For the Quarter Ending September 2025
North America
• In the USA, the Di-Tert-Butyl Phenol (DTBP) Price Index held steady with a modest 0.5% QoQ rise in Q3 2025, reflecting balanced supply-demand amid economic uncertainties.
• The average Di-Tert-Butyl Phenol price for the quarter was approximately USD 3,200/MT.
• Di-Tert-Butyl Phenol Spot Price remained resilient despite cautious procurement strategies in key sectors.
• Di-Tert-Butyl Phenol Spot Price firmed slightly as steady antioxidant needs in plastics offset softer volumes, supporting Price Index stability.
• Forecast for Di-Tert-Butyl Phenol Price Forecast remains neutral amid vendor sustainability evaluations and core application resilience.
• Production Cost Trend signals moderate feedstock volatility in the USA, underpinned by compliance efficiencies for larger firms.
• Demand Outlook shows steady pace; plastics stabilization, automotive lubricants, and specialty chemicals sustain DTBP consumption alongside industrial applications.
• Market dynamics include regulatory complexity favoring established players, steady supply chains, and sustainability scrutiny enhancing Spot Price firmness.
• Late-year automotive recovery and eco-compliant formulations may nudge Price Index gains into Q4.
• Economic headwinds and vendor shifts toward greener practices may temper broader DTBP Price Index upside.
Why did the price of Di-Tert-Butyl Phenol change in September 2025 in North America?
• Supply remained stable with consistent domestic production and mitigated chain concerns.
• Cost pressures were mild due to balanced feedstock levels and unpassed-on regulatory burdens, contributing to modest price firming in Q3 2025.
• Demand dynamics focused on antioxidants in plastics and lubricants, maintaining overall DTBP consumption in North America.
APAC
• In Taiwan, the Di-Ter-Butyl Phenol Price Index fell by 3.99% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting weaker export volumes.
• The average Di-Ter-Butyl Phenol price for the quarter was approximately USD 1405.00/MT, reported by exporters.
• Di-Ter-Butyl Phenol Spot Price weakened on lower export demand; Price Index reflected inventory accumulation pressure.
• Di-Ter-Butyl Phenol Price Forecast suggests moderate downside risk near term given subdued orders and constrained shipments.
• Di-Ter-Butyl Phenol Production Cost Trend remained stable as feedstock and logistics costs experienced limited volatility.
• Di-Ter-Butyl Phenol Demand Outlook points to gradual recovery post-monsoon, driven by coatings and adhesive sector restocking.
• Stable output contrasted with weak export orders, pressuring margins and keeping the Price Index biased.
• Producers operated uninterrupted and ports remained efficient, but trade fair innovation did not improve exports.
Why did the price of Di-Ter-Butyl Phenol change in September 2025 in APAC?
• Soft global demand reduced export bookings, leading to lower shipment volumes and reduced price support.
• Stable feedstock and freight limited cost-driven increases, leaving prices responsive mainly to orderbook fluctuations only.
• Inventories remained elevated with cautious buyers; regulatory and seasonal timing delayed sizable restocking and demand recovery.
Europe
• In Europe, the Di-Tert-Butyl Phenol (DTBP) demand decline in Q3 2025, amid subdued industrial demand and elevated energy costs.
• Di-Tert-Butyl Phenol Spot Price softened due to cautious procurement and weaker automotive and manufacturing volumes.
• Di-Tert-Butyl Phenol Spot Price eased as unpassed-on production costs met competitive pressures, dragging Price Index lower.
• Forecast for Di-Tert-Butyl Phenol Price Forecast remains guarded amid economic headwinds and inventory caution.
• Production Cost Trend signals persistent high energy and phenol feedstock burdens in Europe, capping Price Index recovery.
• Demand Outlook shows subdued pace; polymers and lubricants sustain DTBP consumption alongside fuel additives.
• Market dynamics include automotive slowdown, supply chain resilience focus, and sustainability scrutiny impacting Spot Price.
• Late-year industrial restocking and efficiency gains may limit further Price Index declines into Q4.
• Competitive green alternatives and ongoing economic uncertainty may constrain broader DTBP Price Index upside.
Why did the price of Di-Tert-Butyl Phenol change in September 2025 in Europe?
• Supply remained stable with consistent phenol availability and no major disruptions.
• Cost pressures intensified from energy and feedstock levels but were not passed on, contributing to price softening in Q3 2025.
• Demand dynamics weakened across automotive, manufacturing, and construction sectors, dampening overall DTBP consumption in Europe.
For the Quarter Ending June 2025
North America
• DTBP market activity in the USA remained largely steady in Q2 2025, with no significant price movements reported across key downstream sectors.
• Demand from industrial coatings, polymer modification, and resins stayed tepid, with buyers restricting procurement to essential volumes.
• Inventory management remained a focus, as distributors avoided overstocking due to unpredictable order patterns.
• Though upstream phenol prices fell, this was offset by rising energy and logistics costs, which prevented any broad-based price relief.
• Trade volumes remained consistent, though some market players flagged pressure from imported cargoes at discounted rates from Asia.
Why did the price of DTBP change in July 2025 in the USA?
• In July, price levels held flat due to limited downstream restocking and no significant recovery in industrial applications.
• Buyers stayed cautious amid uncertain economic outlooks and inflationary pressures, restricting contract negotiations.
• Resin manufacturers and formulators kept offtake minimal, focusing on consuming prior inventory.
• Overall, June concluded with low spot liquidity and weak purchasing sentiment, despite stable supply conditions.
Europe
• DTBP pricing in Germany showed minimal movement during Q2 2025 as both domestic demand and export volumes remained soft.
• Activity in the automotive, electronics, and industrial adhesives segments slowed further, pulling down consumption.
• Import volumes stayed stable but conservative, as local buyers delayed purchases amid weak economic signals.
• Downward pressure on upstream phenol and benzene prices was counterbalanced by elevated energy costs and stagnant logistics efficiency.
• Market participants opted for a wait-and-see strategy, delaying bulk commitments until clearer demand signals emerge.
Why did the price of DTBP change in July 2025 in Germany?
• July witnesses no significant DTBP price changes, largely due to continued stagnation in domestic and export-oriented industrial sectors.
• Local producers operated at reduced rates, focusing on short-term delivery contracts to avoid excess inventories.
• Regional exports to Eastern Europe and Scandinavia declined amid soft downstream chemical demand.
• With feedstock input costs neutralized by fixed overheads, no pricing revision occurred, maintaining price flatness.
Asia Pacific
• DTBP export prices in Taiwan dropped by 6.40% in Q2 2025, settling at an average of USD 1463.33/MT, down from Q1.
• Weak offtake from ASEAN buyers (except India) combined with cost-side deflation contributed to bearish market sentiment.
• Despite innovative showcases in plastics and adhesives, real-time demand from OEMs remained underwhelming.
• Local production was steady, but high inventory levels persisted due to poor export momentum and limited bulk ordering.
• Trade participants highlighted ongoing caution from buyers amid global economic softening and slower polymer consumption.
Why did the price of DTBP change in July 2025 in Taiwan?
• Drop in July is driven by continued export weakness, especially to Korea, Japan, and Southeast Asia.
• Downstream industries, particularly industrial adhesives and engineering plastics slowed their operations.
• Despite successful trade shows in Tainan, conversion to purchase orders was negligible, affecting supplier optimism.
• Port operations were efficient, but logistics alone couldn't offset the weight of demand erosion, pushing prices down.
For the Quarter Ending March 2025
North America
In Q1 2025, the North American Di-tert-butyl Phenol market exhibited a soft price trend, influenced by balanced supply and steady demand from downstream sectors such as plastics, adhesives, and coatings. While manufacturing activities remained stable, buyers adopted a cautious procurement approach amid ongoing economic uncertainties, leading to restrained market activity. Feedstock phenol prices showed slight improvement during the quarter, alleviating some cost pressures for producers. However, competitive dynamics and adequate inventories in the region kept price movements limited.
Di-tert-butyl Phenol prices in North America experienced marginal fluctuations, reflecting a broadly stable market environment. Producers maintained consistent output levels to meet downstream requirements, while moderate raw material cost adjustments supported market stability. The steady performance of key applications, particularly in the plastics and adhesives sectors, provided a reliable demand base, although growth remained modest.
The near-term outlook for the North American Di-tert-butyl Phenol market remains cautiously optimistic, with expectations of stable prices supported by balanced supply-demand dynamics and slight improvements in feedstock costs. Seasonal upticks in downstream activity may provide incremental support, although broader economic conditions are likely to influence purchasing behavior and overall market sentiment.
APAC
In Q1 2025, the APAC Di-tert-butyl Phenol market faced a tightening supply environment driven by robust demand from downstream sectors such as plastics, coatings, and adhesives. Manufacturing indices reflected solid growth, fueled by increased production and a rise in both domestic and international orders. However, supply chain challenges, including raw material shortages and workforce constraints, created capacity pressures, prompting firms to enhance purchasing and inventory strategies. Despite intermittent seasonal slowdowns, market sentiment remained optimistic, with sustained demand growth anticipated.
In Taiwan, Di-tert-butyl Phenol prices declined by 1.05% from Q4 2024, averaging $1563.33 USD/MT in Q1 2025. However, monthly trends within the quarter pointed to a bullish trajectory, supported by tight supply conditions and robust export demand. Factors such as workforce retention challenges, input cost increases, and constrained availability contributed to price resilience. The near-term outlook suggests modest price increases as strong downstream demand and inventory rebuilding efforts continue to shape market dynamics.
Europe
In Q1 2025, the European Di-tert-butyl Phenol market exhibited a soft pricing trend, driven by steady downstream demand from key sectors such as plastics, coatings, and adhesives, alongside a decline in feedstock phenol prices. While downstream industries maintained stable consumption levels, buyers exercised caution amid economic uncertainties and evolving market conditions, resulting in restrained procurement and subdued price momentum throughout the quarter.
Di-tert-butyl Phenol prices in Europe experienced minor downward adjustments as lower feedstock costs eased production expenses for manufacturers. Supply levels remained stable, with producers ensuring adequate inventories to meet consistent downstream demand. However, competitive imports and cautious inventory management strategies by buyers contributed to a lack of significant price recovery.
Despite the soft pricing environment, the market demonstrated resilience, supported by the steady performance of downstream sectors. The overall sentiment remained neutral, with limited volatility reflecting a balance between supply and demand. Market participants remain watchful of broader economic indicators and supply chain dynamics that could influence future trends.
For the Quarter Ending December 2024
North America
In the fourth quarter of 2024, Di-ter-butyl Phenol (DTBP) prices in the USA followed a mixed trend, influenced by fluctuations in feedstock phenol prices and varying demand from downstream industries. Throughout the quarter, key sectors such as automotive, coatings, and rubber, which rely on DTBP, showed fluctuating demand. As businesses prepared for the holiday season and New Year, there was a general slowdown in production, leading to reduced consumption of DTBP. However, some industries continued steady operations, maintaining a relatively consistent demand for the chemical for year-end projects and inventory management.
New Year sales did not significantly affect DTBP prices, as companies focused more on optimizing their stock levels and reducing large-scale purchases of raw materials. This cautious approach contributed to a stabilization of prices.
Feedstock phenol prices experienced notable fluctuations during the quarter. In October and December, phenol prices decreased, allowing DTBP producers to lower production costs, which put slight downward pressure on DTBP prices. However, in November, phenol prices saw an increase, leading to higher production costs and a temporary rise in DTBP prices. Despite these fluctuations, the overall trend for DTBP prices in the USA remained mixed, reflecting both the volatility in feedstock prices and varied demand from downstream industries.
APAC
In the fourth quarter of 2024, Di-ter-butyl Phenol (DTBP) prices in India experienced a slight decrease, driven by a combination of reduced demand and steady supply conditions. As the year drew to a close, many downstream industries, particularly those in the automotive, coatings, and rubber sectors, scaled back production in preparation for the holiday season and the New Year. This seasonal slowdown in manufacturing activity led to a decrease in the consumption of DTBP, exerting downward pressure on prices.
New Year sales and promotions typically have limited impact on DTBP demand, as the material is primarily used in industrial and chemical applications rather than directly in consumer-facing products. During this period, businesses in downstream industries focused more on optimizing inventory levels than on increasing their orders of raw materials like DTBP. This cautious purchasing behavior contributed to the moderation in prices.
On the supply side, there was adequate availability of DTBP from both domestic production and imports. The stable supply ensured that there were no significant disruptions, allowing the market to remain balanced despite the seasonal dip in demand. As a result, Di-ter-butyl Phenol prices in India saw a slight decrease during the fourth quarter of 2024, reflecting a combination of lower demand from key industries and steady supply levels.
Europe
In the fourth quarter of 2024, Di-ter-butyl Phenol (DTBP) prices in Europe experienced a slight decrease, driven by reduced demand from downstream industries and favorable supply conditions. As the year ended, industries such as automotive, coatings, and rubber scaled back production in preparation for the holiday season and the New Year. This seasonal slowdown led to a decrease in consumption of DTBP, exerting downward pressure on prices.
New Year sales did not have a substantial impact on DTBP prices, as the demand for this chemical is largely tied to industrial applications rather than consumer-facing products. During the quarter, businesses focused more on inventory management and adjusting stock levels rather than increasing orders, contributing to the moderation in demand.
A key factor in the slight price decrease was the reduction in feedstock phenol prices throughout the quarter. As phenol, a major raw material for DTBP production, became less expensive, manufacturers were able to produce DTBP at lower costs, passing on some of these savings to the market. The decrease in phenol prices helped stabilize supply, with both domestic and imported quantities meeting demand without disruptions.
As a result, Di-ter-butyl Phenol prices in Europe saw a slight decrease in the fourth quarter of 2024, driven by moderated demand from downstream industries, stable supply, and lower feedstock costs.
