08-15Market Trends of Toluene and Xylene

As of August 15, 2025, the aromatics product market exhibits characteristics of price differentiation and supply-demand dynamics. In the toluene market, East China region saw a 20 yuan/ton decrease compared to the previous trading day, with downstream procurement remaining need-based and trading sentiment remaining subdued. In the futures market, recent price volatility has intensified, with the August 14 closing price dropping 1.85% from the previous trading day, reflecting cautious market expectations regarding short-term supply and demand.

In the xylene market, early morning spot prices in Jiangsu rose 30 yuan/ton compared to the previous trading day, indicating localized supply tightness. Summer gasoline blending demand provides price support for xylene, though gains are constrained by crude oil cost fluctuations.

For pure benzene, prices are influenced by crude oil price volatility, environmental protection policies, and demand growth from the downstream PTA-PET.

Driving factors: Pure benzene prices are jointly affected by crude oil price volatility, environmental protection policies, and demand growth from the downstream PTA-PET.

From a supply-demand perspective, global mixed aromatics demand is projected to reach approximately 50 million tons in 2025, a 5% increase from 2024. Among this, Asian demand accounts for 60% of the global total, while North America and Europe account for 20% and 15%, respectively. China, as the world’s largest consumer of mixed aromatics, is expected to reach a consumption volume of 20 million tons in 2025, marking a 7% year-on-year increase. Global mixed aromatics production capacity is projected to reach 60 million tons in 2025, with China contributing 40%. However, due to stricter environmental protection policies and overcapacity issues, some small and medium-sized enterprises face elimination pressure. Statistics show that global mixed aromatics production is expected to reach 55 million tons in 2025, with China producing 22 million tons, a 3% year-on-year increase. It is noteworthy that a large-scale refining-chemical integration project in China will add 1 million tons of mixed aromatics production capacity upon commissioning in 2025, further optimizing market supply-demand dynamics.

The current aromatics market is in a phase of price differentiation and supply-demand dynamics, with toluene under short-term pressure, xylene supported by blending demand, and pure benzene showing long-term bullish potential. Close attention should still be paid to external market dynamics, maintaining a cautious operational mindset.