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KoreaIn Q1 2025, Both China and South Korea recorded price increases for n heptane prices, though with different intensities. China saw a strong 8.61% rise, rebounding from the previous quarter’s dip as industrial activity picked up ahead of the Lunar New Year. Plant turnarounds reduced output, tightening supply and supporting higher prices. Additionally, export demand strengthened across Asia, particularly from the coatings and electronics sectors.
South Korea posted a smaller 2.85% increase, indicating a slowdown after consistent growth. While demand for specialty chemicals remained steady, the market saw more balanced inventories and fewer supply disruptions, contributing to the more moderate price movement.
In the first half of 2024, n-heptane prices have surged globally, driven by a combination of factors. The primary cause is the increase in crude oil prices, which serve as the main feedstock for n-heptane production. This rise in crude oil prices is largely due to OPEC+ production cuts and escalating geopolitical tensions, which have constrained supply.
Additionally, strong demand from the paints and coatings industry where n-heptane is widely used as a solvent and thinner—has further exacerbated the situation. The combination of higher production costs and increased demand has led to significant price hikes for n-heptane in the market.
In Q4 2024, n-heptane prices moved in opposite directions in China and South Korea, reflecting varying regional market conditions. South Korea saw an 8.11% price increase, driven by strong demand from the pharmaceutical and petrochemical industries, combined with refinery maintenance that limited local supply. Export demand remained solid, and stricter environmental policies added further supply-side pressure.
In contrast, China experienced a 4.87% price decline, largely due to inventory corrections following a sharp price surge in Q3. Weaker demand from sectors like adhesives and inks, alongside a sluggish real estate market and improved domestic supply, contributed to the downward pressure on prices.
In Q3 2024, the upward trend in n-heptane prices continued, driven by several key factors. The paint and coating industry experienced rising demand, significantly contributing to higher n-heptane consumption. The Chinese market saw a remarkable 15.86% increase in prices, influenced by ongoing logistics challenges and seasonal demand spikes.
However, the ongoing crisis in China’s property market and the broader economic slowdown raised concerns about long-term demand stability, which could impact the industry despite the current price rise. Similarly, South Korea experienced a price increase of 7.2%, reflecting comparable trends in demand and logistical pressures. Overall, the APAC region witnessed price growth due to these interconnected dynamics.
In Q2 of 2024, n-heptane prices surged by 8.28% in the Chinese market, contributing to a broader growth of 7.5% across the APAC region. This increase was primarily driven by heightened demand from the paint and coatings industry, coupled with rising crude oil prices as feedstock.
Additionally, supply constraints intensified due to escalating tensions in the Middle East and ongoing trade route disruptions, further exacerbating the situation. These factors collectively underscored the interconnectedness of global markets and the impact of geopolitical dynamics on pricing trends.
In Q1 2024, the Chinese market experienced a modest price increase of 1.47%, driven by rising demand for n-heptane. In contrast, the broader APAC region saw a decline of 4.49% in prices, largely attributed to supply constraints and disruptions in trade routes. This divergence highlights the complexities of regional market dynamics, where localized demand can drive prices up even as broader supply challenges exert downward pressure.
India N- Heptane Prices Q1 2025:
In Q1 2025, all price indicators pointed upward, signaling a renewed uptrend. CIF Nhava Sheva prices for South Korean-origin n-heptane rose by 2.65% to $2,320/MT, while China-origin prices rebounded by 7.77% to $2,220/MT, as tight supply and seasonal restocking drove up costs. Ex-Mumbai n heptane prices climbed by 11.06% to $2,510/MT, reflecting not only costlier imports but also revived domestic demand from pharma and chemical manufacturers ramping up operations for the fiscal year. The strong correlation across all three price points underscores how import-linked costs and seasonal trends continue to shape India’s n-heptane pricing landscape.
India N-Heptane Prices Q4 2024:
Q4 2024 showed diverging price trends among import sources, which influenced India’s domestic market. South Korea-origin CIF Nhava Sheva prices climbed 6.60% to $2,260/MT, while China-origin prices dipped by 4.63% to $2,060/MT, likely due to inventory corrections and softening Chinese exports.
Indian Ex-Mumbai prices declined by 8.87% to $2,260/MT, pulled down by reduced import cost pressure from China and a seasonal slowdown in demand after the festive period. Despite continued strength in Korean pricing, the Indian market reacted more to the easing Chinese input costs, highlighting its price sensitivity to the most competitively sourced imports.
India N-Heptane Prices Q3 2024:
Q3 2024 marked a sharp price escalation driven by seasonal demand and tightening global supply. CIF Nhava Sheva prices for South Korean-origin n-heptane rose by 8.72% to $2,120/MT, while China-origin material surged by 16.13% to $2,160/MT, amid refinery bottlenecks and congested logistics.
These increases had a direct impact on India’s domestic pricing, with Ex-Mumbai prices soaring by 19.23% to $2,480/MT—the highest in the year. The spike was amplified by robust consumption from pharmaceutical, coating, and cleaning chemical segments, showing how global pressures and strong local demand can compound pricing volatility in the Indian market.
India N-Heptane Prices Q2 2024:
Q2 2024 saw a clear rise in import costs and corresponding domestic pricing. South Korea-origin CIF Nhava Sheva prices increased by 7.73% to $1,950/MT, and China-origin prices rose by 8.77% to $1,860/MT, reflecting stronger international demand and elevated freight charges. In India, Ex-Mumbai prices increased by 7.77% to $2,080/MT, closely tracking the rise in import costs.
This uptick was further supported by improved demand from downstream industries preparing for monsoon production cycles. The close alignment between import pricing and domestic market behavior underscores India’s heavy dependence on overseas suppliers for n-heptane.
India N-Heptane Prices Q1 2024:
In Q1 2024, n-heptane prices in India remained relatively subdued as imported material costs and domestic demand showed only minor shifts. CIF Nhava Sheva prices for South Korea-origin material fell slightly by 1.63% to $1,810/MT, while China-origin prices rose by 3.64% to $1,710/MT, suggesting moderate freight adjustments and sourcing dynamics.
Ex-Mumbai prices declined by 2.03% to $1,930/MT, reflecting lower average import costs and softening downstream demand from sectors such as paints and adhesives. The minor fluctuations suggest cautious procurement behavior amid stable global supply and a conservative post-holiday industrial ramp-up.
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These events underscore the n-heptane 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-heptane 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-Heptane (C₇H₁₆) is a straight-chain alkane used as a solvent, fuel additive, and in laboratory research. It is primarily derived from crude oil through refining processes such as distillation. n-Heptane is valued for its low reactivity and high purity, making it essential in calibrating octane ratings, as well as in various industrial and scientific 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 | Method |
| Content of n-Heptane, w% | ≥99 | SH/T 0714 |
| Distillation range, primary distillation point, dry point (℃) |
≥94 ≤99 |
GB/T 6536 |
| Density (20 ℃), kg / m3 | 650-690 | GB/T 1885 |
| Bromine index, MGBR / 100g | ≤100 | GB/T 11136 |
| Saybolt Colour | ≥+28 | GB/T 3555 |
| Sulfur content, mg/kg | ≤2 | SH/T 0689 |
| Micro aromatic hydrocarbon, ppm | ≤10 | GB/T 17474 |
| Water w/v% | ≤0.1 | SH/T 0409 |
| Nonvolatile content, w/v% | ≤0.005 | GB/T 3209 |
Applications
N-heptane is a versatile chemical with several important applications across various industries. It is primarily used as a solvent in the paints, coatings, and adhesives sectors, where it helps dissolve organic compounds and acts as a thinner for achieving desired viscosity. In laboratories, n-heptane plays a key role in chemical analyses, particularly in chromatography, due to its non-polar nature. Additionally, it serves as a standard reference fuel for octane rating tests in gasoline, aids in extraction processes in the food industry, and is involved in the production and purification of certain pharmaceuticals. Its effective solvent properties also make n-heptane a valuable cleaning agent for degreasing applications, underscoring its wide-ranging utility.
The price of n-heptane is primarily influenced by fluctuations in crude oil prices, as it is derived from this key feedstock. Additional factors include production costs, supply chain logistics, and global demand trends, particularly from the paint and coatings industry. Geopolitical tensions and OPEC+ production cuts can also impact pricing, leading to market volatility. Understanding these variables can help procurement heads make informed purchasing decisions.
To secure competitive pricing for n-heptane, procurement heads should consider establishing long-term contracts with suppliers, monitoring market trends, and leveraging bulk purchasing options. Engaging multiple suppliers can also create competitive pressure. Additionally, staying informed about global oil market dynamics and geopolitical developments will help you anticipate price changes and negotiate better terms.
When purchasing n-heptane, it is crucial to ensure that it meets industry-specific quality standards. Look for compliance with ASTM D89, which specifies the test methods for determining the physical and chemical properties of n-heptane. Additionally, check for purity levels (typically 95% or higher) and ensure that the supplier provides proper documentation, including safety data sheets (SDS). This ensures that the n-heptane will perform reliably in your applications and meet regulatory requirements.
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