Butyric Acid Pricing Assessment

  • Commodity Pricing

butyric acid Markets Covered: 

cnChina
inIndia
sgSingapore
pePeru

butyric acid Markets Covered: 

Global butyric acid Price Trend, Analysis and Forecast​

As the Q1of 2025 began, the market for Butyric Acid experienced a slight downturn, with prices falling to USD 1068/MT, reflecting a decrease of 2.33% from the previous quarter. Weak demand from key industries such as food and beverages, as well as cosmetics, continued to be a significant factor in the price decline. Some buyers held off on placing new orders due to elevated inventory levels and lingering uncertainties surrounding market conditions. Furthermore, the influx of more affordable imports, particularly from regions like Asia, placed additional downward pressure on local prices. Despite these challenges, manufacturing capacity in China remained steady, ensuring a reliable supply to both domestic and regional markets. 

Q4 2024: 

 Butyric Acid prices are projected to decline significantly, with prices falling to USD 1093/MT, marking a 12.88% decrease from previous levels. This drop is attributed to several market factors, including a slowdown in demand from key end-use sectors such as flavors, fragrances, paints, and adhesives. Economic uncertainty and reduced industrial activity have led to lower consumption in these areas, which has put downward pressure on prices. Additionally, increased competition from alternative chemicals and the continued influx of cheaper imports have further intensified the market’s downward trend. Despite these challenges, production levels have remained steady, but overall market sentiment is weaker, contributing to the price decrease. 

Q3 2024: 

Butyric Acid prices are expected to experience a slight uptick, rising to USD 1255/MT, reflecting a modest 0.47% increase. This growth is anticipated to be driven by a recovery in demand across several key industries, including paints, adhesives, flavors, fragrances, perfumes, and coatings, as seasonal demand intensifies during the summer months. Additionally, potential supply chain adjustments, such as production disruptions or planned maintenance in manufacturing facilities, could result in tighter supply conditions, putting upward pressure on prices as producers respond to the evolving market dynamics. 

 

Q2 2024: 

In Q2 2024, Butyric Acid prices continued their downward trend, decreasing by around 1.9%, with prices falling to USD 1249/MT from the previous quarter. This decline was mainly due to weakened demand in key end-use sectors, particularly within the flavors, fragrances, and coatings industries. While manufacturers began to replenish inventories in preparation for anticipated seasonal demand, this effort was insufficient to counterbalance the overall market softness. Additionally, the impact of earlier supply disruptions from maintenance activities in major production facilities had diminished, leading to more stable supply levels. As a result, the market remained subdued, contributing to the continued decrease in prices. 

 

Q1 2024: 

In Q1 2024, Butyric Acid prices in China saw a notable decline of approximately 4.5%. The primary factor behind this decrease was an increase in production capacity among local chemical manufacturers, which led to a surplus of supply in the market, exerting downward pressure on prices. Furthermore, stable or decreasing feedstock prices for key inputs like butyl acetate and butyl alcohol likely lowered production costs for Butyric Acid, enabling manufacturers to pass on cost savings to consumers. In addition, certain industries, including flavors, fragrances, paints, and coatings, experienced a temporary dip in demand, further contributing to the market surplus and subsequent price reduction. 

India butyric acid Price Trend, Analysis and Forecast

In Q1 2025:  

Butyric Acid prices fell to USD 1148/MT, reflecting a decrease of 2.11% from the previous quarter. The drop in prices was largely due to weaker demand from key sectors such as food and beverages, as well as cosmetics. Buyers remained cautious, leading to lower purchasing activity. Increased inventory levels in the market, along with a stable but competitive supply environment, added further pressure on prices, preventing any substantial recovery. 

Q4 2024: 

In Q4 2024, Butyric Acid prices experienced a sharp decline, dropping to USD 1173/MT, a significant 12.01% decrease. This was driven by a slowdown in demand as industries reduced production in response to weaker market conditions. Buyers adopted a more cautious approach, limiting new orders and focusing on existing inventory. Additionally, the market saw increased competition from cheaper imports, further pressuring prices downward. 

Q3 2024: 

Butyric Acid prices fell again to USD 1632.06 per metric ton, -1.62% on Q2. This was largely because of a tapering in agrochemical consumption following the end of the high application period. Export activity was also subdued with weakening global demand. While local production held at regular levels, the market grappled with larger inventory levels and weaker offtake. Consequently, prices remained under mild downward pressure during the quarter. 

Q2 2024: 

By Q2 2024 Butyric Acid prices showed a slight decrease, falling to USD 1311/MT, a 1.33% dip from Q1. This decline was driven by a seasonal reduction in demand from key industries, coupled with competitive pricing from international markets. Although some industries began restocking for the upcoming season, the overall market sentiment remained subdued. 

Q1 2024: 

In Q1 2024, Butyric Acid prices were slightly higher at USD 1329/MT, although they still faced a modest decrease of 1.93% from the previous quarter. Demand from end-use industries was relatively stable, but some hesitation among buyers and a slowdown in industrial activity dampened price growth. Additionally, the market had been adjusting to higher inventory levels, which weighed on price movements. 

butyric acid Parameters Covered: 

  • Propylene
  • Butyraldehyde
  • China
  • Food
  • Pharmaceuticals
  • Animal Feed
  • Chemicals
  • Singapore
  • Peru
  • India

butyric acid Parameters Covered: 

  • Propylene
  • Butyraldehyde
  • China
  • Food
  • Pharmaceuticals
  • Animal Feed
  • Chemicals
  • Singapore
  • Peru
  • India

Why PriceWatch?

PriceWatch is your trusted resource for tracking global butyric acid price trends. Our platform delivers real-time data and expert analysis, offering deep insights into the key factors driving price fluctuations in the butyric acid 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 butyric acid prices worldwide. Stay ahead of the curve with PriceWatch’s reliable, accurate, and timely butyric acid market data.

Track PriceWatch's butyric acid 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 Butyric Acid prices

  • Raw Material Shortages: Butyric Acid is primarily produced from butyl acetate and butyl alcohol, and fluctuations in the prices of these two, often due to supply chain disruptions, can significantly impact Butyric Acid pricing. For example, shortages in the availability of butyl acetate and butyl alcohol due to industrial plant closures or production inefficiencies have caused price hikes. 
  • Changes in Agricultural Demand: Butyric Acid is widely used in animal feed to enhance gut health, and fluctuations in agricultural demand, especially in the livestock sector, have caused price variations. For instance, during periods of increased meat production or export bans, there is heightened demand for Butyric Acid-based feed additives, leading to price spikes. 
  • Oil Price Volatility: As Butyric Acid production involves petrochemical feedstocks, fluctuations in global crude oil prices directly affect production costs. Sudden spikes or drops in oil prices, often due to geopolitical tensions, natural disasters, or changes in OPEC policies, can lead to significant Butyric Acid price changes. 
  • Regulatory and Environmental Policies: New regulations affecting chemical production, such as stricter environmental laws or limits on emissions, can raise production costs for Butyric Acid manufacturers. When such regulations come into force, particularly in regions like Europe or North America, they can reduce supply and raise prices globally. Additionally, import/export tariffs imposed by major producing nations can impact international pricing. 
  • Technological Advancements and Shifts Toward Sustainability: Advancements in green chemistry and bio-based production methods have also caused fluctuations. While bio-based Butyric Acid can sometimes offer cost savings, the initial capital investments and shifts in production processes can temporarily drive-up prices. 
  • COVID-19 Pandemic: The global pandemic in 2020 caused widespread disruptions across industries, including Butyric Acid production. Plant shutdowns, labour shortages, and transportation delays all contributed to significant price volatility. Disruptions to supply chains and shifts in demand across pharmaceuticals, food additives, and animal feed sectors led to fluctuating prices during and after the pandemic. 

 

These events underscore the Butyric Acid market’s vulnerability to global disruptions and highlight the need for continuous monitoring of supply-demand dynamics. 

Data Collection and Sources​

  • Real-Time Market Data: PriceWatch aggregates real-time pricing data from a diverse range of sources, including global commodity exchanges, industry reports, and proprietary databases. This ensures that our assessments reflect the most current market conditions. 
  • On-the-Ground Intelligence: Our team gathers insights directly from key market participants, including producers, suppliers, traders, and end-users, across major Butyric Acid production hubs. This ground-level intelligence is crucial for understanding localized market dynamics. 
  • Supply Chain Monitoring: We track the entire Butyric Acid supply chain, from raw material availability (e.g., carbon monoxide, dimethylamine) to production and distribution channels. This includes monitoring feedstock prices, production capacities, and transportation logistics. 

Event Tracking and Impact Analysis​

  • Geopolitical Tensions: PriceWatch continuously monitors global geopolitical developments, such as conflicts or trade disputes, which can significantly impact Butyric Acid prices. Our analysis includes potential disruptions to supply chains and their immediate and long-term effects on pricing. 
  • Natural Disasters and Climate Events: We assess the impact of natural disasters, such as hurricanes or winter storms, on Butyric Acid production facilities, particularly in vulnerable regions like the U.S. Gulf Coast. These events are factored into our price forecasts and supply outlooks. 
  • Economic Shifts: PriceWatch evaluates macroeconomic trends, including global economic growth, inflation rates, and sector-specific demand (e.g., automotive, packaging), to predict shifts in Butyric Acid demand and corresponding price movements.

Production Capacity and Supply Analysis

  • Current Production Monitoring: We maintain a comprehensive database of global Butyric Acid production facilities, tracking their operational status, maintenance schedules, and output levels. This allows us to assess current supply availability accurately. 
  • Future Capacity Projections: Our research includes detailed forecasts of upcoming Butyric Acid production capacities, factoring in new plant constructions, expansions, and technological advancements. This helps in predicting future supply trends and potential price stabilization.

Demand Forecasting

  • Sectoral Demand Analysis: PriceWatch provides in-depth analysis of demand trends across key sectors, including packaging, automotive, and construction. We track year-on-year demand growth and project future consumption patterns based on economic indicators and industry developments. 
  • Global Demand Dynamics: Our methodology considers regional demand variations and how they influence global Butyric Acid pricing. This includes understanding the impact of shifts in manufacturing bases, trade policies, and environmental regulations. 

Pricing Model Development

  • Dynamic Pricing Models: PriceWatch utilizes advanced econometric models to forecast Butyric Acid prices, incorporating real-time data, historical trends, and projected market conditions. Our models are continuously refined to enhance accuracy and predictive power. 
  • Scenario Analysis: We conduct scenario-based assessments to evaluate potential future market conditions. This includes best-case, worst-case, and most likely scenarios, helping our clients prepare for a range of market outcomes. 

Reporting and Client Support

  • Comprehensive Reports: Our clients receive detailed reports that include current price assessments, future price forecasts, and in-depth analysis of market drivers. These reports are designed to be actionable, providing clear insights and recommendations. 
  • Ongoing Support: PriceWatch offers continuous updates and personalized support to our clients, ensuring they have the most up-to-date information to make informed decisions. Our experts are available to discuss specific market developments and provide tailored advice. 

 

 

This research methodology ensures that PriceWatch delivers the most accurate, timely, and actionable Butyric Acid pricing assessments, helping our clients stay ahead of market trends and make informed business decisions. 

Molecular Weight[g/mol]

88.11

CAS No

107-92-6

HS Code

29156010

Molecular Formula

C4H8O2
butyric acid

Butyric Acid is a colourless carboxylic acid with a pungent odour, extensively used in animal feed, flavours, fragrances, and industrial applications. It is commonly synthesized from feedstocks like butyl acetate and butyl alcohol through chemical processes. Known for its role in promoting gut health in livestock, it also serves as a key intermediate in various manufacturing sectors.

Packaging Type

ISO Tank

Grades Covered

Industrial Grade (99.5% purity)

Incoterms Used

FOB China, CIF India (China), CIF Singapore (China), CIF Peru (China)

Synonym

n-Butyric acid, butanoic acid, n-butanoic acid, 1-propanecarboxylic acid, propylformic acid and ethylacetic acid.

PriceWatch Quotation Terms:

25-28 MT(Global)

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.

Component  Unit  Value by weight 
Butyric Acid Content (wt.%)  %  99.5 Min 
Color  Pt-Co  15 Max 
Specific Gravity @ 20°C    0.96 
Form    Liquid 
Boiling Point  °C  164 
Freezing Point   °C  -7.9  
Flash Point (Tag Closed Cup)  °C  71 

Applications

The chemical characteristics of Butyric Acid make it suitable for a wide variety of industrial uses. To properly dissolve or combine materials, it is frequently employed as a solvent in the manufacture of paints, coatings, adhesives, and inks. BUTYRIC ACID is also used as an addition in gasoline, raising the octane levels and boosting engine output. Additionally, it is an essential step in the synthesis of methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE), a substance that is utilized in gasoline blends. To make methyl methacrylate, a necessary ingredient for making plastics, Butyric Acid is used as an intermediary in the chemical industry. To formulate drugs and produce active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), the pharmaceutical industry employs Butyric Acid as a solvent. Moreover, BUTYRIC ACID produces isobutylene, a crucial precursor to synthetic rubber and plastics, and serves as a dehydration agent in industrial operations. 

Butyric Acid 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 butyric acid. 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 pricing of Butyric Acid is influenced by various factors, including the cost of raw materials used in its production, energy prices, and fluctuations in demand from end-use industries such as animal feed, flavors, paint, fragrances, and coatings. Seasonal trends, production outages, and transportation costs also play a significant role. Additionally, global economic conditions and geopolitical events can impact supply chain dynamics, further affecting prices.

Butyric Acid prices are highly sensitive to demand fluctuations in its primary end-use sectors, such as animal feed, flavors, paints, coatings. A surge in demand, especially during seasonal peaks, tends to drive up prices due to increased consumption. Conversely, lower demand during off-peak periods or economic slowdowns can lead to price decreases. Procurement heads should closely monitor industry trends to anticipate price changes.

Yes, regional price differences for Butyric Acid exist due to variations in production capacities, raw material availability, and transportation costs. For example, Asia, being a major manufacturing hub, often offers lower prices compared to regions like Europe or North America. Procurement teams can optimize sourcing strategies by exploring cost-competitive regions and establishing relationships with suppliers in areas where production costs are lower.

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