China's phenol exports surge 225% YoY in Jan-May 2026

China's phenol exports surged 225% YoY to 55,300 tonnes in Jan-May 2026, with May alone jumping 318% MoM (GACC). The rally was fueled by regional supply gaps and India's temporary zerotariff policy. Exports are likely to ease in H2 as feedstock constraints abate, though periodic trading opportunities may emerge if margins shift.

According to the data of General Administration of Customs of the People's Republic of China (GACC), China exported 55,300 tonnes of phenol in the first five months of 2026, up 225.29% from 17,000 tonnes a year earlier. May alone contributed 25,500 tonnes, a 318% jump month-on-month and a 507%