In recent months, a public protest erupted in Maoming City, Guangdong Province, against the local p-xylene (PX) project. In response, the Maoming City government stated that the aromatics project is still in the stage of public education and it's too early to start construction. This comes as the world’s largest PX plant was recently commissioned in Singapore, with one of its major shareholders being a Chinese chemical fiber and textile company.
Over the past seven years, the PX project has been a recurring source of controversy across China, from Xiamen to Dalian, Kunming, and Maoming. Some projects have been delayed or postponed, while the rapid growth of downstream products like PTA has widened the domestic supply gap. Currently, more than half of the PX demand is met through imports.
To address this, some large downstream manufacturers are exploring options to build overseas refineries and aromatics plants, aiming to produce their own PX and reduce dependency on foreign sources. This trend highlights the growing pressure on the industry to secure stable supply chains.
PX, also known as para-xylene, is a colorless and transparent liquid commonly used in the production of terephthalic acid (PTA), dimethyl terephthalate (DMT), and polyester. It also serves as a raw material for solvents, pharmaceuticals, perfumes, and inks. According to Bian Huihui, an analyst at Treasure Island, global PX production has surged due to rising demand for polyester fiber.
From 2010 to 2012, global PX capacity increased from 34.445 million tons to 39.99 million tons, with Asia accounting for about 79% of the total. The region remains the primary hub for PX production, driven by concentrated PTA manufacturing. As of 2013, 83% of global PTA capacity was located in Asia, further reinforcing the region’s role in the PX market.
Despite global overcapacity, China continues to face a significant PX shortage. Domestic PX capacity stands at around 11.51 million tons per year, but demand exceeds supply, with imports playing a crucial role. In 2013, China imported approximately 9 million tons of PX, while domestic production reached only 7.4 million tons. With new PTA projects coming online, the demand for PX is expected to grow further.
While the global PX market is expanding, particularly in South Korea, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia, the situation in China remains distinct. Major players like Sinopec, PetroChina, and CNOOC control most of the domestic PX production, giving them strong pricing power. However, the imbalance between PX supply and PTA demand continues to create challenges for the industry.
Some PTA companies are now looking to integrate vertically by investing in overseas PX facilities, aiming to cut costs and ensure a stable supply chain. One example is Hengyi Petrochemical, which received approval to invest in a $4.32 billion petrochemical project in Brunei. This move reflects a broader strategy among Chinese firms to gain greater control over upstream resources.
The controversy surrounding PX projects also highlights public concerns about environmental safety. Despite efforts to correct misinformation, such as changing the toxicity rating of PX on Baidu Encyclopedia, many people remain wary of new projects near residential areas. This sentiment poses a challenge for future expansion.
As the industry evolves, the balance between supply, demand, and public perception will continue to shape the future of PX in China.
PVC Head Solenoid Dosing Pump
*High speed operation: high measurement precisions, up to 360 strokes per minute which eliminate the pulsation effect.
*Compact size: small, quiet and stable operation
*Durable diaphragm: the diaphragm is made by PTFE, which is compatible with all kinds of chemicals. In typical use, the diaphragm can last up to five years, which 5 times as national standard GB/T7782-2008
*Strong stability: working stability in AC 100-240V, and suitable for the range of 50-60Hz
* High protection level: protection level reached to IP65, it allowed pump to provide safe services at severe operaton condition
*Ball check valves: it through double valve ball, seat and sleeve to form the sealing system, that enhance the precision
*Several types: manual control or automatic control, the automatic control can divided to: 4-20mA electric current signal control, digital impulse signal feedback control, digital impulse feedback control with Rs485 communication interface, 4-20mA electric current signal control with Rs485 communication interface.
*Percentage adjustment: local adjust percentage for stroke and frequency 0~100%
*Level monitor, low-level shutoff with alarm output
Pvc Head Solenoid Dosing Pump,Small Pvc Head Solenoid Dosing Pump,Big Pvc Head Solenoid Dosing Pump,Chemical Pvc Head Solenoid Dosing Pump
Zhejiang Ailipu Technology Co., Ltd. , https://www.alipu.com