Menu
Menu
Malaysia
South Africa
Belgium
India
Singapore
Indonesia
ThailandIn Q1 2025, both Malaysia and South Africa experienced price declines. Malaysia saw a 3.69% decrease, with prices falling to USD 835/MT. This drop was largely driven by weaker demand in key sectors such as chemical manufacturing and industrial applications. Similarly, South Africa recorded a 3.08% decrease, with prices settling at USD 855/MT. The decrease was influenced by a slow recovery in global demand and an oversupply in some regional markets. Despite Malaysia’s lower prices, South Africa’s prices remained marginally higher, suggesting relatively stronger demand in African and Middle Eastern markets.
In Q4 2024, both Malaysia and South Africa saw significant price drops. Malaysia experienced a 13.53% decrease, with prices falling to USD 867/MT, impacted by reduced demand from Southeast Asia and a downturn in the global market. Similarly, South Africa faced an 8.20% drop, with prices at USD 882/MT. Despite a less drastic decline than Malaysia, South Africa’s pricing faced pressure from weaker demand in Europe and other key export destinations. The quarter reflected a slowdown across both regions, with oversupply and cautious procurement strategies contributing to price reductions.
In Q3 2024, Malaysia saw a 3.50% increase, with prices rising to USD 1002/MT, driven by a recovery in demand from the automotive and industrial sectors, particularly in Asia. South Africa, however, experienced a 2.22% decrease, with prices falling to USD 961/MT. The decline in South Africa was attributed to weaker export orders and slow demand from key regions. On the other hand, Malaysia’s price recovery highlighted regional resilience in Southeast Asia, where manufacturing and chemical sectors experienced increased consumption. The contrast between the two regions demonstrated differing market conditions and demand recovery.
In Q2 2024, South Africa saw a remarkable 11.58% increase, with prices rising to USD 983/MT, fueled by a surge in demand from its African and Middle Eastern markets, particularly in the petrochemical and automotive sectors. Malaysia also saw an increase of 7.85%, reaching USD 968/MT, supported by steady demand from Southeast Asia, although slightly lagging behind South Africa’s growth. The sharp rise in South Africa’s prices can be attributed to a recovery in global demand, while Malaysia’s more moderate increase reflected a more cautious market sentiment despite regional improvements.
In Q1 2024, Malaysia recorded a modest 1.97% increase, with prices reaching USD 898/MT, driven by steady demand in the chemical industry and some recovery from the global economic slowdown. South Africa, on the other hand, saw a 1.46% increase, with prices reaching USD 881/MT, as domestic consumption in Africa remained stable. While both countries experienced positive price movements, Malaysia’s increase was slightly more pronounced, reflecting its strong market position in Southeast Asia. The quarter showed a slight recovery in both markets, though challenges remained from slower global growth and uncertain demand forecasts.
In Q1 2025, n-Propanol prices showed mixed trends across different pricing terms. CIF Nhava Sheva saw a 3.41% decrease, with prices falling to USD 893/MT, driven by lower demand and market softness. Similarly, Ex-Kandla prices increased slightly by 0.54%, reaching USD 1124/MT, while Ex-Kandla (Bulk) prices saw a 3.83% decline, falling to USD 984/MT. The decline in bulk prices contrasted with the stability in regional pricing at Ex-Kandla, suggesting local market factors, including fluctuating demand and supply-side adjustments, impacted the bulk trade more significantly.
In Q4 2024, CIF Nhava Sheva prices decreased by 13.94%, dropping to USD 924/MT, reflecting a slump in demand across key industries. Ex-Kandla prices also fell by 14.61%, to USD 1118/MT, showing a similar downward trend. Meanwhile, Ex-Kandla (Bulk) prices dropped by 14.27%, with prices reaching USD 1023/MT. This decline was largely driven by a reduction in industrial procurement as stock levels adjusted and global uncertainty loomed. The steep drops across all categories highlighted a cooling market in the latter part of 2024, influenced by subdued domestic consumption and import reluctance.
In Q3 2024, CIF Nhava Sheva prices increased by 1.59%, rising to USD 1074/MT, driven by recovery in the pharmaceutical and industrial sectors. Similarly, Ex-Kandla prices saw a slight 0.70% increase, reaching USD 1309/MT, while Ex-Kandla (Bulk) experienced a 1.75% decrease, settling at USD 1193/MT. The increase in CIF Nhava Sheva and Ex-Kandla prices reflects a rebound in demand from India’s chemical and automotive sectors. However, bulk prices lagged, likely due to higher transactional costs and regional supply chain disruptions, which weighed on bulk trade.
In Q2 2024, CIF Nhava Sheva prices increased by 10.27%, reaching USD 1057/MT, reflecting strong demand from industrial and chemical sectors, particularly for use in manufacturing. However, Ex-Kandla prices saw a slight 2.69% decrease, falling to USD 1300/MT, while Ex-Kandla (Bulk) prices also dropped by 1.31%, settling at USD 1214/MT. Despite the increase in CIF Nhava Sheva, local prices under Ex-Kandla and bulk terms faced slight resistance, possibly due to delayed procurement and logistical constraints. This quarter illustrated regional disparities, with the port-based market pricing higher than bulk shipments.
In Q1 2024, CIF Nhava Sheva prices increased by 1.97%, reaching USD 898/MT, as procurement activity picked up slightly at the start of the year. Ex-Kandla prices saw a substantial 19.71% increase, reaching USD 1336/MT, driven by improved demand and tighter supply chains within India. Ex-Kandla (Bulk) prices also rose by 11.26%, reaching USD 1231/MT, as demand from local industries surged after a period of low procurement. The sharp rise in local prices reflected stronger regional consumption, as the Indian market began its recovery from previous global slowdowns, showing a stark contrast to the global market pricing.
PriceWatch is your trusted resource for tracking global n-butanol price trends. Our platform delivers real-time data and expert analysis, offering deep insights into the key factors driving price fluctuations in the n-butanol 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 n-butanol prices worldwide. Stay ahead of the curve with PriceWatch’s reliable, accurate, and timely n-butanol market data.
Track PriceWatch's n-butanol 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.
Russia-Ukraine Conflict (2022-Present):
Supply Chain Disruptions: The conflict has impacted the supply chains for raw materials and energy sources, causing delays and shortages that drive up production costs for n-Butanol.
Energy Prices: Increased volatility in oil and gas prices resulting from the conflict has directly affected the production costs of n-Butanol, as energy is a key input in its manufacturing.
Market Uncertainty: The geopolitical tensions have created uncertainty in global markets, leading to speculative trading and fluctuating prices as companies adjust to the evolving situation.
Export Restrictions: Sanctions and trade restrictions imposed on Russia and Ukraine have further strained supply chains, affecting the availability of key feedstocks and raising prices.
COVID-19 Pandemic (2020):
Disruption of Supply Chains: Lockdowns and restrictions led to factory closures and transportation delays, disrupting the supply chains for raw materials and finished products, which affected n-Butanol availability.
Demand Shifts: The pandemic altered demand dynamics, with increased needs in specific sectors such as pharmaceuticals, sanitizers, and packaging materials, while demand from industries like automotive and textiles declined sharply.
Production Halts: Many manufacturers scaled back or halted production during peak lockdown periods, leading to temporary shortages in the market, which contributed to price volatility.
Economic Uncertainty: The overall economic instability during the pandemic created uncertainty in the market, causing fluctuations in pricing as companies adjusted their production and inventory strategies.
Increased Production Costs: The pandemic also increased operating costs due to health and safety measures, logistical challenges, and rising energy prices. These higher production costs contributed to fluctuations in n-butanol prices.
Geopolitical Tensions (2018-2019):
Trade Wars: Ongoing trade disputes, particularly between major economies like the U.S. and China, created uncertainty in the market. Tariffs on chemicals and raw materials affected production costs and availability, leading to price volatility.
Market Speculation: Heightened geopolitical risks triggered speculative trading behaviour in commodity markets, causing prices to swing as traders react to news and developments.
These events underscore the n-Butanol market’s vulnerability to global disruptions and highlight the need for continuous monitoring of supply-demand dynamics.
This research methodology ensures that PriceWatch delivers the most accurate, timely, and actionable n-Butanol pricing assessments, helping our clients stay ahead of market trends and make informed business decisions.
Molecular Weight[g/mol]
CAS No
HS Code
Molecular Formula
n-Butanol is a primary alcohol derived from the oxo process, using propylene and syngas as key feedstocks. This versatile solvent feature excellent miscibility and is widely used in paints, coatings, adhesives, and plasticizers. Its role as a chemical intermediate in butyl acrylates and butyl acetates production makes it essential in industrial and consumer applications.
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.
| Property | Specification |
| Appearance | Colourless liquid |
| Purity | 99.5% |
| Density (20 °C) | 0.81 g/mL |
| Boiling Point | 119 °C |
| Freezing Point | -90 °C |
| Vapour Pressure (20 °C) | 4.2 mm Hg |
| Specific Gravity | 0.810 |
| Viscosity (20 °C) | 2.947 mm2/s |
| Surface Tension (dynes/cm) | 24.2 |
| Autoignition Temperature | 355 °C |
Applications
n-Butanol is used mainly as a feedstock/intermediate to make other chemicals including:
Butyl acetate: A solvent used in paints, coatings, and adhesives.
Butyl acrylate: Used in the production of acrylic resins for coatings, adhesives, and sealants.
Glycol ethers: Employed in the manufacturing of cleaning agents, paints, and inks.
Butylamines: Used in pharmaceuticals, agriculture chemicals, and rubber additives.
Esters: Formed with acids, used in flavors, fragrances, and solvents.
Butyl ethers: Applied as fuel additives and solvents.
The pricing of n-butanol is influenced by several factors, including raw material costs such as propylene, fluctuations in supply and demand within industries like paints, coatings, and adhesives, as well as external elements like geopolitical events, trade tariffs, and energy prices. These factors combine to create variability in pricing depending on global economic conditions.
Regional production plays a significant role in n-butanol pricing. Regions with high production, like Asia-Pacific, tend to have more competitive pricing due to local availability, whereas regions that rely on imports, such as North America and Europe, often face higher costs due to transportation fees, import duties, and potential supply chain disruptions.
The latest pricing trends for n-butanol often reflect fluctuations in the cost of raw materials and changes in global supply chains. To secure better rates, procurement heads can consider locking in long-term contracts with suppliers, monitoring global price trends and indices, and optimizing bulk purchasing strategies to take advantage of volume discounts.
Copyright 2025. All rights reserved. Nidhyana Price Watch Data Analytics Private Limited