For the Quarter Ending March 2026
Butadiene Prices in North America
- In USA, the Butadiene Price Index rose by 37.52% quarter-over-quarter, driven by tight supply and feedstock costs.
- The average Butadiene price for the quarter was approximately USD 846.67/MT, based on spot and contract assessments.
- Butadiene Spot Price strength reflected constrained imports, ethane-heavy cracking reducing extraction volumes and firm downstream purchases.
- Butadiene Price Forecast signals near-term firmness as inventories tightened and seasonal restocking supported tire and polymer demand.
- Butadiene Production Cost Trend rose due to higher crude and naphtha, increasing extraction economics and offer levels.
- Butadiene Demand Outlook remains supportive because automotive assembly, tyre production and ABS resin consumption sustained steady industrial pull.
- Butadiene Price Index strength was reinforced by elevated freight, insurance premiums, and fewer discretionary export cargoes from Asia.
- Butadiene Spot Price volatility increased as light-feed operations reduced yields while domestic crackers maintained elevated run-rates.
Why did the price of Butadiene change in March 2026 in North America?
- Ethane-heavy cracker feeds lowered butadiene extraction rates, tightening spot supply and prompting competitive buyer bidding.
- Rising crude and naphtha costs transmitted production cost pressure, elevating export offers and domestic landed costs.
- Geopolitical tensions increased freight and insurance premiums, lengthening transit times and inflating CFR import economics.
Butadiene Prices in APAC
- In Japan, the Butadiene Price Index rose by 54.69% quarter-over-quarter, driven by regional supply constraints.
- The average Butadiene price for the quarter was approximately USD 1407.67/MT, per regional trade assessments.
- Butadiene Spot Price strength reflected tightened exports, maintenance outages, constrained mixed C4 availability across Asia.
- Butadiene Production Cost Trend showed upward pressure rising naphtha and Brent crude, elevating cracker costs.
- Butadiene Demand Outlook remained firm as tyre and ABS makers maintained steady offtake supporting momentum.
- Butadiene Price Forecast indicates persistent firmness near-term due to lean inventories and limited spot cargoes.
- Butadiene Price Index surged as domestic cracker curtailments and geopolitical disruptions reduced available merchant volumes.
- Supply chain congestion and higher insurance premiums amplified landed costs, limiting arbitrage and tightening balance.
Why did the price of Butadiene change in March 2026 in APAC?
- Cracker outages, maintenance and reduced feedstock inflows tightened regional supply and cut available merchant volumes.
- Escalating Brent crude and naphtha costs increased production expenses, creating cost-push pressure for butadiene sellers.
- Strait of Hormuz disruptions raised freight risk, insurance premiums and delayed shipments, intensifying supply shortages.
Butadiene Prices in Europe
- In France, the Butadiene Price Index rose by 14.48% quarter-over-quarter, driven by sustained feedstock disruptions.
- The average Butadiene price for the quarter was approximately USD 920.00/MT as reported by regional Le Havre assessments.
- Butadiene Spot Price strengthened amid constrained crude C4 availability and elevated naphtha and freight costs.
- Butadiene Price Forecast indicates further near-term firmness as supply tightness persists and extraction margins remain squeezed.
- Butadiene Production Cost Trend showed upward pressure from higher natural gas, electricity and insurance premium increases.
- Butadiene Demand Outlook remained steady with tyre sector restocking and ABS converters maintaining contractual offtake schedules.
- Butadiene Price Index gains were amplified by EU sanctions, routing disruptions and exporters diverting volumes to other regions.
- Butadiene Spot Price volatility rose as sellers withheld allocations, tightening prompt market liquidity and bolstering offers.
Why did the price of Butadiene change in March 2026 in Europe?
- Severe feedstock naphtha cost increases and higher freight and insurance premiums materially reduced extraction economics.
- EU sanctions and routing constraints curtailed seaborne crude C4 imports, thereby tightening domestic French supply.
- Sustained tyre sector purchasing ahead of spring maintenance plus steady downstream consumption absorbed prompt volumes.
For the Quarter Ending December 2025
Butadiene Prices in North America
- In USA, the Butadiene Price Index fell by 19.13% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting sustained oversupply and weak downstream demand.
- The average Butadiene price for the quarter was approximately USD 615.67/MT, reflecting reported weekly CFR stability metrics.
- Butadiene Spot Price indicated sustained weakness as weekly CFR quotations remained subdued amid high inventory and muted offtake.
- Butadiene Price Forecast shows moderate recovery potential given seasonal restocking but constrained by ample imports and sluggish margins.
- Butadiene Production Cost Trend improved temporarily when crude softened earlier, reducing feedstock pressure before margins tightened again.
- Butadiene Demand Outlook remains weak for now, keeping the Price Index under pressure from low derivative offtake.
- Butadiene export demand ebb and elevated inventories pressured the Price Index while spot supplies remained plentiful.
- Operational stability at regional crackers-maintained flows, but year-end destocking and holiday slowdowns limited purchasing and spot tightening.
Why did the price of Butadiene change in December 2025 in North America?
- Sustained ample supply from Europe and Asia increased imports, creating inventory overhang and downward price pressure.
- Weak downstream demand, particularly lower synthetic rubber and tyre production reduced offtake across the US market.
- Feedstock cost volatility and rising energy prices partially offset declines but failed to support sustained price recovery.
Butadiene Prices in APAC
- In Japan, the Butadiene Price Index fell by 18.53% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting broad oversupply and weak downstream demand.
- The average Butadiene price for the quarter was approximately USD 910.00/MT, reflecting reported quarterly trading performance.
- Butadiene Spot Price movement remained volatile early quarter, pressured by elevated inventories and softer export enquiries.
- Butadiene Price Forecast indicates limited upside near term as balanced supply and muted downstream purchasing persist.
- Butadiene Production Cost Trend showed upward pressure from crude and naphtha increases, squeezing producer margins across Asia.
- Butadiene Demand Outlook remains subdued with automotive and polymer sectors softening, limiting spot enquiry and restocking impetus.
- Butadiene Price Index stability in mid-December reflected tightening supply from outages and higher feedstock driven offers.
- Inventory accumulations and weak export demand amplified bearish signals despite periodic operating rate cuts by regional crackers.
Why did the price of Butadiene change in December 2025 in APAC?
- Elevated crude and naphtha costs increased production expenses, tightening supply and prompting upward domestic offers.
- Oversupply from steady regional output and cautious downstream procurement depressed spot activity and pressured quotations lower.
- Logistical constraints, seasonal maintenance, and outage related cargo delays intermittently reduced available shipments, tightening short term availability.
Butadiene Prices in Europe
- In France, the Butadiene Price Index fell by 8.85% quarter-over-quarter, driven by weak demand sentiment.
- The average Butadiene price for the quarter was approximately USD 803.67/MT, FD Le Havre basis.
- Butadiene Spot Price softened as inventories accumulated and Asian import flows pressured availability.
- Butadiene Production Cost Trend showed upward pressure from elevated Brent and naphtha, squeezing refinery margins.
- Butadiene Demand Outlook remained cautious, automotive buying offset weak household demand, moderating Price Index movement.
- Butadiene Price Forecast anticipates volatility early 2026 driven by seasonal restocking and cracker adjustments.
- Butadiene Price Index weakness reflected steady imports and ample stocks, with subdued export demand.
- Regional refinery and cracker stability limited supply disruptions, keeping inventory levels firm and prices pressured.
Why did the price of Butadiene change in December 2025 in Europe?
- Excess supply and steady imports raised inventories, reducing upward pressure on December Butadiene Price Index.
- Elevated Brent and naphtha costs raised production expenses, countering some downward pressure from weak demand.
- Subdued downstream procurement and seasonal destocking kept market liquidity ample, weighing on Butadiene prices regionally.
For the Quarter Ending September 2025
North America
- In the USA, the Butadiene Price Index fell by 16.4% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting subdued market activity and weak downstream demand.
- The average Butadiene price for the quarter was approximately USD 761.33/MT on CFR USGC basis.
- Butadiene Spot Price remained subdued as steady production and weak SBR purchasing limited market activity.
- Butadiene Price Forecast shows volatility, with seasonal restocking and feedstock shifts causing intermittent upward pressure.
- Butadiene Production Cost Trend fluctuated as crude and naphtha volatility moderated expenses for crackers.
- Butadiene Demand Outlook remains subdued, reflecting weaker automotive production and cautious rubber producers reducing procurement.
- Butadiene Price Index pressure rose from rising inventories and weak export demand from buyers.
- Producer operating rates stayed steady, limiting tightening while maintenance schedules and exports present potential upside.
Why did the price of Butadiene change in September 2025 in North America?
- Elevated inventories and muted SBR demand reduced buyer activity, directly pressuring domestic Price Index levels.
- Consistent domestic production and constrained export outlets increased supply availability, thereby weakening regional Price Index.
- Feedstock cost volatility and logistics bottlenecks supported offers but failed to offset prevailing demand weakness.
APAC
- In Japan, the Butadiene Price Index fell by 2.6% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting muted buying activity amid weaker downstream elastomer demand.
- The average 1,3 Butadiene price for the quarter was approximately USD 1481.33/MT on Ex-Tokyo basis.
- Butadiene Spot Price showed intramonth swings as freight and intra-Asia flows shifted offers and availability.
- Butadiene Demand Outlook remains weak with cautious SBR procurement and sluggish tire production limiting purchases.
- Butadiene Production Cost Trend eased as crude and naphtha softened, reducing marginal production cost pressure.
- Butadiene Price Forecast indicates rangebound movement into Q4 amid inventory builds and seasonal demand uncertainties.
- Butadiene Price Index volatility reflected Chinese competition, shifting cracker margins, and mixed regional export flows.
- Rising inventories pressured sellers even as major producer operating rates remained broadly stable across Japan.
Why did the price of Butadiene change in September 2025 in APAC?
- Oversupply from steady cracker runs and weak NBR demand lowered offtake, pressuring the Price Index.
- Easing crude and naphtha reduced production cost support, weakening sellers' pricing power during September sessions.
- Freight volatility and Chinese price competition diverted demand flows, exacerbating downward pressure on Price Index.
Europe
- In France, the Butadiene Price Index fell by 8.48% quarter-over-quarter, driven by softer domestic demand.
- The average 1,3 Butadiene price for the quarter was USD 881.67/MT on FD Le Havre basis.
- Butadiene Spot Price stayed range-bound amid balanced supply conditions.
- Butadiene Price Forecast signals Q4 recovery as seasonal tire restocking and stronger exports support offtake.
- Butadiene Production Cost Trend edged higher as firmer naphtha and energy costs lifted cracker expenses.
- The Butadiene Demand Outlook is mixed; SBR demand remains moderately low while ABS demand steadies.
- Elevated inventories and muted exports pressured the Butadiene Price Index, while logistical disruptions limited flows.
- Major French producers-maintained operations despite heatwaves and rail strikes, supporting supply and preventing spikes.
Why did the price of Butadiene change in September 2025 in Europe?
- Balanced regional supply and steady cracker output met weak downstream demand, producing downward price pressure.
- Stable naphtha and energy costs balanced production costs, while rail strikes and heatwaves constrained logistics.
- Cautious buying, inventory control, and weak ABS demand from construction and automotive curtailed spot activity.
- Soybean Oil Demand Outlook shows resilient overseas demand, especially from Asia this quarter as harvest season approaches.
- Soybean Oil Price Index signals quarterly volatility from logistics and macro shifts in markets worldwide globally.
Why did the price of Soybean Oil change in September 2025 in South America?
- Strong overseas demand from Asia as winter stocking boosts imports into the region globally and markets for processors.
- Rising production costs and biodiesel blending commitments tighten domestic supply and support sustained prices across regional markets worldwide.
- Logistics bottlenecks at ports and currency movements constrained export flows, underpinning persistent price firmness throughout Q3 period.
For the Quarter Ending June 2025
North America
- The butadiene spot price in the US dropped to USD 865/tonne in early Q2, reflecting a declining price index since May.
- Price index decreased in July 2025, largely due to ongoing weakness in demand for synthetic rubbers such as NBR and SBR.
- A sharp 10% y-o-y rise in US. car sales in April were short-lived; demand cooled in July following the tariff-driven pre-buying spree.
- The butadiene demand outlook remains bearish as automotive and industrial sectors slow, and no strong recovery is visible in non-auto applications.
- The butadiene production cost trend turned negative with falling naphtha and crude oil prices offering little cost support.
- Despite steady operating rates and balanced inventories, weak downstream pull from PBR and abs restrained upward momentum.
- Ongoing US. –China tariff uncertainty continues to weigh on trade sentiment, keeping procurement strategies cautious.
- The butadiene price forecast suggests prices will likely remain flat to mildly bearish unless feedstock costs rise or demand rebounds significantly.
Asia-Pacific
- The Butadiene Spot Price dropped on CFR Busan basis in early Q2 from USD 990/tonne in May, indicating a weakened Price Index.
- Price Index decreased in Q2 2025, primarily due to muted downstream demand in PBR, SBR, and NBR sectors.
- South Korea’s Hyundai chemical EV plant shutdown through may created temporary tightness, but imports from China and the US filled the gap.
- The butadiene demand outlook was weak as domestic automotive production declined seasonally, and export demand remained soft.
- Despite a rise in upstream crude oil and naphtha, downstream derivative prices didn’t respond, pressuring margins.
- Butadiene production cost trend was undercut by falling naphtha prices in may, which continued to erode margins in July.
- ABS showed modest resilience while other rubber-based derivatives continued their downtrend, reflecting sector-specific divergences.
- The Butadiene Price Forecast remains bearish to neutral for Q3 2025 due to soft demand, improving supply, and no clear recovery in downstream applications.
Europe
- The Butadiene Spot Price decreased to USD 890/tonne in early Q2, after dropping from USD 1092/tonne in April; the Price Index showed mixed trends.
- Price Index moved marginally higher in July 2025, supported by seasonal auto sales and tight port logistics, but gains were capped by weak derivatives.
- ABS and PBR held steady while NBR and SBR declined, highlighting uneven performance in downstream sectors.
- The Butadiene Demand Outlook stayed tepid, as the European automotive industry struggled with seasonal softness and export challenges.
- Congestion at Hamburg port worsened due to terminal relocation and automation work, raising transit times and creating logistical pressures.
- The Butadiene Production Cost Trend remained soft, with stagnant naphtha and only mild recovery in crude oil offering limited cost support.
- U.S. tariff threats on European goods added uncertainty, discouraging production growth in automotive and rubber sectors.
- The Butadiene Price Forecast is cautiously optimistic for summer, but real gains will depend on resolving supply chain bottlenecks and improving derivative demand.
