of 8000-8050 yuan/ton. As of the 9th, the phenol offers in various mainstream markets across the country are as follows:

Region/ Quotation on the 9th/ Zhou’s ups and downs

East China region/ 7900./ 150

Shandong region/ 8000./ 200

Surrounding areas of Yanshan Mountain/ 8050./ 200

South China region/ 8050./ 200

On the demand side, with the continuous rise of phenol, terminal enterprises are mainly driven by rigid demand and cautious in chasing high prices, which constrains the demand side. The downstream bisphenol A spot market has remained lukewarm, with stable market offers and negotiations in the East China region at 8900-9100 yuan/ton. There is currently no significant news impact on the market.

Business Society expects the phenol market to remain strong in the short term, with little pressure on spot supply. However, downstream companies are cautious about chasing high prices, and there is limited room for the market to continue rising.