n-butanol Price Trend Q3 2025
In the third quarter of 2025, the n-butanol market across the globe experienced moderate fluctuations, with pricing moved in the range of 2-6% for the July, August, and September quarter. The pricing volatility was largely dictated by other relatively stable feed stocks, such as propylene and butyric acid…although fluctuations in crude oil pricing and global petrochemical production were also in play. Continued demand from major downstream sectors (automotive, paint and coatings, and plasticizing) helped to stabilize the balance within n-butanol markets.
Although logistical issues and rising freights exert some price pressures, the overall market effects were stripped by stable production and continued capacity expansions by leading regions. Consequently, the n-butanol market remained healthy, with a moderate price trend and anticipated stability in the following quarter. The outlook is still positive as there is anticipated price support from steady demand for industrial applications and improvements to the supply chain.
Malaysia
N-butanol export prices FOB Klang, Malaysia, Grade- Industrial Grade (99.5% min).
In Q3 of 2025, n-Butanol price in Malaysia fell by 2.05% from Q2 of 2025. The downward price trend in Malaysia for n-Butanol was impacted heavily by weaker demand coming from the automotive and industrial markets, which are facing production slowdowns. The demand weakness in larger downstream sectors and oversupply in the region placed downward pressure on prices. Additionally, the rise in freight rates stressed prices further, enhancing the overall downward pressure. In September of 2025, the price of n-Butanol in Malaysia continued to experience price erosion that reflected weaker price conditions. Going forward, prices are expected to remain under pressure unless demand improves in the key automotive and coatings industries.
South Africa
N-butanol export prices FOB Durban, South Africa, Grade- Industrial Grade (99.8% min).
In South Africa, n-Butanol prices rose by 5.38% in Q3 2025 compared with Q2 2025. Price trend for n-Butanol in South Africa was supported by an improved demand environment in the automotive and pharmaceutical sectors, which remained consistent from previous quarters, despite significant volatility in the marketplace. Rising prices in the sector were supported by high prices for feedstocks and shifts in the regional supply chain structure that tightened the supply position. The weakening of the local currency further exacerbated import prices, which sustained movements in the commodity price. Price movements for n-Butanol in September 2025 in South Africa also continued to trend upward due to strong demand from the automotive and pharmaceutical sectors and the overall regional market. Forecasts for the market indicate that price stability driven by demand could continue if consumption remains unchanged.
USA
N-butanol export prices FOB Houston, USA, Grade- Industrial Grade (99.5% min).
In Q3 2025, the price of n-Butanol in the USA fell by 3.61% relative to Q2 2025. n-Butanol price trend in the USA has been affected by lower demand for n-Butanol in the automotive and construction industries, which are faced with challenges such as slow production recovery and delayed project initiation. Freight rates are still high, placing additional value pressure with n-Butanol products particularly affected as most n-Butanol is imported.
Outgoing demand was sitting relatively steady, but overall demand for n-Butanol from key end-use industries, coupled with weak consumption demand, led to a slight but steady bottom price drop.n-butanol prices in September 2025 in the USA continued their downward trend, reflecting the ongoing challenges in domestic demand. The potential for prices to stabilize in Q4 remains unpredictable but potentially possible if demand finally improves for key end-use sectors.
Belgium (CIF from South Africa)
N-butanol Import prices CIF Antwerp, Belgium, Grade- Industrial Grade (99.8% min).
The prices of n-Butanol in Belgium rose by 4.51% in Q3 2025, compared to Q2 2025, following a similar trend seen in the n-Butanol market in Belgium that was supported by an undisrupted demand from the automotive, pharmaceutical, and coatings sectors of compiled and blended materials, which occurred despite the pressures in the global market. The rise in price trend of n-Butanol was also attributed to increased costs in feedstock, primarily for propylene, coupled with logistical challenges related to transportation increased costs.
The prices of n-Butanol in Belgium during September 2025 again saw continued price increases, rising prices meant that while moving forward prices were expected remain stable with modest fluctuations due to feedstock costs and demand from key markets and sectors. Demand towards the automotive & coatings sector would maintain to be directional.
Singapore (CIF from Malaysia)
N-butanol Import prices CIF Singapore, Singapore, Grade- Industrial Grade (99.5% min).
In the third quarter of 2025, the price of n-Butanol in Singapore deterred by 1.87% from the second quarter of 2025. The downward price trend for n-Butanol economics in Singapore was largely tied to weakened demand from the automotive and construction sectors that saw decreased production. While the supply chain was still stable for Butanol, rising freight costs continued to weigh down the market.
The lack of robust downstream demand, coupled with oversupply across the region contributed to the price depression. n-butanol prices in Singapore, in September of 2025, remained low, reflecting weak market conditions. Going into the next quarter, prices are expected to remain sluggish unless demand from key downstream areas picks up again.
Indonesia (CIF from Malaysia)
N-butanol Import prices CIF Jakarta, Indonesia, Grade- Industrial Grade (99.5% min).
In Q3 2025, n-butanol prices in Indonesia experienced a decline of 1.84% in comparison to Q2 2025. The decrease in price trend for n-butanol in Indonesia was mainly due to a drop in consumption from the automotive and paint industries that resulted in reduced demand for n-butanol. The market was additionally affected by rising freight costs, which caused further eroding of prices in this downward price environment.
Although feedstock was generally stable, the overall weakness of the market and oversupply conferred downward price movement. In September 2025, n-butanol prices continued to follow the downward trend in terms of prices in Indonesia. Q4 2025 is uncertain market environment, but prices are likely to stabilize if consumer demand picks up from previously mentioned end users.
Thailand (CIF from Malaysia)
N-butanol Import prices CIF Laem Chabang, Thailand, Grade- Industrial Grade (99.5% min).
In Q3 2025, Thailand witnessed a 1.95% decrease in n-Butanol prices against Q2 2025. Weak demand from key sectors like automotive and construction due to production slowdowns stemming from logistical issues, contributed to the decrease in n-Butanol prices in Thailand. High freight costs alongside soft demand pressured prices significantly downward. A stable domestic supply chain leak simply due to lowered demand experienced in major drivers within the domestic supply chain contributed prices experiencing softening.
The prices of n-butanol in September 2025, Thailand, were lower still and continued to trend downward consistently throughout the quarter. The outlook for the market remained cautious, with n-butanol prices possibly continuing to decline unless demand started to rebound in Q4 2025.
Ex-Kandla
N-butanol Ex-prices Ex-Kandla, India, Grade- Industrial Grade (99.5% min).
In Q3 2025, n-Butanol prices at Ex-Kandla increased by 2.92% compared to Q2 2025. n-Butanol price trend in India was supported by strong demand from pharmaceutical and automotive sectors, which saw steady production despite global challenges. The price increase was also driven by higher feedstock costs, particularly for propylene, and rising freight costs.
n-butanol prices in September 2025 at Ex-Kandla continued to rise, reflecting a robust demand environment. The outlook for Q4 2025 suggests that prices may stabilize further as demand from key sectors continues to be strong. Supply chain adjustments and global feedstock fluctuations will likely influence the market moving forward.






