Phenol Price Index

Phenol Price Trend, Index and Forecast

Track real-time and historical phenol prices across global regions. Updated monthly with market insights, drivers, and forecasts.

Phenol Prices September 2025

Market Overview Q3 Ending September 2025

Northeast Asia: Phenol prices in Northeast Asia saw moderate growth, supported by stable downstream demand in the bisphenol-A (BPA) and phenolic resins sector. Chinese producers benefitted from robust domestic consumption in the construction and electronics industries, while Japanese and South Korean markets reflected tight availability due to scheduled maintenance shutdowns at key phenol plants. Feedstock benzene prices rose slightly in August, raising production costs. Port handling delays in China’s eastern seaboard and higher international shipping freight rates also increased landed costs. Currency depreciation of the yen against the US dollar made imports costlier in Japan, further driving localized price adjustments.

Europe: European phenol markets faced downward pricing pressure, largely attributed to weak demand from downstream automotive and coatings applications. Rising inventory levels, especially in Germany and the Netherlands, created an oversupply scenario. Meanwhile, benzene feedstock costs in Europe fell sharply in August amid declining crude oil benchmarks, lowering overall production costs. Domestic logistics constraints, such as inland truck shortages, continued to elevate transportation expenses, though this failed to offset the bearish sentiment from sluggish end-use demand. The net effect was a notable double-digit decline in regional phenol prices.

Middle East: The Middle East registered the steepest decline in phenol prices. Ample feedstock benzene availability in Saudi Arabia and Qatar, coupled with high plant operating rates, led to a supply overhang. Export flows were redirected toward Europe and South Asia, but weak downstream demand in phenolic resins and adhesives failed to absorb excess supply. Additionally, the slump in crude oil benchmarks negatively affected benzene values, further reducing phenol production costs. The combination of supply surplus, reduced export demand, and low feedstock costs resulted in sharp price declines across the region.

North America: Phenol prices in North America rose marginally. Stable consumption from the automotive, packaging, and construction sectors supported demand, particularly in the US Gulf Coast markets. Planned plant turnarounds at major facilities in Texas constrained supply, adding upward pressure. Feedstock benzene prices strengthened slightly during July and August due to higher refinery turnarounds, driving production costs higher. However, increasing imports from Asia at competitive rates tempered further gains. Freight rate hikes due to rail congestion and trucking shortages raised inland logistics expenses, further influencing regional cost structures. Despite subdued macroeconomic growth, balanced demand-supply fundamentals maintained a steady upward trajectory for phenol prices across the quarter.

Phenol Price Trend, Market Analysis, and News

IMARC's latest publication, “Phenol Prices, Trend, Chart, Demand, Market Analysis, News, Historical and Forecast Data Report 2025 Edition,” presents a detailed examination of the phenol market, providing insights into both global and regional trends that are shaping prices. This report delves into the spot price of phenol at major ports and analyzes the composition of prices, including FOB and CIF terms. It also presents detailed phenol prices trend analysis by region, covering North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East and Africa. The factors affecting phenol pricing, such as the dynamics of supply and demand, geopolitical influences, and sector-specific developments, are thoroughly explored. This comprehensive report helps stakeholders stay informed with the latest market news, regulatory updates, and technological progress, facilitating informed strategic decision-making and forecasting.

Phenol Industry Analysis

The global phenol industry size reached USD 24.34 Billion in 2024. By 2033, IMARC Group expects the market to reach USD 34.64 Billion, at a projected CAGR of 3.80% during 2025-2033. The market is driven by the rising demand for bisphenol-A (BPA) in polycarbonates, expanding applications in phenolic resins for construction and automotive, increasing use in pharmaceuticals, and technological advancements in sustainable production processes.

Latest developments in the Phenol Industry:

• April 2025: The Board of Directors of Deepak Chem Tech Limited (DCTL), a wholly owned subsidiary of Deepak Nitrite Limited (DNL), approved a large-scale investment project aimed at expanding its product portfolio. The plan involved establishing a new facility with capacities of 300 KTA of phenol, 185 KTA of acetone, and 100 KTA of isopropyl alcohol (IPA).
   
• November 2023: Cepsa Quimica SA produced circular phenol from discarded single-use plastics, such as plastic bags and cutlery, to reduce plastic pollution.
   
• April 2023: INEOS Phenol acquired Mitsui Phenols Singapore Ltd from Mitsui Chemicals to add Jurong phenol and BPA assets to their existing portfolio.

Product Description

Phenol (C₆H₅OH) is an aromatic organic compound classified as a hydroxybenzene derivative, typically appearing as a colorless to white crystalline solid. It is widely regarded as a key intermediate in global chemical production, owing to its reactivity and versatility. Phenol’s defining property is its hydroxyl group, which enables extensive industrial transformation. Its major applications include the manufacture of bisphenol-A (BPA) used in polycarbonates, phenolic resins for adhesives and laminates, caprolactam for nylon production, and in pharmaceuticals as a precursor for active ingredients. Its role as a fundamental building block ensures its strategic importance across multiple industries worldwide.

Report Coverage

Key Benefits for Stakeholders:

• IMARC’s report presents a detailed analysis of phenol pricing, covering global and regional trends, spot prices at key ports, and a breakdown of FOB and CIF prices.
• The study examines factors affecting phenol price trend, including input costs, supply-demand shifts, and geopolitical impacts, offering insights for informed decision-making.
• The competitive landscape review equips stakeholders with crucial insights into the latest market news, regulatory changes, and technological advanphenols, ensuring a well-rounded, strategic overview for forecasting and planning.
• IMARC offers various subscription options, including monthly, quarterly, and biannual updates, allowing clients to stay informed with the latest market trends, ongoing developments, and comprehensive market insights. The phenol price charts ensure our clients remain at the forefront of the industry.