WHAT IS IT?
Benzene (C₆H₆) is the simplest aromatic hydrocarbon — a clear, colourless liquid with a characteristic sweet smell. It is one of the most important petrochemical feedstocks, derived from crude oil refining and naphtha steam cracking.
SOURCES
Catalytic reforming of naphtha (main source in refineries)
By-product of naphtha steam cracking (pyrolysis gasoline)
Coal tar distillation (minor)
KEY USES
Styrene production → polystyrene (PS) and ABS plastics
Cyclohexane → nylon (PA6, PA66) and caprolactam
Cumene → phenol and acetone
Aniline → MDI → polyurethane
Maleic anhydride
Nitrobenzene → aniline
BTX COMPLEX
Benzene is part of the BTX (Benzene-Toluene-Xylene) aromatics complex. These three are often traded together as they share production sources and compete for available aromatic streams.
TRADE CORRIDORS
Major exporters: South Korea, China, USA, Middle East
Major buyers: China, Southeast Asia, Europe
Tetra relevance: South Korea is a major benzene exporter. China is the world's largest consumer.
PRICING
Regional benchmarks: FOB Korea, CFR China, FOB Rotterdam. Trades at a spread to naphtha. Downstream demand from styrene and cyclohexane production drives pricing.
SPECIFICATIONS
Purity: 99.9% min (typical specification)
Non-aromatics: max 100 ppm
Thiophene: max 1 ppm
Specific gravity: 0.877–0.885
Distillation range: 79–81°C
SAFETY
KNOWN HUMAN CARCINOGEN. Chronic exposure causes leukaemia. Strict handling requirements — closed systems, personal protective equipment mandatory. IMDG Class 3.