Chemical Updates

Asia Phenol/Acetone Commentary / 18-Aug-2026-18-Aug-2026/748 am EST/1148 GMT / South Korea phenol exports rise 33% MOM in July; imports largely steady / South Korea acetone exports rise 52% MOM to 17,825 mt in July

Aug 19, 2026

Asian phenol down $5/mt week over week at $1,025/mt CFR China, while the CFR Southeast Asia marker was similarly assessed $5/mt lower on the week at $1,095/mt Aug. 18. Discussions in the domestic China phenol market weakened, with East China ex-tank prices heard at Yuan 8,300-8,400/mt, down from Yuan 8,400-8,450/mt the previous week. Meanwhile, ex-tank prices for acetone in the East China market edged higher on the week, with discussions heard at Yuan 6,550-6,650/mt, compared with Yuan 6,300-6,350/mt a week ago. Amid firmness in domestic Chinese acetone prices, supported by tighter market supplies, a producer in the country said, "We have not offered any export cargoes for September as [export] prices are not too attractive at present." CFR China acetone up $30/mt week over week at $910/mt, while the CFR...

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