methyl tert-butyl ether Pricing Assessment

Markets Covered:

China

United States

Singapore

Netherlands

India

Mexico

Belgium

Methyl Tert-Butyl Ether Price Trend, Analysis and Forecast

As of July 2024, MTBE prices in China fluctuated around USD 814 per metric ton, reflecting a 3.55% decrease from USD 844 in June. In Q1 2024, prices averaged USD 852 per metric ton, marking a notable increase of 5.16% to USD 896 in Q2, driven by recovering demand from key sectors, particularly automotive and fuel blending.

Throughout Q1 and Q2, global MTBE supply faced significant challenges due to maintenance shutdowns at essential production facilities, which led to output reductions. Geopolitical tensions in Europe further disrupted the availability of crucial feedstocks for MTBE production, tightening the market and contributing to upward price pressure.

In Q3 2024, the MTBE market is expected to experience ongoing price pressure due to strong demand from the fuel sector. As economies rebound, gasoline consumption is projected to rise, increasing the need for MTBE as an octane booster and emission reducer. Additionally, supply chain constraints and rising feedstock costs for isobutylene and methanol may limit availability. Regulatory trends favouring cleaner fuels could enhance MTBE’s market position, ensuring sustained demand. Seasonal spikes in fuel usage during summer months are likely to reinforce these trends.

Looking ahead to Q4 2024 and beyond, anticipated expansions in production capacity in North America may help stabilize prices. However, the market is projected to remain volatile through 2030, influenced by geopolitical developments, supply chain adjustments, and evolving demand dynamics. Stakeholders will need to navigate these complexities to manage pricing strategies and investments effectively.

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is your trusted resource for tracking global methyl tert-butyl ether price trends. Our platform delivers real-time data and expert analysis, offering deep insights into the key factors driving price fluctuations in the methyl tert-butyl ether market. By monitoring critical events such as geopolitical tensions, supply chain disruptions, and economic shifts, keeps you fully informed of market dynamics.

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Track 's methyl tert-butyl ether 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 methyl tert-butyl ether prices

Israel-Hamas Conflict (2023-Present): The ongoing conflict has disrupted trade routes and supply chains in the Middle East, impacting the availability and costs of raw materials essential for MTBE production globally.

Russia-Ukraine Conflict (2022-Present): This ongoing war has severely disrupted production and supply chains across Europe, particularly affecting Belgium, and the Netherlands, leading to increased costs and heightened global price volatility.

Global Energy Price Volatility (2021-2022): Fluctuations in crude oil and natural gas prices, particularly in the U.S. and Europe, directly affected the production costs of MTBE, resulting in periodic price adjustments.

Texas Winter Storm (2021): Severe winter weather in the U.S. resulted in production halts, particularly affecting MTBE facilities in Texas. This event caused a temporary spike in prices due to supply constraints.

COVID-19 Pandemic (2020): The pandemic initially led to a sharp decline in demand; however, as economies reopened, demand surged in sectors such as packaging and coatings, significantly impacting MTBE prices.

Environmental Regulations and Protests (2019-Present): Stricter environmental regulations in South Korea and India, along with protests against industrial pollution, have affected production capabilities and increased compliance costs, contributing to price increases.

Geopolitical Tensions and Trade Wars (2018-2019): The U.S.-China trade war introduced uncertainty in global supply chains, particularly affecting the import and export dynamics for MTBE, contributing to price instability.

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

Methodology and Specifications

methyl tert-butyl ether Pricing Assessment Research Methodology

Data Collection and Sources

Real-Time Market Data: aggregates real-time pricing data from various sources, including global commodity exchanges, industry reports, and proprietary databases. This ensures our assessments reflect the most current market conditions for MTBE.

On-the-Ground Intelligence: Our team gathers insights directly from key market participants, including producers, suppliers, traders, and end-users across major MTBE production hubs. This ground-level intelligence is crucial for understanding localized market dynamics.

Supply Chain Monitoring: We track the entire MTBE supply chain, from raw material availability (e.g., Methanol, Isobutylene, TBA) to production and distribution channels. This includes monitoring feedstock prices, production capacities, and transportation logistics.

Event Tracking and Impact Analysis

Geopolitical Tensions: continuously monitors global geopolitical developments, such as conflicts or trade disputes, that can significantly impact MTBE prices. Our analysis considers 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 MTBE 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: evaluates macroeconomic trends, including global economic growth, inflation rates, and sector-specific demand (e.g., automotive, fuel blending), to predict shifts in MTBE demand and corresponding price movements.

Production Capacity and Supply Analysis

Current Production Monitoring: We maintain a comprehensive database of global MTBE production facilities, tracking their operational status, maintenance schedules, and output levels. This allows us to accurately assess current supply availability.

Future Capacity Projections: Our research includes detailed forecasts of upcoming MTBE production capacities, factoring in new plant constructions, expansions, and technological advancements. This helps predict future supply trends and potential price stabilization.

Demand Forecasting

Sectoral Demand Analysis: provides in-depth analysis of demand trends across key sectors, including automotive and fuel blending. 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 MTBE pricing, including shifts in manufacturing bases, trade policies, and environmental regulations.

Pricing Model Development

Dynamic Pricing Models: utilizes advanced econometric models to forecast MTBE 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, including 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: 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 delivers the most accurate, timely, and actionable MTBE pricing assessments, helping our clients stay ahead of market trends and make informed business decisions.

Specifications

Molecular Weight[g/mol]

88.15 

CAS No

1634-04-4

HS Code

29091920

Molecular Formula

(CH3)3COCH3

methyl tert-butyl ether

Methyl Tert-Butyl Ether (MTBE) is a high-performance oxygenate used primarily as a gasoline additive to enhance octane levels and reduce engine knocking. With its ability to improve fuel combustion efficiency and lower emissions, MTBE is widely used in the automotive and energy industries. It also serves as a solvent in chemical manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, and paints. MTBE’s low vapor pressure and excellent solubility make it ideal for blending and increasing fuel stability. Known for its high purity and performance, MTBE supports cleaner and more efficient fuel consumption.

Packaging Type

Iso tanks, Drums (India)

Grades Covered

Industrial Grade (98%)

Incoterms Used

FOB China, FOB USA, FOB Singapore, FOB Netherlands, CIF Nhava Sheva (China), FD Belgium (Netherlands), CIF Manzanillo (USA)

Synonym

MTBE, Tertiary butyl methyl ether, 2-Methoxy-2-methylpropane, Methyl 2-methylpropyl ether

Quotation Terms:

20-25 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.

Property	Value	Units
Purity	98	%
Total C4	0.5	%
Methanol	0.5	%
Di-isobutylene	0.6	%
TBA	0.6	%
Colour	5	Pt-Co
ETBE	0.075	Wt%

Applications

MTBE is a versatile compound with a wide range of applications across various industries. It serves as a key raw material in producing superabsorbent polymers, essential for manufacturing disposable diapers and feminine hygiene products. Its ability to absorb large quantities of liquids makes MTBE invaluable in personal care. Additionally, it is used in coatings, adhesives, and sealants due to its excellent adhesion and durability. In the construction industry, MTBE is incorporated into paints and emulsions, enhancing flexibility and weather resistance. Its application in construction materials improves durability and extends the lifespan of coatings. The automotive sector also uses MTBE in lightweight composite materials, contributing to better fuel efficiency and reduced emissions, supporting the industry’s push for sustainability. MTBE also plays a role in water treatment, where it is used to formulate flocculants that help remove impurities. The textile industry benefits from MTBE in finishes that improve fabric performance and appearance. With the growing demand for sustainable products, MTBE is increasingly utilized in developing bio-based materials and environmentally friendly alternatives, underscoring its importance in both industrial and consumer markets.

Disclaimer

Methyl Tert-Butyl Ether price provided by 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 methyl tert-butyl ether. 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.

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Frequently asked questions

What factors drive the pricing of MTBE in the global market? +

The pricing of MTBE is driven by several key factors, including the cost of feedstocks like methanol and isobutylene, crude oil prices, and regional demand for gasoline additives. Additionally, fluctuations in production capacities, environmental regulations, and geopolitical events can impact supply and demand dynamics. Procurement heads should keep an eye on these variables to make informed purchasing decisions and manage costs effectively.

How do changes in crude oil prices affect MTBE pricing trends? +

Changes in crude oil prices have a significant impact on MTBE pricing trends. As MTBE is derived from petroleum products, rising crude oil prices typically lead to higher production costs, which can translate into increased MTBE prices. Conversely, when crude oil prices fall, production costs may decrease, potentially lowering MTBE prices. Procurement heads should monitor crude oil market trends closely to anticipate potential price movements in MTBE.

What is the price outlook for MTBE, and how can procurement heads prepare for future fluctuations? +

The price outlook for MTBE is influenced by various factors, including global supply-demand dynamics, raw material costs, and regulatory changes regarding fuel standards. In the near term, procurement heads should anticipate potential price volatility due to fluctuating crude oil prices and shifts in gasoline demand. To prepare, they should engage in strategic sourcing, consider long-term contracts with suppliers, and maintain a diversified supplier base to mitigate risks associated with sudden price increases.