China’s pure benzene imports in August 2026 remained in line with market expectations, reaching approximately 402,000 metric tons. Despite stable import volumes in August, the market is expected to see a gradual decline in overseas supply during September and October due to maintenance activities at Asian production facilities and the diversion of some cargoes to Europe and the Americas for arbitrage opportunities.

According to China Customs data, China imported 401,979.082 tons of pure benzene in August 2026, with cumulative imports from January to August reaching 3,070,172.652 tons. The import value for August was approximately US$393.07 million, with an average import price of US$977.84 per ton.

Compared with July, August import volumes decreased slightly by 0.29% month-on-month, while falling 8.89% year-on-year. The cumulative import volume during the first eight months of 2026 declined by 16.56% compared with the same period last year, reflecting changes in global supply flows and import demand.

South Korea Remains the Largest Supply Source

In terms of import sources, South Korea continued to be China’s largest supplier of pure benzene in August 2026, with imports reaching 230,100 tons, accounting for 57.24% of total imports.

Although imports from South Korea decreased by 20.97% month-on-month, the proportion increased by 10.05 percentage points compared with the previous month. Market participants noted that South Korean shipments during August remained relatively high, exceeding normal levels by approximately 45%–50%.

Besides South Korea, China also imported pure benzene from several other countries:

• India: 23,500 tons, down significantly from the previous month as some cargoes were reportedly redirected to European and American markets.
• Brunei: 49,200 tons
• Japan: 23,500 tons
• Vietnam: 18,200 tons
• Malaysia: 14,900 tons
• Indonesia: 12,000 tons
• Singapore: 11,500 tons

Imports from Oman, Thailand, and other countries remained below 10,000 tons.

Zhejiang, Shanghai and Shandong Become Main Import Destinations

From a regional perspective, China’s major pure benzene import destinations in August were concentrated in East China and coastal regions.

The main receiving areas included:

• Zhejiang: 168,700 tons
• Shanghai: 55,600 tons
• Shandong: 40,800 tons

Other destinations included:

• Hainan: 37,400 tons
• Guangxi: 32,500 tons
• Fujian: 26,100 tons
• Jiangsu: 22,800 tons
• Guangdong: 8,900 tons
• Tianjin: 5,800 tons
• Chongqing: 3,000 tons

The concentration of imports in coastal areas reflects the importance of ports, petrochemical facilities, and downstream industries in these regions.

General Trade Remains the Main Import Mode

According to customs statistics, general trade continued to be the dominant import method for pure benzene in August 2026.

Imports under general trade reached 366,300 tons, accounting for 91.12% of total imports.

Imports under processing trade totaled 35,700 tons, representing 8.88% of total imports.

This indicates that most imported pure benzene was directly used for domestic market supply and industrial production.

Pure Benzene Import Outlook for September–October

Looking ahead, China’s pure benzene import volume is expected to gradually decrease in September and October.

Market expectations suggest that imports may decline to around:

• September 2026: approximately 350,000 tons
• October 2026: approximately 330,000 tons

The expected reduction is mainly due to several factors:

1. Maintenance activities at Asian production facilities
   Several Asian benzene-producing units are scheduled for maintenance, which may reduce export availability.
2. Cargo diversion to Europe and the Americas
   Due to international price differences, some Asian-origin benzene cargoes may shift toward European and American markets, reducing supply available for China.
3. South Korean plant maintenance in October
   Concentrated maintenance at South Korean facilities may further affect export volumes to China.

Overall, while August imports remained stable, the market may face tighter import supply in the coming months. The reduction in overseas availability could provide some support to domestic pure benzene prices, depending on downstream demand and inventory changes.