Butyl Glycol Pricing Assessment

butyl glycol Markets Covered: 

brBrazil
cnChina
inIndia
saSaudi Arabia
frFrance
itItaly

butyl glycol Markets Covered: 

Global butyl glycol Price Trend, Analysis and Forecast​

In Q1 2025, Butyl Glycol prices in the Middle East dropped by 9.16%, primarily due to oversupply in the market and low logistics costs, which contributed to a decrease in prices. Conversely, prices in the European market rose by 2.1%, driven by higher demand within the European Union. This increase reflects a strong demand pull, while the contrasting trends between the Middle East and Europe highlight the impact of regional supply and demand dynamics on pricing. 

In Q4 2024, Butyl Glycol prices in both the European market and the Middle East dropped by 6.45% and 6.57%, respectively. This decline was primarily driven by destocking activities and low buyer activity across both regions. As inventories were cleared, and demand remained subdued, prices softened. The lack of strong purchasing interest, coupled with an oversupply of stocks, contributed to this price reduction, reflecting weaker market conditions and cautious sentiment from buyers in the final quarter of the year. 

In Q3 2024, Butyl Glycol prices in the European market fell by 4.45%, driven by lower feedstock costs, particularly Ethylene Oxide, and reduced demand. In the Middle East, prices stabilized at the lower end due to ongoing geopolitical tensions, which have now become a constant factor in the region. This stability suggests that prices in the Middle East are unlikely to experience significant fluctuations in the near term, as the geopolitical situation continues to influence market dynamics. 

In Q2 2024, European markets saw an 8% increase in Butyl Glycol prices, driven by higher feedstock prices and growing demand from the East Asian market. This continued upward momentum reflected robust market conditions. In contrast, the Middle East experienced a 3.55% price drop, as declining demand coupled with improved supply shifted the supply-demand equilibrium. This change resulted in lower prices than in the previous quarter, highlighting the regional differences in market dynamics and the impact of both demand and supply factors on pricing trends. 

In Q1 2024, the global market saw significant price increases due to geopolitical tensions and rising logistical costs. The Middle East experienced an 18.55% price surge driven by heightened demand, supply shortages, and escalating insurance costs. Prolonged cargo holding times due to tensions in the Red Sea further pushed up order volumes, impacting importers. Similarly, the European market saw a 6.1% price increase, reflecting stronger demand within the EU, higher transportation costs, and rising feedstock prices. These factors together contributed to the upward pricing pressures globally. 

India butyl glycol Price Trend, Analysis and Forecast

In Q1 2025, Butyl Glycol prices dropped further by 9.16%, reaching $1,264/MT. This continued decline was driven by lower industrial demand and an oversupply of stocks that had built up in the previous quarters. Despite stable shipping conditions, the overall weaker global economic outlook, coupled with limited downstream consumption, led to a more cautious approach from buyers, further dampening demand. Additionally, the strong USD and fluctuating exchange rates continued to influence pricing dynamics, contributing to the reduction in prices as Indian buyers took a more conservative stance. 

In Q4 2024, prices saw a more significant decline of 6.57%, dropping to $1,386/MT. The drop was largely driven by weaker demand from end-use sectors such as construction and automotive, which typically slowed down in the last quarter of the year. Additionally, the effects of previous freight disruptions began to ease as shipping routes became more stable, and the Indian Rupee showed some strength against the USD, reducing the landed cost of imports. Overall, market sentiment softened, leading to a reduction in prices as buyers adopted a more cautious approach in response to economic uncertainty. 

In Q3 2024, Butyl Glycol prices remained relatively stable, experiencing a modest decrease of just 0.66%, bringing prices to $1,483/MT. This stability suggests that while demand continued to be subdued, there were still underlying supply constraints and cost pressures. Prices were likely supported by steady demand from key sectors like automotive and coating, but the lack of major disruptions in the logistics and supply chains helped prevent a larger price drop. The exchange rate remained a critical factor, and though it didn’t cause a significant spike, its continued volatility kept price fluctuations at a minimum. 

In Q2 2024, prices experienced a slight improvement, dropping by 3.55% to settle at $1,479/MT. This decline was a typical reaction to the post-seasonal demand slowdown and the easing of immediate supply constraints that followed the winter season. While freight rates remained high, they likely stabilized compared to the sharp increases seen in Q1. Additionally, the Indian Rupee showed some improvement against the USD, helping to reduce some of the pressure on import prices. Despite the decrease, prices stayed elevated due to ongoing logistical challenges and inefficiencies within the supply chain. 

In Q1 2024, Butyl Glycol prices imported from Saudi Arabia rose significantly by 18.55%, reaching $1,513/MT. This sharp increase was primarily driven by seasonal demand recovery post-winter and higher logistical costs, including increased freight rates. The Indian market, heavily reliant on imports, was further impacted by the depreciation of the Indian Rupee (INR) against the US Dollar (USD), which elevated the landed cost of the product. The price surge was a combination of tight global supply, stronger demand in the industrial sectors, and the overall inflationary pressures from increased transportation costs and unfavorable exchange rate movements. 

butyl glycol Parameters Covered: 

  • Ethylene Oxide 
  • n-butanol 
  • Saudi Arabia 
  • France 
  • Solvent in the paint and coating industry, used to extend drying times and improve flow. 
  • Ingredient in industrial cleaners, rust removers, and hard surface cleaners due to its ability to dissolve oils and greases.
  • Brazil 
  • China 
  • Italy 
  • India 

butyl glycol Parameters Covered: 

Specifications

Molecular Weight[g/mol]

118.17 g/mol

CAS No

111-76-2

HS Code

29094300

Molecular Formula

C6H14O2
butyl glycol

Butyl Glycol (C₄H₉OH) is a versatile solvent used in paints, coatings, cleaning products, and personal care formulations. It is produced from petrochemical feedstocks, primarily derived from Propylene through hydroformylation and hydrogenation processes. Known for its low volatility and excellent solubility.

Packaging Type

180 Kg Drum, ISO Tank

Grades Covered

Industrial

Incoterms Used

FOB Dammam Port, CIF Santos (Saudi Arabia), CIF Shanghai (Saudi Arabia), CIF Nhava Sheva (Saudi Arabia), FOB Marseille-Fos Port, FD Genoa Port, CIF Santos (Brazil)

Synonym

Ethylene Glycol Monobutyl Ether, 2-Butoxyethanol

PriceWatch Quotation Terms:

25-28 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.

S.no  Properties  Unit  Value 
1  Purity  % m/m  99 min 
2  Colour (Pt-Cobalt)    10 max 
3  Density @ 20°C  g/ml  0.898 0.902 
4  Water Content  % m/m  0.2 max 
5  Distillation, IBP  °C  166 min 
6  Distillation, DP  °C  173.0 max 
7  Acidity as acetic acid  % m/m  0.005 max 
8  SG @ 20°C    0.899 – 0.904 
9  Refractive Index @ 20°C    1.419 -1.420 

Applications

Butyl Glycol is primarily used as a versatile feedstock and intermediate in the production of various chemicals. It serves as a key ingredient in the manufacturing of plasticizers, which enhance the flexibility of plastics, and is also used in the production of surfactants and emulsifiers for cleaning products. Additionally, Butyl Glycol is utilized in the formulation of paints and coatings, improving their flow and levelling properties. Its role extends to the textile industry, where it acts as a solvent for dyes and finishing agents. Furthermore, Butyl Glycol is employed in the production of adhesives and sealants, contributing to their effectiveness and performance in various applications. 

Historically, several events have caused significant fluctuations in Butyl Glycol prices

  • Russia-Ukraine Conflict (2022-Present): The Russia-Ukraine war has disrupted supply chains and raised energy costs, leading to increased prices for Butyl Glycol globally. The conflict has created uncertainty in chemical markets, affecting production and transportation costs, further driving price volatility. 
  • COVID-19 Pandemic (2020): The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted Butyl Glycol prices by causing production halts and supply chain disruptions. Initially, demand dropped, leading to price fluctuations. As markets stabilized, recovery has been uneven, influenced by ongoing uncertainties in various industries. 
  • Geopolitical Tensions and Protectionist Policies (2019): Trade tariffs imposed by regions such as the United States, China, the European Union, India, and Brazil have disrupted supply chains and increased costs for Butyl Glycol. These policies have led to price fluctuations and reduced availability in global markets. 

 

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

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What You’ll Access

  • Capacity Utilization: Understand how close plants are to peak output.
  • Feedstock Flows: Monitor raw material consumption to spot trends and inefficiencies.
  • Technology Benchmarks: See what processes and tools each plant uses.
  • Downtime Tracking: Get instant alerts on unplanned stoppages and production dips.
  • Loss Analysis: Quantify the real impact of downtime on supply.
  • New Facilities Tracker: Stay ahead of capacity expansions and plant rollouts.

Why It Matters
One hour of unplanned downtime can cost thousands—or more. We give you the intelligence to spot it, solve it, and prevent it.

Why PriceWatch?

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

Track PriceWatch's butyl glycol 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.

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 Butyl Glycol production hubs. This ground-level intelligence is crucial for understanding localized market dynamics. 
  • Supply Chain Monitoring: We track the entire Butyl Glycol supply chain, from raw material availability (e.g., ethylene oxide. n-butanol) 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 Butyl Glycol 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 Butyl Glycol 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., Paints and Coatings, Adhesives), to predict shifts in Butyl Glycol demand and corresponding price movements.

Production Capacity and Supply Analysis

  • Current Production Monitoring: We maintain a comprehensive database of global Butyl Glycol 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 Butyl Glycol 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 Paints and Coatings, Adhesives, and Pharmaceuticals. 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 Butyl Glycol 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 Butyl Glycol 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 Butyl Glycol pricing assessments, helping our clients stay ahead of market trends and make informed business decisions.

Molecular Weight[g/mol]

118.17 g/mol

CAS No

111-76-2

HS Code

29094300

Molecular Formula

C6H14O2
butyl glycol

Butyl Glycol (C₄H₉OH) is a versatile solvent used in paints, coatings, cleaning products, and personal care formulations. It is produced from petrochemical feedstocks, primarily derived from Propylene through hydroformylation and hydrogenation processes. Known for its low volatility and excellent solubility.

Packaging Type

180 Kg Drum, ISO Tank

Grades Covered

Industrial

Incoterms Used

FOB Dammam Port, CIF Santos (Saudi Arabia), CIF Shanghai (Saudi Arabia), CIF Nhava Sheva (Saudi Arabia), FOB Marseille-Fos Port, FD Genoa Port, CIF Santos (Brazil)

Synonym

Ethylene Glycol Monobutyl Ether, 2-Butoxyethanol

PriceWatch Quotation Terms:

25-28 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.

S.no  Properties  Unit  Value 
1  Purity  % m/m  99 min 
2  Colour (Pt-Cobalt)    10 max 
3  Density @ 20°C  g/ml  0.898 0.902 
4  Water Content  % m/m  0.2 max 
5  Distillation, IBP  °C  166 min 
6  Distillation, DP  °C  173.0 max 
7  Acidity as acetic acid  % m/m  0.005 max 
8  SG @ 20°C    0.899 – 0.904 
9  Refractive Index @ 20°C    1.419 -1.420 

Applications

Butyl Glycol is primarily used as a versatile feedstock and intermediate in the production of various chemicals. It serves as a key ingredient in the manufacturing of plasticizers, which enhance the flexibility of plastics, and is also used in the production of surfactants and emulsifiers for cleaning products. Additionally, Butyl Glycol is utilized in the formulation of paints and coatings, improving their flow and levelling properties. Its role extends to the textile industry, where it acts as a solvent for dyes and finishing agents. Furthermore, Butyl Glycol is employed in the production of adhesives and sealants, contributing to their effectiveness and performance in various applications. 

Butyl Glycol 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 butyl glycol. 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 Butyl Glycol is influenced by several key factors. First, the cost of raw materials, particularly the feedstocks used in its production, such as propylene and butylene, plays a significant role. Fluctuations in these raw material prices can directly impact Butyl Glycol pricing. Additionally, supply chain dynamics, including transportation costs and production capacity, are critical factors. Demand from key sectors—such as paints and coatings, personal care, and cleaning products—also affects pricing; increased demand can lead to higher costs. Lastly, global economic conditions and regulatory changes can introduce further volatility in Butyl Glycol prices.

To secure competitive pricing for Butyl Glycol, procurement heads should adopt a proactive approach. Establishing strong relationships with multiple suppliers can foster competition, leading to better pricing terms. Conducting regular market analyses to track pricing trends and benchmarks is essential for informed decision-making. Exploring long-term contracts can help lock in favorable prices and provide stability against market fluctuations. Additionally, considering alternative sourcing options, such as regional suppliers, may yield cost advantages. Maintaining flexibility in procurement strategies will enable teams to adapt to changing market conditions effectively.

Fluctuations in Butyl Glycol pricing pose several risks, including budget overruns and increased production costs that can affect overall profitability. To mitigate these risks, procurement heads can implement strategic measures such as entering into hedging contracts to protect against price spikes in raw materials. Diversifying the supplier base reduces reliance on any single source, enhancing resilience against market volatility. Maintaining optimal inventory levels can also serve as a buffer against sudden price increases, allowing companies to capitalize on lower prices when they occur. Additionally, continuous monitoring of market trends and economic indicators will enable proactive adjustments to procurement strategies.