For the Quarter Ending June 2025
North America
• The Methyl Tert-Butyl Ether (MTBE) Price Index in North America declined by 9.5% quarter over quarter.
• Supply remained largely stable throughout the quarter, with production levels maintaining equilibrium. However, logistical disruptions and excess inventory during April and May influenced short-term fluctuations.
• Demand was seasonally strong in early Q2 due to pre-summer gasoline blending activity, particularly in May and June. However, this momentum was offset by weaker export demand and high inventories.
• Rising feedstock methanol costs in late June temporarily pushed prices up, but broader market weakness and cautious trading behaviors capped sustained gains.
• Overall, the MTBE Price Index in North America trended downward during Q2, with prices peaking in late June.
Why did the Methyl Tert-Butyl Ether (MTBE) Price change in July 2025 in North America?
• In July 2025, MTBE prices in the U.S. declined due to subdued demand post-holiday, easing crude oil prices, and ample inventories at Gulf Coast ports.
• Despite strong blending activity in June, the absence of fresh demand catalysts and stabilized upstream costs led to a bearish outlook. Hence, the Methyl Tert-Butyl Ether (MTBE) Price Index softened during the month.
Europe
• The Methyl Tert-Butyl Ether (MTBE) Price Index in Europe posted a quarter-over-quarter decline, reflecting weak fundamentals.
• Supply was ample across the region as refiners operated steadily, and inventory levels remained high. Limited turnarounds ensured continuous product flow.
• Demand remained subdued due to sluggish economic activity and weakening gasoline consumption in Western Europe. Blenders were hesitant to build stock amid low margins.
• Falling feedstock methanol and isobutylene prices contributed to the overall price decline, alongside subdued energy market trends.
• Overall, the MTBE Price Index exhibited a bearish Q2 trend in Europe, particularly weakening in June.
Why did the Methyl Tert-Butyl Ether (MTBE) Price change in July 2025 in Europe?
• MTBE prices declined in Europe during July 2025, pressured by weak gasoline blending demand and cost-side deflation.
• Lower crude oil benchmarks and falling methanol prices suppressed production costs, while tepid market sentiment and oversupply sustained downward pressure on the Methyl Tert-Butyl Ether (MTBE) Price Index.
Asia Pacific (APAC)
• The Methyl Tert-Butyl Ether (MTBE) Price Index in APAC, particularly Singapore, saw a quarter-over-quarter drop of 8.6%.
• Regional supply remained ample with no major disruptions, and consistent feedstock methanol availability supported stable production levels.
• Demand was uneven — while gasoline blending activity saw intermittent support ahead of the summer, broader regional demand remained lackluster. Export demand from Southeast Asia also weakened.
• Short-lived bullish spikes emerged in late June, driven by geopolitical risks and tight spot availability, though market fundamentals remained fragile and gains were not sustained.
• The overall trend in Q2 was bearish, with the MTBE Price Index declining due to oversupply and tepid downstream demand.
Why did the Methyl Tert-Butyl Ether (MTBE) Price change in July 2025 in APAC?
• In July 2025, MTBE prices in Singapore declined, driven by subdued regional gasoline blending activity and persistent oversupply.
• Despite peak travel season, demand failed to match expectations, and cost support from methanol weakened. As a result, the Methyl Tert-Butyl Ether (MTBE) Price Index continued its downward trend.
Middle East
• The Methyl Tert-Butyl Ether (MTBE) Price Index in MEA, led by Saudi Arabia, dropped by 8.1% quarter over quarter.
• Manufacturing and supply remained robust throughout the quarter with no major shutdowns. However, high production rates outpaced domestic consumption.
• Demand was steady early in Q2 due to gasoline blending and exports, but momentum slowed later in the quarter as global uncertainties limited export opportunities.
• In June, prices briefly rose due to strategic restocking activities and tightened regional availability, which temporarily supported the market.
• Overall, the MTBE Price Index in MEA showed a weak Q2 trend, as earlier firmness in the quarter was countered by broader bearish fundamentals, including ample supply and limited export opportunities.
Why did the Methyl Tert-Butyl Ether (MTBE) Price change in July 2025 in MEA?
• MTBE prices declined in Saudi Arabia in July 2025, influenced by excess domestic inventories and declining upstream energy prices.
• Despite steady regional demand, oversupply and limited export pull led to a weakening in the Methyl Tert-Butyl Ether (MTBE) Price Index.
For the Quarter Ending March 2025
North America
In Q1 2025, the North American MTBE market witnessed a net price decline of 3.6% quarter-on-quarter, characterized by alternating periods of stability, minor surges, and sharp corrections. January began with relative price stability, supported by steady methanol costs and balanced supply-demand dynamics. However, a mid-month dip reflected reduced demand from gasoline blending and elevated inventory levels. A brief rebound followed, driven by tightened supply and rising crude oil prices, before stabilizing again at the month’s end.
In February, market dynamics fluctuated further. Early price drops were influenced by falling methanol and crude oil prices, alongside weaker domestic demand. Mid-month saw modest gains as export demand from Mexico and the Middle East picked up, but prices tapered off by month’s end due to high inventories and cautious market sentiment.
March saw volatile swings. Prices remained stable in early March, dropped sharply in the mid-month due to sluggish demand and oversupply, but rebounded in the final week amid renewed gasoline blending demand and stronger crude oil prices. Overall, the quarter ended on a cautiously optimistic note despite earlier bearish trends.
APAC
During Q1 2025, the APAC MTBE market displayed a predominantly bearish trend, with China recording a price drop of 5.09% compared to the previous quarter. In January, prices remained stable due to balanced supply and moderate demand ahead of the Lunar New Year. Short-lived gains were observed mid-month, supported by speculative activity and tight inventory. However, the momentum quickly faded post-holiday as demand weakened and oversupply intensified. The market in China faced headwinds from sluggish gasoline consumption, cautious downstream buying, and fluctuating crude oil prices. Supply-side factors, including plant shutdowns and production disruptions, added complexity but failed to offset the overall weak demand. In contrast, Singapore’s MTBE market experienced a temporary uplift in early February, driven by strong automotive sales and increased fuel consumption across Asia and the Middle East. Port congestion added pressure to supply, further supporting prices. Despite brief recoveries, Q1 ended on a soft note across the region, with market sentiment subdued and price corrections continuing into late March.
Europe
During Q1 2025, the European Methyl Tert-Butyl Ether (MTBE) market experienced fluctuating price trends influenced by shifting demand patterns and regional supply constraints. The quarter began with stable to slightly elevated prices, supported by steady gasoline blending activity and consistent procurement by downstream sectors. However, the momentum weakened by mid-quarter as macroeconomic uncertainties and a mild winter season reduced fuel consumption across several countries. Refineries across Europe operated at moderate utilization rates, maintaining adequate supply levels. Meanwhile, feedstock costs, particularly methanol and isobutylene, remained relatively unchanged, offering no substantial cost pressure. However, supply-side limitations emerged intermittently due to logistical bottlenecks and port congestion stemming from the ongoing Red Sea crisis, slightly tightening availability. In March, bearish sentiment gained traction, with declining crude oil benchmarks and softened demand from both domestic and export markets putting downward pressure on MTBE prices. Despite brief upticks due to inventory adjustments, the overall trend reflected market caution, closing the quarter on a moderately subdued note.
MEA
In Q1 2025, the Methyl Tert-Butyl Ether (MTBE) market in Saudi Arabia registered a marginal decline of 4.57% compared to the previous quarter. Prices remained largely stable throughout January, supported by balanced supply-demand dynamics and consistent production rates. Despite global volatility in crude oil and rising freight costs, the local market showed resilience due to ample inventories and steady domestic consumption. In February, prices witnessed fluctuations driven by mixed demand cues from exporting countries and occasional supply-side pressures. While brief upticks were recorded due to higher production costs and increased overseas demand, the overall sentiment remained cautious due to market oversupply and muted consumption in sectors like gasoline blending and solvents. March saw a return to a bearish trajectory, with declining prices fueled by surplus inventories, weak export interest, and subdued domestic demand. Despite stable methanol feedstock costs and Saudi Arabia’s efforts to sustain production levels, limited market activity and a sluggish international outlook contributed to the softening of MTBE prices toward the quarter’s close.
For the Quarter Ending December 2024
North America
The price of Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether (MTBE) exhibited fluctuations in Q4 2024, with a general decline compared to Q3 but mixed trends throughout the quarter. Prices increased in October, decreased in November, and rose again in December, reflecting shifts in market dynamics.
October saw a significant price increase, supported by rising crude oil prices driven by geopolitical tensions and concerns over potential supply disruptions. Events in the Middle East, coupled with adverse weather impacts like Hurricane Milton, heightened market volatility and raised feedstock costs, contributing to MTBE price escalation.
However, this upward momentum was reversed in November as MTBE prices softened, primarily due to stable to declining methanol costs, which eased production expenses. Additionally, subdued demand from the gasoline blending sector weighed on market sentiment, further curbing MTBE prices. By December, the market rebounded as methanol prices climbed due to supply constraints and elevated production costs, increasing MTBE manufacturing costs. At the same time, strong seasonal demand from the gasoline sector, driven by heightened blending activities and regulatory compliance requirements, reinforced the upward trend, creating a complex pricing environment.
APAC
The price of Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether (MTBE) in the Chinese market displayed a mixed trend in Q4 2024, starting with a decline in October before rebounding in November and December. The October downturn was largely driven by weakened gasoline demand and overcapacity issues among refiners, exacerbated by reduced fuel consumption due to declining demand for manufactured goods. Despite access to discounted crude imports, several private refiners faced profit challenges as fuel inventories increased, reflecting an oversupplied market. Additionally, a slowdown in fuel super tanker arrivals emphasized the reduced activity in the energy sector. However, the market regained momentum in November, supported by strong demand from the gasoline blending industry. Increased blending activity reflected heightened fuel consumption, which lifted MTBE prices and underscored its importance in meeting energy sector needs. December continued this upward trajectory, with robust demand from the gasoline sector driven by significant shipping orders and increased activity in the transportation industry. Rising crude oil prices further bolstered market confidence, maintaining an optimistic outlook for MTBE demand.
Europe
The price of Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether (MTBE) in the European market remained mixed during Q4 2024, influenced by contrasting factors in the upstream and downstream sectors. Methanol, a key feedstock for MTBE production, witnessed surging prices throughout the quarter due to supply constraints and rising production costs, which exerted upward pressure on MTBE manufacturing expenses. However, the impact of higher methanol prices was unevenly reflected in MTBE pricing, as demand from the gasoline blending industry fluctuated. In some periods, strong seasonal demand for gasoline blending supported MTBE prices, with refiners increasing blending activities to meet regulatory and market requirements. Conversely, in other weeks, subdued fuel consumption and abundant inventories in certain regions limited the upward momentum of MTBE prices, creating a challenging trading environment. This interplay between rising feedstock costs and varied downstream demand created a complex pricing landscape, with refiners navigating higher input costs while responding to inconsistent consumption patterns in the gasoline market across the European nations.
MEA
The Middle Eastern MTBE market experienced a significant decline in prices during Q4 2024, influenced by a combination of demand and supply-side factors. In Saudi Arabia, the reduced demand for gasoline, a primary driver of MTBE consumption, created downward pressure on prices. Weak gasoline futures reflected this trend, as a softening in market demand combined with abundant supply weighed heavily on sentiment. Additionally, global crude oil benchmarks showed volatility throughout the quarter, influenced by geopolitical tensions and inconsistent production levels from key oil-producing nations, which indirectly impacted MTBE production costs and pricing. Seasonal trends further exacerbated the situation, with winter months leading to decreased driving activity and, consequently, reduced gasoline demand. On the supply side, robust production levels by refineries and blending units resulted in an oversupplied market, while traders adopted a cautious stance, limiting spot purchases in anticipation of further price declines. This convergence of subdued demand, oversupply, and fluctuating upstream dynamics created a bearish environment for MTBE in the region, driving prices downward.
For the Quarter Ending September 2024
North America
In Q3 2024, Methyl Tert-Butyl Ether (MTBE) prices in the North America region experienced a significant decline, driven by various factors. The market witnessed a substantial decrease from the same quarter last year, reflecting a challenging pricing environment. In the context of Q3 2024, the region saw a further 3% decrease from the previous quarter, indicating a continued downward trend. The first and second half of the quarter also showed a notable decline in prices, emphasizing the sustained negative trajectory.
In the USA, where the most significant price changes were observed, MTBE prices plummeted to USD 910/MT FOB USGC by the end of the quarter. This decline was influenced by factors such as weak demand from downstream industries, oversupply in the market, and reduced consumption in the gasoline sector. Additionally, fluctuations in crude oil prices and geopolitical tensions added pressure to the pricing environment. Overall, the pricing environment for MTBE in Q3 2024 has been predominantly negative, characterized by a continuous decline in prices and challenging market conditions.
Asia-Pacific
In the third quarter of 2024, the Methyl Tert-Butyl Ether (MTBE) market in the APAC region experienced a significant decline in prices, with Singapore displaying the most notable changes. The market sentiment was predominantly negative, influenced by several key factors. Supply dynamics played a crucial role as the market grappled with oversupply issues, leading to downward pressure on prices. Decreased demand from the gasoline sector further exacerbated the price decline, as weak consumer interest and subdued market activity persisted. Additionally, global economic uncertainties and fluctuating crude oil prices contributed to the overall bearish trend in the MTBE market.
Singapore saw substantial price changes, reflecting the broader regional trend. The quarter recorded a significant decrease compared to the same period last year, highlighting the prolonged downward trajectory. Quarter-on-quarter, prices decreased by 3%, and with the second half of the quarter experiencing a drop compared to the first half. The quarter-ending price of USD 755/MT FOB Jurong in Singapore underscored the prevailing negative pricing environment for MTBE in the APAC region.
Europe
In the third quarter of 2024, the European Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether (MTBE) market continued to witness low trading activity and falling prices. This decline was primarily attributed to an oversupply in the market and limited consumption from downstream sectors.
Although there were efforts to stimulate demand by lowering prices, the market struggled to find a balance between supply and demand. Traders exhibited reduced enthusiasm for bulk trading in the region, reflecting a prevailing sense of weakness in market sentiment.
The overall market conditions were characterized by a surplus of supply and a subdued appetite for purchases, which further exerted downward pressure on prices. These circumstances highlight the ongoing difficulties in the European MTBE market, where attempts to drive demand have proven insufficient amidst an oversupplied market and lacklustre downstream consumption.
MEA
Throughout Q3 2024, the Methyl Tert-Butyl Ether (MTBE) market in the MEA region experienced a notable decline in prices, with Saudi Arabia showcasing the most significant changes. Various factors contributed to this downward trend, including weakened demand from the gasoline sector, reduced consumption due to shifting energy preferences, and lower urgency for MTBE purchases amidst a transition to alternative energy sources.
Additionally, increased natural gas production and robust gasoline output added to the supply-side pressure, further dampening market prices. The quarter saw a substantial -21% decrease from the same period last year, reflecting long-term pricing challenges.
Comparing to the previous quarter in 2024, the region recorded a 5% decline, with a notable 7% difference between the first and second halves of the quarter. Ultimately, the quarter ended with a price of USD 880/MT of MTBE FOB Al Jubail in Saudi Arabia, indicating a persistently negative pricing environment characterized by declining trends and subdued market conditions.
FAQs
1. What is the current price trend of Methyl Tert-Butyl Ether (MTBE)?
As of July 2025, the Methyl Tert-Butyl Ether (MTBE) Price Index shows bearish trends across most major regions. In North America, prices have softened due to ample inventories and weaker demand. Europe continues to see a gradual price decline amid sluggish market fundamentals. Meanwhile, in APAC, the market is under pressure from oversupply and cautious buying, also reflecting a downward price trajectory.
2. Who is the top Methyl Tert-Butyl Ether (MTBE) producers in the United States?
Key U.S. producers include LyondellBasell, Huntsman, and TPC Group, which supply domestic blenders and export markets.
3. What is the Methyl Tert-Butyl Ether (MTBE) Production Cost Trend in 2025?
In 2025, production cost trends were largely influenced by fluctuating feedstock methanol prices, energy cost volatility, and geopolitical developments impacting crude oil.
4. What is the Methyl Tert-Butyl Ether (MTBE) Demand Outlook for the coming months?
Demand is expected to rise marginally in Q3 due to seasonal travel, but macroeconomic pressures and environmental regulations may limit long-term growth, especially in Europe and APAC.
