During the mid of September, the prices of the n-heptane remained stable at a high level in Asia as the demand in the different downstream remained mixed and export market remained healthy ahead golden week of China.
In China n-heptane prices remained stable at a high level since early September 2025, following 10% increase in August 2025 as the inventory remained tight and restocking ahead of the festival season, which bolstered prices. Market has entered a period of restocking supporting the prices. China's n-heptane supply remained stable throughout September, supported by steady domestic production and moderate support from naphtha feedstock costs.
Demand for n-heptane in the downstream coating, lubricant additives remained high due to robust demand in the automobile sector. Passengers’ cars retails sales up 4.6% YoY to 1.995 million units and production rose to 11.3% to 2.406 million units.
Domestic brands like BYD, Geely, and Changan led the charge, supported by milder price competition and rising consumer interest. Inventory levels fell by 90,000 units, signaling healthy channel movement and proactive destocking. These trends helped sustain n-Heptane demand in high-performance coatings and adhesives.
Demand for n-heptane in the downstream pharmaceutical sector also rose ahead of the October holidays. Downstream manufacturers ramp up the operating rate to meet the demand. Overseas and domestic buyers engaged in stocking inventory in advance to meet the expected demand.
However, the demand in the other downstream such as paint remained low due to slowdown in the end user construction sector. China’s property market showed strain, with resales homes prices are declining m-o-m and in in august it declined by 0.76% - steepest monthly declined in 9 months. Theses slowdown in the end user construction sector has kept the prices stagnant on weekly basis, dampening the demand in the construction related solvent.
Demand for n-heptane in the South Korea’s construction sector also remained limited due to low activities in the end user construction sector. In august, south Korea’s construction employment dropped to 1.96 million, down 0.2% m-o-m and 4.7% YOY.
The need for n-heptane is increasing in India's local market as the GST changes come into play on September 22, 2025. With expectations for strong automobile sales in October due to the festive season, the need for n-heptane in coatings and lubricants has grown significantly.
As per the ChemAnalyst, n-heptane prices may increase in Asia due to labor shortage and holidays related shutdown may restrict production and tighten the supply. Demand in the end user construction is expected to increase in Asia due to favorable weather.
