Butadiene Pricing Assessment

  • Commodity Pricing

butadiene Markets Covered: 

inIndia
krKorea
nlNetherlands
usUnited States
cnChina
jpJapan
saSaudi Arabia
deGermany
beBelgium
frFrance
myMalaysia

butadiene Markets Covered: 

Global butadiene Price Trend, Analysis and Forecast​

In Q1 2025, Butadiene Industrial Grade FOB Calcutta prices edged up slightly to USD 1233/MT, marking a 1.52% increase from the previous quarter. 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. 

In Q4 2024, prices of Butadiene Industrial Grade FOB Calcutta fell to USD 1214/MT, 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. 

By Q3 2024, the market began to slow down somewhat. Prices of Butadiene Industrial Grade FOB Calcutta averaged USD 1308/MT, 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. 

In Q2 2024, prices of Butadiene Industrial Grade FOB Calcutta climbed sharply to USD 1250/MT, reflecting a 26.31% rise from Q1 levels. 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. 

During Q1 2024, India’s Butadiene market followed a robust growth trend. Prices of Butadiene Industrial Grade FOB Calcutta touched USD 990/MT, which was a 21.99% spike in comparison to the last quarter. This was mainly driven by higher demand from sectors like synthetic rubber and tire manufacturing. 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. 

India butadiene Price Trend, Analysis and Forecast

In Q1 2025, the prices of Butadiene Industrial Grade FOB Calcutta saw a slight increase to USD 1233/MT, reflecting a 1.52% rise compared to Q4. The market showed stability, with continued robust demand from the automotive and rubber goods industries. 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. 

In Q4 2024, prices of Butadiene Industrial Grade FOB Calcutta fell to USD 1214/MT, 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. 

By Q3 2024, the market began to slow down somewhat. Prices of Butadiene Industrial Grade FOB Calcutta averaged USD 1308/MT, 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. 

In Q2 2024, prices of Butadiene Industrial Grade FOB Calcutta climbed sharply to USD 1250/MT, reflecting a 26.31% rise from Q1 levels. 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. 

During Q1 2024, India’s Butadiene market followed a robust growth trend. Prices of Butadiene Industrial Grade FOB Calcutta touched USD 990/MT, which was a 21.99% spike in comparison to the last quarter. This was primarily driven by heightened demand from sectors like synthetic rubber and tire manufacturing. 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. 

butadiene Parameters Covered: 

  •  Crude Oil
  •  Natural Gas
  •  Naphtha
  •  South Korea
  •  Netherlands
  •  India
  • Tires and Automotive parts
  • Industrial Rubber goods
  • Consumer Electronics and Toys
  • Textiles and Industrial Fibers
  • Detergents, emulsifiers and Personal care products
  • Japan
  • China
  • Saudi Arabia
  • USA
  • Germany
  • Belgium
  • France
  • Malaysia

butadiene Parameters Covered: 

  •  Crude Oil
  •  Natural Gas
  •  Naphtha
  •  South Korea
  •  Netherlands
  •  India
  • Tires and Automotive parts
  • Industrial Rubber goods
  • Consumer Electronics and Toys
  • Textiles and Industrial Fibers
  • Detergents, emulsifiers and Personal care products
  • Japan
  • China
  • Saudi Arabia
  • USA
  • Germany
  • Belgium
  • France
  • Malaysia

Why PriceWatch?

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.

Historically, several events have caused significant fluctuations in Butadiene prices

  • U.S.–China Trade Tariff Dispute (April 2025): In April 2025, the United States and China imposed heavy tariffs—up to 125%—on each other’s goods, including petrochemicals. This impacted the trade of Butadiene and its downstream products like synthetic rubber. The added costs, supply delays, and China’s restrictions on some industrial exports led to price fluctuations and uncertainty in the global Butadiene market. 
  • Post-COVID Auto Industry Recovery (2021–2022): As countries came out of lockdown, demand for cars increased quickly. Since Butadiene is used to make synthetic rubber for tires and car parts, demand went up sharply. But supply was still limited, so prices rose fast, especially in Asia and North America. 
  • 2020 Oil Price Crash & Cracker Shutdowns: In 2020, oil prices dropped heavily during the pandemic. Because of this, many petrochemical plants (called crackers) reduced production. Since these plants produce Butadiene as a by-product, the supply dropped. But demand started picking up again, which caused a mismatch and led to rising prices. 
  • China Environmental Crackdown (2017–2018): China introduced tough rules to cut pollution from factories. Many chemical plants had to reduce output or shut down, including those making Butadiene and its derivatives. This made Butadiene harder to get, especially in Asia, and prices increased due to the tight supply. 
  • Fire at BASF Ludwigshafen Plant (2016): A major fire and explosion happened at BASF’s main plant in Germany. This plant was one of Europe’s biggest chemical producers. The accident caused a sudden stop in Butadiene output, and prices jumped across Europe due to the supply shortage. 

 

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. 

Data Collection and Sources​

  • Real-Time Market Data: PriceWatch gathers real-time pricing data from a wide range of sources, including global commodity exchanges, industry reports, and proprietary databases. This ensures our assessments reflect the latest market conditions for Butadiene. 
  • On-the-Ground Intelligence: Our team collects insights directly from key market players, including Butadiene producers, suppliers, traders, and end-users across major production hubs. This local intelligence is vital to understanding the unique dynamics of specific Butadiene markets. 
  • Supply Chain Monitoring:We monitor the entire Butadiene supply chain, from feedstock sourcing and production to transportation and distribution. This includes tracking crude oil and naphtha prices, production plant operations, storage levels, and shipping logistics to provide a comprehensive view of supply dynamics. 

Event Tracking and Impact Analysis​

  • Geopolitical Tensions: PriceWatch keeps a close eye on global geopolitical developments, such as conflicts, sanctions, and trade disputes, which can significantly impact Butadiene prices. For instance, the Russia-Ukraine conflict and its disruption to European gas markets have led to price volatility worldwide. 
  • Natural Disasters and Climate Events: We assess the impact of weather-related events, such as hurricanes, typhoons, and extreme cold spells, on Butadiene production and export facilities. Events like hurricanes in the U.S. Gulf Coast or freezing conditions in key exporting nations can lead to short-term supply disruptions. 
  • Economic Shifts: PriceWatch analyses macroeconomic trends, including global economic growth, inflation, and sector-specific demand (e.g., power generation, industrial use). These factors are crucial in predicting Butadiene demand and resulting price movements. 

Production Capacity and Supply Analysis

  • Current Production Monitoring: We maintain a detailed global database of Butadiene production facilities, tracking their operational status, maintenance activities, and output levels. This helps us assess the current supply of Butadiene at any given time. 
  • Future Capacity Projections: Our research includes forecasts of future Butadiene production capacity, considering new liquefaction plants, expansions, and advancements in technology. This aids in predicting future supply trends and potential impacts on price stability. 

Demand Forecasting

  • Sectoral Demand Analysis: PriceWatch offers a deep dive into demand trends across key sectors, such as power generation, industrial applications, and residential heating. We monitor year-on-year demand growth and predict future consumption patterns based on market indicators. 
  • Global Demand Dynamics: Our analysis looks at regional variations in demand and how they influence global Butadiene prices. This includes evaluating shifts in energy policies, changes in environmental regulations, and regional supply and demand imbalances. 

Pricing Model Development

  • Dynamic Pricing Models: PriceWatch uses advanced econometric models to forecast Butadiene prices, integrating real-time data, historical trends, and projected market conditions. Our models are constantly updated to improve accuracy and reliability. 
  • Scenario Analysis: We run scenario-based analyses to examine possible future market conditions. This includes evaluating best-case, worst-case, and most likely scenarios, helping clients prepare for various market developments. 

Reporting and Client Support

  • Comprehensive Reports: Clients receive detailed reports featuring current Butadiene price assessments, future price forecasts, and in-depth analysis of market drivers. These reports are designed to provide actionable insights and clear recommendations. 
  • Ongoing Support: PriceWatch offers continuous updates and personalized client support, ensuring you always have the latest information to make informed decisions. Our experts are available for discussions on specific market trends and to offer tailored advice. 

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. 

Molecular Weight[g/mol]

54.09 g/mol

CAS No

106-99-0

HS Code

290124

Molecular Formula

C₄H₆
butadiene

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

ISO tank (Export-Import)

Grades Covered

Industrial Grade

Incoterms Used

FOB Busan, FOB Rotterdam, FOB Calcutta, CIF Yokohama, CIF Penang, CIF Jeddah, CIF Shanghai, CIF Houston, FD Hamburg, FD Antwerp, FD Le Havre.

Synonym

1,3-Butadiene, Buta-1,3-diene, Divinyl

PriceWatch Quotation Terms:

25-30 MT

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. 

Butadiene price provided by PriceWatch is a base price and excludes VAT/Taxes, discounts, or offers. The information herein is accurate to the best of our knowledge as of the date indicated and is provided solely for the convenience of our customers as a reference for butadiene. PriceWatch disclaims any warranties or representations regarding the accuracy of results derived from this information. It is the sole responsibility of the user to assess the suitability of the product for their specific application. This document does not constitute an endorsement to use the product in violation of any applicable patent rights.

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.

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