For the Quarter Ending March 2023
North America
Butadiene prices have gained a downward trend in the USA market throughout the first quarter of 2023. The latest price decline was attributed to the region's limited inquiries and ample supply. Operating rates remained weak after stable consumption from the downstream industries. Meanwhile, a sharp decline in the freight charges improved the import availability resulting in a sufficient inventory level in the domestic market. On the other side, demand for Butadiene from the downstream synthetic rubber polymer industry has remained lackluster, further weighing down the prices of Butadiene in the domestic market. Hence, prices of Butadiene CFR USGC were settled at USD 935/MT during March.
Asia- Pacific
Throughout the first quarter of 2023, Butadiene prices increased in China since the conclusion of the Lunar New Year holidays as market participants replenished the material available in the domestic market. Although demand for Butadiene from the downstream synthetic rubber, polymer industries have remained stable in the domestic market. Operating rates have improved in the domestic market for the first time since the last quarter in the wake of stagnant consumption from the downstream industries. Meanwhile, imports from exporting countries like Singapore and Japan faced port congestion in key major Qingdao and Shanghai trading ports. Meanwhile, China faced a labor shortage after the holidays, which led to limited material availability in the China domestic market. Thus, prices of Butadiene CFR Qingdao were settled at USD 1182/MT during March.
Europe
Prices of Butadiene have witnessed mixed sentiments in the European market throughout the first quarter of 2023. During the initial Q1 of 2023, Butadiene prices declined due to weak spot demand and ample supply in the region. In addition, demand for Butadiene from the downstream synthetic rubber, polymer, and plastic industry has remained on the lower side as consumer sentiment continues to remain weak in the European region ahead of ongoing holidays and sluggish growth of the end-user automotive and construction industries which further weighed down the prices of Butadiene. However, during the mid and final of Q2, Butadiene prices increased significantly after the holidays as market participants restocked the material available in the region. Although, demand from the downstream industries has been stable in the regional market. Meanwhile, imported prices are comparatively higher than domestic prices as prices continue increasing in the Asian market. Thus, prices of Butadiene FD Hamburg were assessed at USD 915/MT during March 2023.
For the Quarter Ending December 2022
North America
Butadiene prices have continued their bearish rally in the USA market during the fourth quarter of 2022, supported by limited inquiries from the domestic market. In addition, production rates remained weak due to stable consumption rates in the domestic market. The cost of production remained stable as Natural gas prices dropped. Meanwhile, cheap imports from the Asian market amid a decline in freight charges have been the other contributing factor to the price decline. Furthermore, weak demand from synthetic rubber, polymer, and other competitive industries, along with sufficient material availability, forces the manufacturers to revise their price quotations. Thus, as a result, prices of Butadiene CFR USGC were settled at USD 1394/MT with a month-on-month declination of 9.7% during December.
Asia-Pacific
Prices of Butadiene showed mixed sentiments in the Chinese market during the fourth quarter of 2022. During the initial and mid of Q4, Butadiene prices showed a downward trend backed by excessive supply and weak demand. Furthermore, the ongoing lockdown measures in major cities amid rising pandemic cases lead to uncertainties in production, operation, and logistics. This exerted downward pressure on the end-user demand. Overall, consumption from downstream synthetic rubber, polymer, and competitive industries has continued to remain on the weak side. Most buyers have curtailed their Butadiene offtake and taken a wait-and-see attitude. Thus, prices of Butadiene CFR Qingdao were settled at USD 755/MT during November. Although, Butadiene prices rebounded during the final Q4 because of the supply constraint, disrupted supply chains, and improved demand. Overall tighter supplies and limited inventories led to the price increase in the Chinese market. As a result, prices of butadiene were settled at USD 789/MT during December.
Europe
Prices of Butadiene have witnessed a downward trend in the European market throughout the fourth quarter of 2022, backed by stable production costs and an improving supply chain. The latest decline in the trend has been caused by a steady flow of cheaper imports from the Asian and North American regions. At the same time, the domestic production cost has remained stagnant amid stable Natural gas prices. In addition, demand from the downstream synthetic rubber and plastic and other competitive industry has remained weak amid soft buying sentiments across the region. Furthermore, the port congestions were eased with better space availability, which caused the supply chain to operate normally. However, German economic sentiments have improved compared to the previous month, which could allay immediate fears of a global recession. According to IFO, the Business climate index increased from 84.5 points to 86.3 points in November 2022. Thus, in Germany, prices of Butadiene FD Hamburg were assessed at USD 645/MT during December.
For the Quarter Ending September 2022
North America
In Q3, Butadiene prices showed mixed sentiments in the North American region. In the initial part of the third quarter, prices increased, supported by the limited availability of the product in the regional market. Bullish sentiment in the feedstock market, upheaval in the energy market, and mounting inflation contributed to the high Butadiene prices. Butadiene price rose sharply by 6.9% during July. However, Butadiene prices shifted marginally towards a downward trend during H2 of the Q3, bolstered by sufficient inventories coupled with weak demand from the downstream Synthetic rubber industries. Meanwhile, the US market has struggled with constrained logistics, as interior rail hubs causing a container backlog at Long Beach have affected the supply chain. Hence, as of result, prices of Butadiene CFR USGC were USD 1813/MT with a monthly decline of more than 3% during September.
Asia- Pacific
During the third quarter of 2022, Butadiene prices showed mixed sentiments in the Asia- Pacific region. During July and August, prices plunged by 8.1% and 14.6%, respectively. The price decline was attributed to insufficient inventory and weak demand from the downstream synthetic rubber industries. Chinese manufacturing activity lapsed into slower growth with persistent demand weakness and domestic Covid-19 outbreaks throwing the country’s vast manufacturing sector into a fresh period of uncertainty. Also, the market participants have reported limited inquiries from the end-user industry for Butadiene, leading to bearish market sentiments in the domestic region. However, the energy and power crises in China were causing the increase in operating costs of Butadiene. The upstream Crude oil and Naphtha (+1.1%) prices were increased, which further prompted Butadiene to follow the upward trend during September. Hence, prices of Butadiene CFR Shanghai were assessed at USD 1209/MT throughout September.
Europe
Butadiene prices witnessed a mixed trend in the third quarter of 2022 due to fluctuating demand dynamics in Europe. In July, Butadiene prices declined by 2.6% due to the weak demand from the downstream Synthetic rubber industries. In addition, new orders fell due to inflationary pressures, low investor confidence in the outlook, and supply-chain disruptions. However, Butadiene prices have rebounded during August and September due to the limited availability of the product in the regional market. Though, speculation of recession across Europe has dampened the demand. In addition, the domestic cost of a product remains high due to mounting energy and operating costs, resulting in weak output rates. Hence, prices of Butadiene FD Hamburg were assessed at USD 1652/MT with a monthly inclination of around 4.4% during September.
For the Quarter Ending June 2022
North America
In Q2, Prices of Butadiene witnessed an upward trend in North America instead of a hampered material supply. Demand fundamentals have been buoyant throughout the region as downstream tire industries attempt to maintain the balance. However, supply witnessed disturbing dynamics in the country on the back of high input costs that led producers to raise the price of materials for domestic and international converters. Furthermore, global inflation has been forcing the prices of Butadiene to follow an upward trajectory. In addition, the USA also imports a certain percentage of its consumption from Asian and European producers. Thus, high freight charges further supported the price trend of Butadiene in the domestic market. Therefore, increased product charges partially pass the cost burden to customers to protect their profit margins.
APAC
Butadiene prices surged in the Asia-Pacific region during the second quarter of 2022, owing to boosted demand for Butadiene manufacturing synthetic rubbers. Butadiene costs have risen due to the high demand for elastomers in the region. Prices in China appeared to be growing despite an increase in Covid cases and shutdown limitations. Furthermore, the high costs of Butadiene were attributed to the skyrocketing crude oil value amidst the Russia-Ukraine war. On the other hand, demand from the end-user Elastomer segment remained firmed, which weighed on the Butadiene price in the Chinese market. Moreover, the pandemic situation in China, coupled with a prolonged war, has a negative influence on trade activities, resulting in the high maritime cost due to a shortage of containers which in turn led to the supply scarcity in the regional market, which further provoked the price of Butadiene to follow an upward trend in the upward movement.
Europe
During the second quarter of 2022, the Butadiene market reported a mixed sentiment in Europe. In the initial part of the second quarter, prices remained uphill on the back of crippling product availability in the region. Upstream Crude oil prices surged amidst the Russia-Ukraine war, and the prices rallied as the market seemed to be reviving with enhanced demand. Supply shortage and rising demand across the automotive industry resulted in the high cost of Butadiene in the region. Furthermore, surged freight charges amidst container shortage disrupted supply chains resulting in a regional supply deficit. As the upstream Crude oil prices were supported consistently by the mid-quarter, Butadiene prices shifted marginally towards a downward trend. The price decline has been attributed to the improved supplies amidst ample product availability. Demand from the downstream Elastomer segment remained bearish in June.
For the Quarter Ending March 2022
North America
In Q1 2022, the Butadiene prices showed varied sentiments in North America. At the initial part of the quarter prices remained plunged initially and later recovered. During January, the prices dropped significantly by 10% as compared to last quarter of 2021. The initial decline in the prices was attributed to the abundant supplies and weak trading activities. Demand from downstream Styrene Butadiene Rubber (SBR) and Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) plastic has remained bearish in the region. As the upstream Crude and Natural gas prices rallied upwards by the mid quarter, the Butadiene sentiments shifted marginally towards the upward side in USA. Korea, a major exporter of Butadiene exported the product in USA at sky high values due to soaring freight charges. The prices of Butadiene FD Texas were last assessed at USD1445/MT during March in USA. Moreover, robust demand from downstream derivatives SBR and PBR kept the Butadiene prices on the higher side.
Asia Pacific
Prices of Butadiene climbed up in the Asia-Pacific region during the first quarter of 2022, owing to increased demand for Butadiene in the manufacturing of synthetic rubbers. Butadiene costs have risen due to increased demand for elastomers in the region. High upstream crude oil prices, as well as a scarcity of supply in the region as a result of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, had a substantial impact on production rates and operational costs. Because there was no competition, the rising value of upstream Crude oil put pressure on industries to meet downstream demand. As a result, the crisis in Ukraine severely hampered supply networks. Butadiene Ex-Dahej prices in India were estimated at USD 1576/MT in the third quarter, 5% up from the previous quarter.
Europe
In contrast to the last quarter of 2021, Butadiene showed positive market sentiments in Europe during Q1 2022. Prices remained on the uphill on the back of crippling availability of the product in the region. Upstream crude oil prices surged amidst the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the prices rallied as the market seemed to be reviving with enhanced demand. Supply shortage and rising demand across the automotive industry resulted in the high price of Butadiene in the region. Furthermore, increased freight charges due to container shortage disrupted supply chains resulting in a supply shortfall in the region. The prices of Butadiene FD Hamburg were assessed to be USD1350/MT in March 2022.
For the Quarter Ending December 2021
North America
In Q4, the Butadiene dropped to its lowest compared to Q2 and Q2. The decline in the prices were accelerated by sudden drop in the prices in October due to sufficient supply and weak trading environment. The market was also affected by the supply contraction caused by capacity addition in China. On the other hand, the weak demand in North America had an effect on trades from Asia which has likewise prompted oversupply for the chemical in the Asian business sectors. The interest from the downstream Styrene Butadiene Rubber (SBR) and Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) plastic has been frail. This likewise had a disadvantage impact on the costs of Butadiene in US. In the last week of December, the prices of Butadiene in US slipped to $1220/ton FD Texas.
Asia Pacific
Asian Butadiene dropped $35/ton day on day to $555/MT CFR China observed on 30 Dec, it was the lowest price which hit since August 2020. The bearish demand was accelerated by dragged sentiments in China as the production rises. With the weaker Butadiene market and rising of CFR Japan naphtha benchmark rose $6.75/MT to $742/MT and the spread for Butadiene and Naphtha moved further negative territory in the last week of December. Amid bearish market in China, Asian suppliers had continued to seek opportunity to export outside Asia. In India, the prices of Butadiene slipped to $1527/ton Ex-Dahej with the decline of 14% compared with October 2021 where prices were $1740/ton Ex-Dahej.
Europe
In Q4, the prices of Butadiene slipped down compared with Q2 and Q3 amid sufficient supply and weak trading environment. The bearish sentiment of Feedstock Butane dominates the European market as the deteriorating demand affect the producers. Local producers had revised the prices of Butadiene to the lower end as the high inventories among the traders and less interest of consumers resulted in such trajectory. Downstream Synthetic Rubber, SBR and Thermoplastic rubber market also fell in this quarter due to weak sales and revenue from the major enterprises. In December, the new restrictions imposed across Europe against the spread of Omicron variant and resulted concern over demand outlook for rubber created negative impact in the industries.
For the Quarter Ending September 2021
North America
In Q3 2021, North America market experienced a marginal surge in the prices of Butadiene backed by its constrained availability amidst the high demand from the downstream sectors such as rubber, automobile, and others. In addition, the price hike was driven by some other factors such as rise in the prices of feedstocks Propylene and Ethylene following the shutdown of several production plants in the Gulf Coast of the USA ahead of the Ida hurricane as a part of contingency plan. Phillips 66, a major producer of Propylene imposed a temporary turnaround at its Propylene production plant in Louisiana as a repercussion of the Ida hurricane in August for around 2 weeks. Hence, curtailment in the production rates and sturdy offtakes from the downstream sectors contributed to the inflation in the prices of Butadiene in the region.
Asia pacific
During the third quarter of 2021, Butadiene market showcased mixed sentiments in the Asian region. In China, hike in the pricing trend was observed from July to August because of the congestion on several ports of China. However, in September, a fall in the prices of Butadiene was registered owing to the resumption in production but feeble demand from downstream industries. FOB Qingdao Butadiene prices stood at USD 1619/MT in July and reached USD 1710/ MT in August. In India, a downward trajectory was witnessed by the Butadiene market backed by the infirm domestic demand from the downstream rubber industry and adequate availability of the product. In the Indian market, Butadiene pricing observed a downtrend and experienced a decline by USD 303.59/MT from July to September.
Europe
In Europe, Butadiene market outlook witnessed mixed sentiments during the third quarter of 2021 backed by the high production rates as well as the sturdy demand from the downstream tire and rubber sectors. Moreover, as European countries are among the major exporters of Butadiene globally, substantial pressure is being observed in the European Butadiene market to cope with the export demand from the USA. Exorbitant freight charges across the Europe-US & Europe-Asia interoceanic trade routes and limited container availability soared Butadiene prices in this quarter.
For the Quarter Ending June 2021
North America
As the Industrial Infrastructure recovered from the impact of winter storm Uri, Butadiene supply conditions improved compared to the previous quarter. Despite easing supplies, the regional market still witnessed short availability of Butadiene. Few BD producers in the US Gulf region were struggling to operate at normal run rates. US Butadiene Contract Price (CP) increased by 75% quarter-on-quarter. Demand remained exceptionally strong from the downstream rubber producers as the sentiment to replenish the inventories were strong among the spot buyers. Downstream NBR offtakes were consistent from the automotive sector even though the automobile production was hindered amidst the semiconductor chipset shortage. Butadiene pricing first inclined and then stabilized in the second quarter with FOB Texas discussion record to record highs at USD 1440 per tonne levels in May.
Asia pacific
During the second quarter of 2021, the supplies of Butadiene remained balanced as the production rate at manufacturing plants were ample to meet the downstream end use demand. But some production lags were witnessed amid the May Day holidays in China. BD exports volumes were running low in South Korea, while some reported surged consumption of natural rubber as negatively impacting the market trend. Demand was consistent from the downstream SBR and ABS sector, backed by strong overseas enquiries from North American. Overall, the Chinese BD pricing was on downtrend with FOB Dalian prices declined showing a fall of 8.78 % quarter-on-quarter to USD 1828 per tonne by the ending of second quarter.
Europe
During the second quarter of 2021, Butadiene market reported mixed sentiments owing to the increased operating rates at several manufacturing facilities. However, the export demand from the USA put significant pressure on the European Butadiene market. Demand surged as most USA buyers preferred the European shipments over Northeast Asian cargoes due to lesser freight charges and high import duties by US government on the Chinese origin materials. Product offtakes surged from the downstream tire industries to meet the demand from recovering automotive sector. As a repercussion, the pricing trend in the European market remains supported by the tight supply and high demand.
For the Quarter Ending March 2021
North America
BD supplies in the North American region remained affected early in Q1 2021 as major plants in the US ended their turnarounds in late January which increased their production efficiencies. However, disruptions caused by the severe freeze weather conditions forced several producers to halt the manufacturing activities. However, the demand surged from downstream sectors due to the anticipation of downstream producers to restock their inventories ahead of the upcoming high demand seasons. Amidst disrupted supply, April settlements were heard at higher rates. Butadiene FOB Lousiana prices were heard above USD 1000 per Mt in March, up from USD 900 per Mt levels noted in February.
Asia-Pacific (APAC)
The supply of Butadiene eased during the first quarter, owing to the addition of new capacities in China, further supported by the scheduled start up of 130 KTPA BD unit in South Korea. The addition of new capacities kept the domestic market amply supplied with greater spot availability of Butadiene during Q1 2021. However, the demand slumped in the region amid the second COVID wave resulting in partial lockdowns in several economies, followed by lack of offtakes amid Chinese Lunar new year holidays. In the Indian markets, prices witnessed an uptrend to quarterly average of USD 1244/ton amid the strong consumption from the downstream ABS and SBR sectors.
Europe
BD supplies in the European region were balanced during Q1 2021, as the major producers completed their turnaround period in early January. The demand surged from the downstream sectors. Due to the second lockdown largely impacting the European downstream market. The European BD industry, which is largely dependent on exports, specifically to the Asian region regarded strong buying appetite from the Asian countries.
For the Quarter Ending September 2020
North America
Butadiene supply remained mixed because of the resumption in downstream operations and unexpected outages created uncertainty over Product availability remained tighter because one of the largest BD producers, BASF Total, turned around its US Port Arthur, Texas steam cracker for a larger part of the quarter, thereby affecting the export activity. The resumption of several downstream Styrene Butadiene Rubber (SBR) plants and tyre manufacturing units after Hurricane Laura added to the production losses pressured the BD producers to ramp up run rates. The news of one of the largest BD consumers, INVISTA shutting its 480 KTPA Texas Adiponitrile site pressured the sentiments. As the US’ automotive sector started clawing back to recover the losses, demand picked up from August onwards, causing prices to register strong quarterly gains to assess around USD 685 per tonne FOB US Gulf in September.
Asia
Butadiene demand across Asia remained subjected to strong fluctuations hit by a possible decline in in the production at the downstream synthetic rubber market. Prices remained oscillating between crests and troughs as producers faced supply constraints amid dampened demand from the downstream synthetic rubber producers. By the end of August, spot BD prices in China surged to USD 830 per tonne, showing a double-digit increase from the start of the month. In the northeast Asia, spot BD offers were raised by about 17.5% from the levels observed in July, with producers striving to widen product margins amid players longing for a much-needed revival in the downstream rubber sectors. Market outlook remained under pressure amid anticipations that the Butadiene supply in China will grow with new capacities coming on stream in the fourth quarter. In September however, new supply hit the market as Liaoning Bora LyondellBasell’s plant started production of BD in the Liaoning province of northeastern China and started auctioning cargoes.
Europe
Butadiene supply was weighed under the demand downturn at the start of Q3, but some unexpected C-4 cracker shutdowns helped in offsetting the market surplus. Towards the end of Q3, demand started to pick up the lost uptrend in line with increasing downstream tire and automobile production though producers remained wary about the overall recovery until the COVID-19 pandemic abated. Inventory levels were low as several synthetic rubber producers were able to ramp rates up. As per market estimates, the European market in Q3 was primarily driven by the buoyant demand from Asia which was heard turning more positive than in the last five months.
