India
Netherlands
United States
China
Japan
Saudi Arabia
Germany
Belgium
France
Malaysia
South KoreaAs Q1 2025 began, the market showed signs of recovery. Prices bounced back to USD 1370/MT, marking a +11.68% rise from the previous quarter. Buyers, especially in synthetic rubber, started restocking in anticipation of stronger seasonal demand and possible price hikes in raw materials. With stable production and efficient logistics, South Korea was well-positioned to meet the increased buying interest.Â
According to PriceWatch, In Q2 2025, Butadiene prices averaged USD 1134.50 per metric ton FOB Busan. This marked a significant decline of -17.19% from the previous quarter. The Butadiene price trend remained under pressure due to persistent oversupply and weaker offtake from downstream synthetic rubber and automotive sectors.
Buyers in Taiwan and Southeast Asia pulled back orders, resulting in inventory buildup across Northeast Asia. With upstream Naphtha costs softening in response to falling crude oil benchmarks, producers struggled to justify higher prices. Despite unfavourable margins, suppliers kept operating rates steady, intensifying the imbalance in supply.
The Butadiene price chart reflected a consistent downward drift throughout the quarter. Export opportunities diminished further amid regional geopolitical tensions, particularly in East Asia. Meanwhile, Butadiene prices highlighted a continued loss of momentum, as buyers remained cautious in a weakening Butadiene market with ample product availability.Â
In Q1 2024, the Butadiene market in South Korea picked up noticeably. Prices reported at USD 1195.83/MT, up +21.26% from the previous quarter. This increase was largely due to strong demand from the synthetic rubber and automotive sectors. Tire production saw a boost, and domestic consumption remained steady. At the same time, supply was tighter than usual due to maintenance work at facilities in nearby countries, which gave prices an extra push upward.Â
In Q2 2024, prices continued to rise, reaching USD 1409.17/MT, a +17.84% jump from Q1. Demand remained solid, both within South Korea and in key export markets. Industries in East Asia ramped up production, and crude oil prices also ticked higher, pushing feedstock costs up along with them. Despite the cost pressures, South Korean producers kept output stable, and logistics moved smoothly to meet the growing demand.Â
In Q3 2024, prices moved up again, although more gradually this time. Butadiene was priced at USD 1484.17/MT, a +5.32% increase from the previous quarter. Demand from tire and synthetic rubber makers held strong. Although overall market activity was more balanced, inventories in some regions ran low, which helped keep prices on the higher side. South Korea’s established production and export systems kept the supply chain running without major issues.Â
In Q4 2024, the market took a turn. Prices dropped to USD 1226.67/MT, down –17.35% from Q3 2025. This was mainly because of slower activity in the automotive and construction sectors, especially as the year wrapped up. A rise in overseas supply and a drop in crude oil prices lowered raw material costs, easing the pressure on prices. Even with the dip, South Korean exports stayed steady, and availability remained reliable.Â
In Q1 2025, prices increased marginally to USD 1232.84 per metric ton, a +1.52% rise on Q4. The market remained stable, with demand remaining strong in the automotive and rubber goods sectors. Buyers’ restocking and pre-year bulk orders supported the slight price increase. Better port activity and well-oiled supply chains ensured products reached markets in time, balancing the market without extreme fluctuations.Â
According to the PriceWatch, In Q2 2025, Butadiene prices in India averaged USD 1079.11 per metric ton FOB Calcutta. This represented a quarterly decline of -12.42% compared to Q1. The Butadiene market witnessed subdued demand from domestic ABS and SBR producers, leading to limited spot trade activity. Competitive pricing from Southeast Asian exporters added further pressure on local suppliers.
Despite seasonal disruptions, plant operations continued steadily, resulting in stable inventory levels. Input costs remained rangebound as upstream naphtha prices offered little cost relief. The Butadiene price trend remained weak, with no meaningful recovery signals from downstream sectors.
The arrival of the monsoon did not significantly impact logistics, allowing supply chains to remain relatively smooth. As shown in the Butadiene price chart, fluctuations stayed narrow with no bullish signals, keeping sellers cautious amid a well-supplied market environment.Â
During Q1 2024, India’s Butadiene market followed a robust growth trend. The prices touched USD 989.76 per metric ton, which was a +21.99% spike in comparison to the last quarter. This was largely due to increased demand by industries such as synthetic rubber and tire production. Increased automobile production and general industrial application of synthetic rubber also contributed to this. On top of that, fewer imports and higher raw material (feedstock) costs pushed domestic prices even higher.Â
In Q2 2024, Butadiene prices once again surged to USD1250.20 per metric ton, a +26.31% increase from Q1. This was because tire manufacturers and producers of rubber goods were in great demand, particularly as new initiatives began and the auto industry remained active. Feedstock prices such as naphtha and butenes also continued to increase. At the same time, holdups in global shipments and congested ports diminished supply, keeping prices on the higher end.Â
In Q3 2024, the market began to slow down somewhat. Prices averaged USD 1307.51 per metric ton, a modest +4.58% rise from Q2. Demand fell off slightly due to seasonal slowdowns, particularly in tire and footwear production. Nevertheless, tight supplies due to inventory limitations and maintenance shutdowns in other Asian nations-maintained supply and prices relatively tight. In India, consistent purchasing and smooth factory activity kept the action going at an even pace.Â
In Q4 2024, the prices fell to USD 1214.44 per metric ton, a decrease of –7.12% compared to Q3. This was a result of weaker synthetic rubber and plastic industries demand, particularly with slowing industrial production towards the close of the year. Increased imports and improved local stock levels relieved the pressure. Indian producers also reduced production due to narrower profit margins, contributing to the decline.Â
Molecular Weight[g/mol]
CAS No
HS Code
Molecular Formula
Butadiene is a colourless, highly flammable gas with a mild gasoline-like Odor, primarily used as an industrial chemical intermediate. It is a key raw material in the production of synthetic rubbers such as styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR), polybutadiene rubber (PBR), and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) resins. Butadiene is typically obtained as a byproduct of ethylene production through the steam cracking of hydrocarbons like naphtha. It plays a vital role in automotive, plastic, and chemical manufacturing sectors.
Packaging Type
Butadiene Grades Covered
Incoterms Used
Synonym
PriceWatch Quotation Terms:
Ex-Location: This incoterm refers to a shipping agreement where the seller makes the goods available at their premises, and the buyer is responsible for all transportation costs, including shipping, insurance, and any other fees.
CIF: CIF refers to the Cost, Insurance, and Freight (CIF) terms for goods. Under CIF terms, the seller is responsible for the cost of goods, insurance, and freight charges until the goods reach the port of destination.
FD: FD stands for Free Delivered where the seller takes full responsibility for delivering goods to the location/port. This ensures the buyer receives the goods at the designated port with all necessary costs, except import duties, covered.
FOB: FOB refers to the Free On-Board shipping term, where the seller is responsible for the cost and risk of delivering the goods to the port. Once the goods are on board the vessel, the responsibility shifts to the buyer for all costs, including shipping and insurance.
| Physical Properties | |
| Density |  614 kg/m3 @ 25 °C |
| Flash point |  -76.1 °C (TCC ASTM D56) |
| Boiling point |  -4.4 °C @ 0 kg/cm2g |
| Vapor pressure |  240 kPa |
| Appearance |  Gas or low boiling-point liquid. |
Butadiene Applications
Butadiene is primarily used as a critical chemical intermediate in the production of various synthetic materials. It is widely employed in the manufacture of synthetic rubbers, which are integral to producing tires, automotive components, and conveyor belts. Butadiene also plays a vital role in producing plastics and resins such as ABS, where its properties enhance impact resistance and toughness. Additionally, it is utilized in the production of elastomers and specialty chemicals, serving key roles in consumer goods and industrial applications. Butadiene is also essential for the chemical industry’s supply chain, supporting downstream processes that require high-performance polymer materials.Â
These events highlight the sensitivity of the Butadiene market to geopolitical tensions, weather disruptions, and shifts in supply-demand dynamics, underscoring the importance of monitoring global trends.Â
PriceWatch is your trusted resource for tracking global butadiene price trends. Our platform delivers real-time data and expert analysis, offering deep insights into the key factors driving price fluctuations in the butadiene market. By monitoring critical events such as geopolitical tensions, supply chain disruptions, and economic shifts, PriceWatch keeps you fully informed of market dynamics.
In addition, PriceWatch provides detailed forecasts and updates on production capacities, enabling you to anticipate market changes and make well-informed decisions. With PriceWatch, you gain a competitive edge in understanding all the elements that influence butadiene prices worldwide. Stay ahead of the curve with PriceWatch’s reliable, accurate, and timely butadiene market data.
Track PriceWatch's butadiene price assessment on a weekly basis since 2015 onwards, along with short-term forecasts, and get access to the detailed report in a downloadable format.
This research methodology ensures that PriceWatch delivers accurate, timely, and actionable Butadiene pricing assessments, helping clients stay ahead of market trends and make well-informed business decisions.Â
Molecular Weight[g/mol]
CAS No
HS Code
Molecular Formula
Butadiene is a colourless, highly flammable gas with a mild gasoline-like Odor, primarily used as an industrial chemical intermediate. It is a key raw material in the production of synthetic rubbers such as styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR), polybutadiene rubber (PBR), and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) resins. Butadiene is typically obtained as a byproduct of ethylene production through the steam cracking of hydrocarbons like naphtha. It plays a vital role in automotive, plastic, and chemical manufacturing sectors.
Packaging Type
Grades Covered
Incoterms Used
Synonym
PriceWatch Quotation Terms:
Ex-Location: This incoterm refers to a shipping agreement where the seller makes the goods available at their premises, and the buyer is responsible for all transportation costs, including shipping, insurance, and any other fees.
CIF: CIF refers to the Cost, Insurance, and Freight (CIF) terms for goods. Under CIF terms, the seller is responsible for the cost of goods, insurance, and freight charges until the goods reach the port of destination.
FD: FD stands for Free Delivered where the seller takes full responsibility for delivering goods to the location/port. This ensures the buyer receives the goods at the designated port with all necessary costs, except import duties, covered.
FOB: FOB refers to the Free On-Board shipping term, where the seller is responsible for the cost and risk of delivering the goods to the port. Once the goods are on board the vessel, the responsibility shifts to the buyer for all costs, including shipping and insurance.
| Physical Properties | |
| Density |  614 kg/m3 @ 25 °C |
| Flash point |  -76.1 °C (TCC ASTM D56) |
| Boiling point |  -4.4 °C @ 0 kg/cm2g |
| Vapor pressure |  240 kPa |
| Appearance |  Gas or low boiling-point liquid. |
Applications
Butadiene is primarily used as a critical chemical intermediate in the production of various synthetic materials. It is widely employed in the manufacture of synthetic rubbers, which are integral to producing tires, automotive components, and conveyor belts. Butadiene also plays a vital role in producing plastics and resins such as ABS, where its properties enhance impact resistance and toughness. Additionally, it is utilized in the production of elastomers and specialty chemicals, serving key roles in consumer goods and industrial applications. Butadiene is also essential for the chemical industry’s supply chain, supporting downstream processes that require high-performance polymer materials.Â
The price of Butadiene is influenced by various factors such as crude oil and naphtha prices, which are primary feedstocks in its production. Supply-demand dynamics, plant operating rates, and production outages also significantly impact pricing. Additionally, geopolitical tensions, trade regulations, and transportation costs can cause fluctuations. As Butadiene is a key raw material in synthetic rubber and plastics manufacturing, changes in downstream industries like automotive and construction further affect its pricing trends.
Global supply and demand shifts have a direct effect on Butadiene prices. An increase in demand from sectors like tire manufacturing, automotive, or industrial rubber can drive prices higher, especially during periods of tight supply. Conversely, oversupply from capacity additions or reduced downstream demand—such as during economic slowdowns—can lead to price declines. Procurement professionals must track global production levels, plant maintenance schedules, and demand forecasts to anticipate price movements and adapt purchasing strategies accordingly.
Butadiene pricing differs across regions due to feedstock availability, production capacity, regional demand patterns, and logistics costs. For example, Asia may experience higher volatility due to fluctuating demand from synthetic rubber markets, while North America’s pricing may be more stable due to integrated petrochemical infrastructure. Procurement teams should analyze regional price trends and trade flows to identify strategic sourcing locations, diversify suppliers, and mitigate risks associated with regional price shocks or supply disruptions.