1、 Price trend
This month, the market price of pure benzene in Shandong region first fell and then rose, and overall the price has increased. On August 1st, the price was 7767.67 yuan/ton; On August 28th, the price was 8017.67 yuan/ton, an increase of 3.22% from the beginning of the month.
2、 Market analysis
Pure benzene: This month, the market price of pure benzene in Shandong region first fell and then rose, and overall, the price has increased. At present, the situation between the United States and Iran remains uncertain, and international crude oil futures closed higher. In terms of ports, the inventory of ports in East China is still at a low level, and there has been no significant increase in imported goods in the future. Shandong’s local refining enterprises prioritize stability in their offers and cautious in their transactions. The price of pure benzene for Sinopec’s refineries in East China, South China, and Central China will be implemented at 8250 yuan/ton on August 21st.
This month, Sinopec has raised the price of pure benzene by 350 yuan/ton to 8250 yuan/ton.
3、 Future forecast
Crude oil futures: On August 27th, international crude oil futures closed higher. The settlement price of the October WTI crude oil futures contract in the United States was $83.53 per barrel, an increase of $1.30 or 1.6%. The settlement price of Brent crude oil futures in November was $88.52 per barrel, an increase of $1.58 or 1.8%.
Foreign pure benzene: On August 27th, FOB Korea rose by 15 to 1006 US dollars per ton, and CFR China rose by 15 to 1021 US dollars per ton. FOB Rotterdam fell 29 to 1031 US dollars per ton, FOB USG fell 17 to 443 US cents per gallon.
Overall forecast: The pure benzene market is expected to experience slight fluctuations in the short term. We still need to wait and see more news on the cost and demand sides. Continue to monitor the trends of crude oil and external markets, as well as the impact of changes in pure benzene and downstream equipment dynamics and demand on the price of pure benzene.

In July, the domestic epoxy resin market as a whole showed a weak consolidation in the first half of the month, a cost increase in the second half of the month, and a high volatility trend at the end of the month. The price center moved up significantly compared to June, with the maximum increase for the whole month exceeding 1000 yuan/ton. Significant structural differentiation in the market: General grade resins are affected by off-season demand, resulting in a deviation between quantity and price. High end electronic and packaging specialty resins have tight supply and demand, but are independently strengthening, presenting an overall pattern of “cost driven price increases and demand constrained volume increases”.

Price trend: In the middle of the month, the raw material price of liquid epoxy E-51 rose, driving the factory to adjust the price intensively. On the 21st, it hit a monthly high of 14500 – 14700 yuan/ton. At the end of the month, the high level fluctuated, and the negotiation range was 14200 – 14600 yuan/ton. Solid epoxy E-12: The trend is synchronized with that of liquid resin, with a relatively mild increase. The mainstream price at the end of the month is 13400-13800 yuan/ton, and the factory has raised the price but the terminal demand is limited. High end specialty resins: Benefiting from the demand for AI servers, automotive grade PCBs, and chip packaging, there is a shortage of supply and a 4-8 week lead time, resulting in a supply-demand gap of 30% -35%. Prices remain strong at high levels, leading to an independent and strong market trend.
In July, the industry’s operating rate slightly recovered to 58% -60%, with overall stable production and no large-scale production cuts. More than 20 mainstream enterprises raised prices in mid month, creating a strong atmosphere of price hikes. Top enterprises prioritize the protection of long and high-end orders, and the general spot supply is moderate. The overall market is running with low inventory, factories are under no pressure, traders are fast moving in and out, and there is no hoarding or speculation, which supports price stabilization.
The polarization of demand is evident. Traditional downstream flooring, anti-corrosion coatings, and ordinary composite materials are affected by the high temperature off-season, limiting production and mainly consuming inventory. The willingness to chase prices is weak, and the transmission of high prices is hindered. The demand for high-end electronics industry chain continues to improve, coupled with stable export orders, effectively offsetting the traditional off-season weakness and becoming the core support of the market.
Positive support: The two major raw materials, bisphenol A and epichlorohydrin, have tightened their supply and prices have risen synchronously, putting pressure on enterprise costs and actively pushing up prices.
Negative constraints: General grade resin production capacity is sufficient, traditional terminal demand is weak during the off-season, price increases lack transaction relay, and market volume price deviation.
The short-term market is mainly characterized by high-level fluctuations and demand recovery. After the stabilization of raw materials, the upward space for epoxy is limited. In mid to late August, downstream suppliers are expected to start stocking up during the peak season of Jinjiu, and the demand for essential goods is gradually recovering. The structural differentiation of the market continues, with high-end specialty resins remaining in high demand and firm, while the price increase of general-purpose resins is limited. Special attention should be paid to the risks of raw material decline, sustained drag on production due to high temperatures, and downstream resistance to high prices.