For the Quarter Ending March 2026
Butyric Acid Prices in North America
- In United States, the Butyric Acid Price Index rose quarter-over-quarter in Q1 2026, driven by surging propylene feedstock costs.
- The Butyric Acid Production Cost Trend increased during March 2026 as producer prices rose 4.0% year-over-year.
- Consumer inflation reached 3.3% in March 2026, pushing the Butyric Acid Price Index upward alongside rising energy costs.
- The Butyric Acid Demand Outlook strengthened in March 2026, supported by resilient retail sales growing 4.0% year-over-year.
- The Manufacturing Index expanded while industrial production grew 0.7% in March 2026, supporting steady industrial chemical consumption.
- Stable unemployment at 4.3% and consumer confidence at 91.8 in March 2026 maintained baseline consumer spending levels.
- Livestock feed demand for butyric acid applications strengthened amid higher beef and pork production during February 2026.
- The Butyric Acid Price Forecast indicated upward pressure in March 2026 due to unexpected North American propylene supply shocks.
Why did the price of Butyric Acid change in March 2026 in North America?
- Primary propylene feedstock costs surged significantly amid unexpected North American supply shocks during March 2026.
- Henry Hub natural gas spot prices surged throughout February and March 2026, elevating overall production expenses.
- Global petrochemical trade flows faced severe disruptions due to Middle East geopolitical tensions in February 2026.
Butyric Acid Prices in APAC
- In China, the Butyric Acid Price Index rose quarter-over-quarter in Q1 2026, driven by surging propylene feedstock costs.
- The Butyric Acid Production Cost Trend increased in March 2026 as producer prices rose by 0.5 percent.
- The Butyric Acid Demand Outlook remained resilient in March 2026, supported by a mild 1.0 percent consumer inflation increase.
- Industrial production grew 5.7 percent in March 2026, aligning with an expanded Manufacturing Index, boosting industrial chemical consumption.
- Retail sales grew slowly at 1.7 percent in March 2026, while real estate property sector activity weakened concurrently.
- An unemployment rate of 5.4 percent in March 2026 and a 91.6 consumer confidence index in February 2026 pressured spending.
- Asian petrochemical inventories depleted throughout Q1 2026 as domestic propane dehydrogenation operating rates plummeted, constraining propylene availability.
- The Butyric Acid Price Forecast indicated upward pressure in March 2026 as global crude oil prices surged significantly.
Why did the price of Butyric Acid change in March 2026 in APAC?
- Propylene feedstock costs spiked in March 2026 due to escalating Middle East conflicts disrupting shipping.
- Overall chemical export demand surged in March 2026 as international buyers sought alternative global supplies.
- Chemical supply inventories tightened significantly in March 2026 following government mandates prioritizing domestic fuel production.
Butyric Acid Prices in Europe
- In Germany, the Butyric Acid Price Index rose quarter-over-quarter in Q1 2026, driven by surging upstream feedstock costs.
- In March 2026, Germany's CPI rose 2.7% year-over-year, reflecting higher energy costs elevating Butyric Acid production cost trends.
- Despite a 0.2% year-over-year decline in Germany's PPI during March 2026, upstream propylene and syngas costs surged upward.
- Germany's Manufacturing Index expanded in March 2026, although industrial production remained stagnant at 0.0% year-over-year in February 2026.
- In February 2026, retail sales grew 0.7% year-over-year and unemployment stayed at 4.2%, supporting baseline Butyric Acid demand.
- Deeply negative consumer confidence at -24.7 in March 2026 limited discretionary spending, weakening the Butyric Acid demand outlook.
- During Q1 2026, Butyric Acid demand weakened in the construction sector, while livestock cycles tightened in animal feed.
- The Butyric Acid Price Forecast remained elevated in Q1 2026 as Asian imports plummeted amid Red Sea bottlenecks.
Why did the price of Butyric Acid change in March 2026 in Europe?
- In Q1 2026, upstream propylene feedstock and syngas costs surged due to Middle East disruptions.
- European Butyric Acid supply tightened significantly in Q1 2026 as depressed cracker utilization constrained availability.
- In Q1 2026, Asian imports plummeted amid Red Sea bottlenecks, reducing competition for domestic producers.
For the Quarter Ending December 2025
Butyric Acid Prices in North America
- In the United States, Butyric Acid prices rose in Q4 2025, influenced by increased production costs and robust demand.
- Butyric Acid production costs increased in Q4 2025, driven by a 3.0% PPI rise in November 2025.
- Demand for Butyric Acid strengthened in Q4 2025, supported by a 2.0% industrial production increase in December 2025.
- US natural gas futures gained in Q4 2025, elevating energy and feedstock costs for Butyric Acid production.
- Butyric Acid demand outlook was positive, as US beef and poultry production projections rose in December 2025.
- Consumer spending, with a 3.3% retail sales rise in November 2025, indirectly supported Butyric Acid demand.
- US manufacturing output strengthened during November-December 2025, boosting Butyric Acid demand as a chemical intermediate.
- Rising raw material costs, influenced by a 2.7% CPI increase in December 2025, impacted Butyric Acid pricing.
Why did the price of Butyric Acid change in December 2025 in North America?
- Butyric Acid production costs rose from a 3.0% PPI increase in November 2025.
- Stronger industrial activity, up 2.0% in December 2025, boosted Butyric Acid demand.
- Rising US natural gas futures in Q4 2025 elevated Butyric Acid energy and feedstock expenses.
Butyric Acid Prices in APAC
- In China, the Butyric Acid Price Index fell quarter-over-quarter in Q4 2025, driven by declining producer prices.
- Butyric Acid production costs decreased in Q4 2025, as the Producer Price Index fell by -1.9% in December 2025.
- Butyric Acid demand outlook was mixed in Q4 2025, as consumer confidence cooled and retail sales grew by 0.9% in December 2025.
- Industrial Production rose by 5.2% in December 2025, providing some support for Butyric Acid industrial demand.
- China's Manufacturing Index expanded in December 2025, recovering from contractions in October and November 2025.
- Propylene supply lengthened in 2025 due to capacity expansions, impacting Butyric Acid feedstock costs.
- Crude oil prices faced downward pressure in Q4 2025, contributing to lower energy and raw material expenses.
- The unemployment rate stood at 5.1% in December 2025, reflecting moderate labor market conditions.
- The Butyric Acid Price Index faced downward pressure from structural oversupply in China's chemical industry in 2025.
Why did the price of Butyric Acid change in December 2025 in APAC?
- Producer Price Index declined by -1.9% in December 2025, indicating lower input costs for Butyric Acid production.
- Crude oil prices exhibited a weakening trend in Q4 2025, reducing energy and feedstock expenses.
- Manufacturing activity expanded in December 2025, yet overall chemical oversupply persisted in 2025.
Butyric Acid Prices in Europe
- In Germany, the Butyric Acid Price Index fell quarter-over-quarter in Q4 2025, influenced by a -2.5% PPI decrease in December 2025.
- Butyric Acid production costs remained elevated in October 2025 due to high energy and raw material expenses.
- The Butyric Acid demand outlook was bearish in December 2025, as the Manufacturing Index contracted.
- Consumer confidence significantly deteriorated to -17.5 in December 2025, dampening Butyric Acid demand.
- Industrial production modestly increased by 0.8% year-on-year in October 2025, supporting industrial Butyric Acid applications.
- Retail sales rose by 1.1% year-on-year in November 2025, providing a marginal boost to Butyric Acid demand.
- Regional chemical production capacity faced tightening in 2025 due to announced plant closures in Germany.
- German exports strengthened in October 2025, reaching a six-month high, while import prices softened.
Why did the price of Butyric Acid change in December 2025 in Europe?
- Producer prices for intermediate goods softened in October 2025, contributing to downward Butyric Acid price pressure.
- Consumer confidence significantly deteriorated to -17.5 in December 2025, reducing overall Butyric Acid demand.
- The Manufacturing Index contracted in December 2025, indicating weaker industrial demand for Butyric Acid.
For the Quarter Ending September 2025
Butyric Acid Prices in North America
- In the USA, the Butyric Acid Price Index fell by 1.189% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting supply surplus.
- The average Butyric Acid price for the quarter was approximately USD 1385.00/MT, with inventories balanced.
- Butyric Acid Spot Price remained subdued as regional feedstock economics weakened, pressuring margins for producers.
- Butyric Acid Production Cost Trend showed slight easing from lower energy-costs, supporting margin recovery.
- Butyric Acid Demand Outlook for derivatives remained stable but export demand softened amid competitive pricing.
- Butyric Acid Price Forecast indicates limited near-term upside given ample inventories and muted consumption growth.
- Butyric Acid Price Index volatility reduced as major producers maintained operating rates, constraining abrupt swings.
- Logistics and export timing influenced realized prices, with freight normalization supporting firmer transactional Price Index levels.
Why did the price of Butyric Acid change in September 2025 in North America?
- Modest regional supply surplus pressured realized prices despite steady production, increasing downward Price Index influence.
- Lower energy and feedstock costs eased production-cost pressure, reducing cost-push inflation on Butyric Acid.
- Soft export demand and normalized freight availability limited arbitrage opportunities, tempering spot and transactional pricing.
Butyric Acid Prices in APAC
- In China, the Butyric Acid Price Index rose by 0.39% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting domestic demand improvement.
- The average Butyric Acid price for the quarter was approximately USD 1109.33/MT, reported by traders.
- Butyric Acid Spot Price stability contrasted with marginal domestic buying; export interest remained selectively supportive.
- Butyric Acid Demand Outlook improved due to downstream feedstock restocking and steadier food additive consumption.
- Butyric Acid Production Cost Trend showed upward pressure from raw material inflation and logistics charges.
- Butyric Acid Price Forecast remained neutral as inventories balanced and major plants maintained operational rates.
- Butyric Acid Price Index reflected volatility across quarter with tightening pockets offset by supply availability.
- Regional export demand from Southeast Asia provided support while spot premiums stayed subdued versus quarter.
Why did the price of Butyric Acid change in September 2025 in APAC?
- Slight demand uptick from domestic food additive producers marginally tightened supply, moderately lifting realized quotations.
- Logistics costs increased modestly, raising delivered cost bases and constraining arbitrage flows to regional buyers.
- Stable plant operations kept availability steady, while selective export inquiries prevented deeper price declines recently.
Butyric Acid Prices in Europe
- In France, the Butyric Acid Price Index rose by 3.53% quarter-over-quarter, driven by tighter supply.
- The average Butyric Acid price for the quarter was approximately USD 1770.67/MT, reflecting subdued demand.
- Butyric Acid Spot Price firmed on limited cargoes, supporting tighter inland values and export parity.
- Analysts adjusted the Butyric Acid Price Forecast higher amid stronger end use demand, constrained shipments.
- Higher raw material pricing altered the Butyric Acid Production Cost Trend, compressing producer margins regionally.
- Butyric Acid Demand Outlook improved with stronger derivative activity supporting food additive and fragrance applications.
- Inventory tightened at key northern ports, lifting the Butyric Acid Price Index and supporting offtake.
- Export demand from southern Europe strengthened, underpinning domestic prices despite plant maintenance reducing available volumes.
Why did the price of Butyric Acid change in September 2025 in Europe?
- Regional supply constraints from maintenance and slow restarts tightened availability, lifting spot differentials and prices.
- Higher feedstock and logistics costs increased production burdens, contributing to upward pressure on domestic pricing.
- Improved derivative demand and stronger export nominations absorbed incremental volumes, preventing wholesale discounting across Europe.
For the Quarter Ending March 2025
North America
The North American Butyric Acid market rose approximately 8.3% during Q1 2025, driven by production disruptions from harsh winter weather and price hikes by key producers, despite largely moderate demand. In January, ample inventories and stable feedstock prices kept production costs steady, though major producers like OQ Chemicals and Perstorp Oxo-AB announced price hikes. Domestic demand remained moderate, with weak consumption from the animal feed sector due to declining corn yields, and subdued activity in food and flavoring segments amidst falling consumer confidence.
In February, a severe winter storm disrupted Propylene supply along the U.S. Gulf Coast, tightening Butyric Acid availability. This supported price increases, reinforced by another hike from Perstorp. Export activity improved with a surge in chemical railcar loading, depleting some inventories and boosting prices. However, demand improvements were limited, as the animal feed sector remained weak due to lower corn production, and consumer confidence continued to decline.
By March, curtailed production persisted due to reduced refinery run rates, keeping supply tight. However, lower transportation costs and cautious downstream buying amid economic concerns kept prices most stable. Demand stayed subdued across major application sectors.
Europe
The European Butyric Acid market saw a modest 2.6% increase in Q1 2025, driven by production outages, low plant run rates, and rising production costs amid feedstock Propylene price hikes. However, ample backlogged inventories and muted demand limited the extent of price gains. Prices fell by 2% in January but rebounded approximately 5% through February and March. In January, despite price hikes from major producers, ample supplies and rollover pricing dominated due to weak post-holiday demand and port delays in Hamburg. The animal feed sector showed modest growth in some EU regions, but ASF outbreaks and environmental regulations continued to suppress demand. The chemical intermediate sector remained fragile, with low exports and prolonged contraction. February saw rising production costs due to tight Propylene supply and ongoing port strikes at Le Havre, causing logistical delays. However, price momentum was limited by leftover inventories. Demand remained weak, affected by declining animal pottery production and cautious chemical sector procurement. In March, production constraints persisted amid cracker outages and high Propylene prices. Demand stayed subdued across all downstream sectors, worsened by declining consumer confidence and exclusion of Butyric Acid from new EU-approved feed additives, dampening hopes of a market rebound.
APAC
The APAC Butyric Acid market experienced mixed pricing trends in Q1 2025, with prices rising approximately 2.5% during January and February before declining by a similar margin in March, resulting in minimal net movement. In January, despite price hikes from producers like Perstorp and OQ Chemicals, ample inventories and weak downstream demand led to rollover pricing. Propylene costs rose slightly, and PDH operating rates in China declined, contributing to modest production levels. Demand was moderate, with limited consumer activity despite slight CPI growth. February saw elevated production costs amid higher feedstock Propylene prices, but trade remained slow due to Lunar New Year closures and poor export demand. Downstream sectors like animal feed and chemical intermediates showed minimal improvement. China’s PMI slipped to 49.1, reflecting contracting industrial activity and weak Butyric Acid consumption. In March, market sentiment remained bearish. Improved PDH operating rates and lower Propylene prices reduced production costs, while ample supplies and rising port inventories sustained pressure on prices. Domestically, demand improved due to policy support and increased holiday spending. However, weak export activity—particularly to Southeast Asia during Ramadan—limited broader market recovery, keeping pricing subdued overall.
