n-butanol Pricing Assessment

Markets Covered:

Malaysia

South Africa

Belgium

India

Singapore

Indonesia

Thailand

n-Butanol Price Trend, Analysis and Forecast

In Q1 2024 the Asian n-Butanol market increased by 1.12% as compared to the Q4 of 2023. The Asian market saw a significant rise in butanol prices, driven primarily by increasing feedstock costs, particularly for propylene. Supply chain disruptions further worsened the situation, leading to rapidly shrinking inventory levels. At the same time, major manufacturers announced price hikes for several base chemicals, further contributing to the upward trend in butanol prices. The challenges in the Malaysian market have had a same impact on price of India, Singapore, Indonesia, and Thailand, as Malaysia is a significant exporter to all these countries. In contrast, the African market, particularly in the South Africa n-Butanol prices rose due to increased demand from the construction sector, along with managing inventory levels. By the end of the quarter in South Africa, the price of n-Butanol reached 888 USD per metric ton in March.

In Q2 2024, the Asian n-Butanol market experienced an upward trend in beginning of quarter as compared to first quarter of 2024 but further there was a decrease in May and then towards the end of the quarter a slight downtrend was observed as some production units resumed operations and demand softened marginally. But in South Africa n-butanol market increased till May and then experienced a decline. These fluctuations were influenced by various factors, including changing demand patterns in downstream sectors. By the end of the quarter in June, the price of n-Butanol in the South Africa settled at 971 USD per metric ton.

In Q3 2024, the n-Butanol market will continue to experience upward price pressure due to ongoing supply limitations. The growing demand for adhesives, paints, automotives will expect to boost the n-Butanol market in the APAC region as well as in Africa region. As of July 2024, n-Butanol prices were fluctuating and reflecting around 0.18% increase from the previous month. In the beginning of the quarter in July, the price of Malaysia reached at 994 USD per metric ton.

In Q4 2024, the Asia-Pacific region will experience upward trend in n-Butanol prices. Key factors driving these price fluctuations include differing demand trends across various countries, particularly influenced by Asia’s strong performance. Additionally, rising raw material prices will affect production costs, while ongoing trade tensions will disrupt regional supply chains. In the short term, the n-Butanol market will experience growth primarily due to rising demand from the paints, coatings and automotive. In addition, the global production of n-Butanol is expected to increase owing to the rising demand for coating from end use industries.

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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, keeps you fully informed of market dynamics.

In addition, provides detailed forecasts and updates on production capacities, enabling you to anticipate market changes and make well-informed decisions. With , you gain a competitive edge in understanding all the elements that influence n-butanol prices worldwide. Stay ahead of the curve with ’s reliable, accurate, and timely n-butanol market data.

Track '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.

Historically, several events have caused significant fluctuations in n-butanol prices

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.

Methodology and Specifications

n-butanol Pricing Assessment Research Methodology

Data Collection and Sources

Real-Time Market Data: 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 n-Butanol production hubs. This ground-level intelligence is crucial for understanding localized market dynamics.

Supply Chain Monitoring: We track the entire n-Butanol supply chain, from raw material availability (e.g., propanol, propylene, butyl acetate) 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, which can significantly impact n-Butanol 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 n-Butanol 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, adhesives), to predict shifts in n-Butanol demand and corresponding price movements.

Production Capacity and Supply Analysis

Current Production Monitoring: We maintain a comprehensive database of global n-Butanol 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 n-Butanol 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: 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 n-Butanol pricing. This includes understanding the impact of shifts in manufacturing bases, trade policies, and environmental regulations.

Pricing Model Development

Dynamic Pricing Models: utilizes advanced econometric models to forecast n-Butanol 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: 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 n-Butanol pricing assessments, helping our clients stay ahead of market trends and make informed business decisions.

Specifications

Molecular Weight[g/mol]

74.12

CAS No

71-36-3

HS Code

29051300

Molecular Formula

C4H10O

n-butanol

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

Isotanks, Drums (India)

Grades Covered

Industrial

Incoterms Used

FOB Klang, FOB Houston, FOB Durban, CIF Antwerp (South Africa), CIF Nhava Sheva (Malaysia), CIF Jakarta (Malaysia), CIF Singapore (Malaysia), CIF Laem Chabang (Malaysia)

Synonym

Butan-1-ol Butyl Alcohol 1-hydroxybutane Propylcarbinol

Quotation Terms:

10-15 MT (India) 50-60 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.

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.

Disclaimer

N-Butanol 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 n-butanol. 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 are the key factors affecting n-butanol prices in the market? +

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.

How does regional production impact n-butanol pricing? +

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.

What is the latest trend in n-butanol pricing, and how can I secure better rates? +

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.