For the Quarter Ending June 2026
n-Butylene Prices in North America
- In the United States, the n-Butylene Price Index rose quarter-over-quarter in Q2 2026, driven by rising producer input costs.
- n-Butylene production costs increased in June 2026, influenced by a 5.5% year-over-year rise in producer prices.
- Demand for n-Butylene strengthened in Q2 2026, supported by 6.9% year-over-year retail sales growth in May 2026.
- The n-Butylene Price Forecast suggests upward pressure from persistent 3.5% year-over-year consumer inflation in June 2026.
- Industrial production, a key n-Butylene demand driver, increased by 0.7% year-over-year in June 2026.
- New light-vehicle sales strengthened in June 2026, boosting n-Butylene demand for automotive applications.
- U.S. chemical exports rose in 2026, driven by global demand and Middle East/Asian production disruptions.
- Brent crude oil prices fell in May and June 2026, while natural gas prices were trimmed for Q2 2026.
Why did the price of n-Butylene change in June 2026 in North America?
- Producer prices rose 5.5% year-over-year in June 2026, increasing n-Butylene production costs.
- New light-vehicle sales strengthened in June 2026, boosting n-Butylene demand in the automotive sector.
- Brent crude oil prices fell in June 2026, easing some feedstock cost pressures for n-Butylene.
n-Butylene Prices in Europe
- In Germany, the n-Butylene Price Index rose quarter-over-quarter in Q2 2026, driven by elevated costs and supply constraints.
- In Europe, the n-Butylene prices settled at USD 1920/MT in June 2026.
- n-Butylene production costs increased in Q2 2026, influenced by a 2.2% rise in producer prices in May 2026.
- Naphtha feedstock costs fluctuated significantly in Q2 2026, surging then recovering by June.
- Overall n-Butylene demand outlook was mixed in Q2 2026, with the Manufacturing Index contracting in June.
- Automotive demand strengthened in May and June 2026, with new car registrations surging, supporting consumption.
- European cracker operating rates remained subdued in Q2 2026 due to margin pressures and a May outage.
- Trade flows for chemical feedstocks faced significant disruptions in Q2 2026, tightening naphtha and chemical imports.
- Consumer confidence declined in June 2026, dampening demand for n-Butylene derivatives in consumer goods.
- Industrial production was unchanged (0.0%) in May 2026, while retail sales increased by 1.8% in May.
Why did the price of n-Butylene change in June 2026 in Europe?
- Elevated naphtha feedstock costs and higher energy prices pressured n-Butylene production margins in Q2 2026.
- Subdued European cracker operating rates and an unplanned outage in May 2026 constrained regional n-Butylene supply.
- Mixed demand signals, including contracting industrial activity in June 2026, influenced market dynamics.
n-Butylene Prices in APAC
- In China, the n-Butylene Price Index remained stable quarter-over-quarter in Q2 2026, reflecting balanced market forces.
- n-Butylene production costs were influenced by crude oil prices, which collapsed through May and mid-June 2026.
- Industrial production in China increased 5.3% year-on-year in June 2026, supporting n-Butylene demand.
- Rising input costs, shown by a 4.1% PPI year-on-year in June 2026, impacted n-Butylene manufacturing profitability.
- Subdued consumer demand, with 1.0% CPI and retail sales growth in June 2026, limited n-Butylene end-use demand.
- China's Manufacturing Index expanded in June 2026, indicating growth in industrial activity for n-Butylene applications.
- High polymer inventories in China during April 2026 led to increased exports of commodity chemicals and plastics.
- Automotive exports surged in June 2026, stabilizing demand for n-Butylene derivatives in the industry.
- The n-Butylene price forecast suggests stability, balancing industrial growth with moderated consumer spending in Q2 2026.
- Manufacturing raw materials inventories declined in April and June 2026, affecting n-Butylene supply chain dynamics.
Why did the price of n-Butylene change in June 2026 in APAC?
- Crude oil prices collapsed through May and mid-June 2026, influencing n-Butylene production costs in APAC.
- China's industrial production grew 5.3% year-on-year in June 2026, bolstering n-Butylene demand in the region.
- Subdued retail sales growth of 1.0% year-on-year in June 2026 tempered overall consumer-driven n-Butylene demand.
For the Quarter Ending March 2026
n-Butylene Prices in North America
- In United States, the n-Butylene Price Index rose quarter-over-quarter in Q1 2026, driven by surging crude oil costs.
- The n-Butylene Production Cost Trend increased in March 2026 as CPI reached 3.3% and PPI hit 4.0%.
- The Manufacturing Index expanded and industrial production grew 0.7% in March 2026, supporting steady n-Butylene derivative consumption.
- Retail sales rose 4.0% while unemployment remained at 4.3% in March 2026, sustaining baseline n-Butylene packaging demand.
- Consumer confidence reached 91.8 in March 2026, ensuring a stable n-Butylene Demand Outlook for automotive and household goods.
- United States refining capacity contracted during Q1 2026, tightening the fluid catalytic cracking output of n-Butylene supplies.
- United States butane export shipments strengthened in February 2026, drawing domestic feedstock away from domestic n-Butylene production.
- The n-Butylene Price Forecast trended higher in March 2026 because polyethylene production remained constrained amid international shortages.
Why did the price of n-Butylene change in March 2026 in North America?
- Global crude oil benchmarks and naphtha feedstock costs surged significantly during March 2026, elevating production expenses.
- United States polyethylene export demand strengthened in March 2026, driving higher co-monomer n-Butylene consumption rates.
- United States liquefied petroleum gas export volumes increased in January 2026, limiting domestic n-Butylene feedstock availability.
n-Butylene Prices in Europe
- In Germany, the n-Butylene Price Index rose quarter-over-quarter in Q1 2026, driven by surging naphtha costs.
- The n-Butylene Production Cost Trend increased in March 2026 as Germany's CPI rose 2.7% year-over-year.
- Despite the rising n-Butylene Price Index, Germany's producer price index declined 0.2% in March 2026.
- The n-Butylene Demand Outlook strengthened as Germany's manufacturing index expanded steadily during March 2026.
- Industrial production remained stagnant at 0.0% in February 2026, though regional automotive production strengthened simultaneously.
- Retail sales grew 0.7% in February 2026, supporting the n-Butylene Demand Outlook for consumer packaging.
- Tightened supply from plummeted Middle East exports in March 2026 drove an upward n-Butylene Price Forecast.
- Naphtha feedstock and crude oil prices surged in March 2026, directly elevating n-Butylene production expenses.
Why did the price of n-Butylene change in March 2026 in Europe?
- Naphtha feedstock and crude oil prices surged in March 2026, significantly increasing baseline production expenses.
- Petrochemical supply tightened as regional plants curbed production and declared force majeures in March 2026.
- Polyethylene derivative demand strengthened in March 2026, supporting higher consumption of essential chemical intermediate materials.
n-Butylene Prices in APAC
- In China, the n-Butylene Price Index rose quarter-over-quarter in Q1 2026, driven by severe feedstock supply disruptions.
- During March 2026, retail sales grew 1.7% year-over-year and CPI increased 1.0%, limiting downstream n-Butylene Demand Outlook.
- The n-Butylene Production Cost Trend surged in March 2026 as the Producer Price Index increased 0.5% year-over-year.
- Industrial production grew 5.7% year-over-year and the Manufacturing Index expanded in March 2026, supporting overall n-Butylene consumption.
- In March 2026, unemployment reached 5.4% and February 2026 consumer confidence hit 91.6, weakening n-Butylene packaging demand.
- Naphtha import flows faced severe disruptions in March 2026, impacting the n-Butylene Price Forecast during the quarter.
- Crude oil prices surged in early 2026, while naphtha inventories faced heightened depletion risks in March 2026.
- Construction real estate investment weakened in January 2026, further suppressing the overall n-Butylene Price Index market growth.
Why did the price of n-Butylene change in March 2026 in APAC?
- Naphtha and LPG feedstock costs faced simultaneous upward pressure in March 2026 from shipping disruptions.
- Regional naphtha-based crackers faced severe supply tightness and forced closures across Asia in March 2026.
- Downstream polymer and chemical demand in China remained structurally weak during January 2026 amid oversupply.
For the Quarter Ending December 2025
n-Butylene Prices in North America
- In United States, the n-Butylene Price Index rose quarter-over-quarter in Q4 2025, driven by robust industrial production.
- n-Butylene production costs increased in Q4 2025, influenced by a 2.7% CPI rise in December 2025.
- n-Butylene demand strengthened in Q4 2025, supported by a 2.0% industrial production increase in December 2025.
- n-Butylene Price Forecast indicates upward pressure from tightening global oil supply in November and December 2025.
- Retail sales increased by 3.3% in November 2025, bolstering demand for n-Butylene derivatives.
- Global oil inventories expanded in November and December 2025, potentially moderating future n-Butylene prices.
- US dry natural gas production robustly increased in October 2025, impacting n-Butylene feedstock costs.
- A 4.4% unemployment rate in December 2025 supported consumer spending, boosting n-Butylene demand.
- Rising input costs, indicated by a 3.0% PPI increase in November 2025, pressured n-Butylene production.
Why did the price of n-Butylene change in December 2025 in North America?
- Rising input costs, with a 3.0% PPI increase in November 2025, pressured n-Butylene production.
- Stronger consumer spending, from a 3.3% retail sales increase in November 2025, boosted n-Butylene demand.
- Tightening global oil supply in November and December 2025 impacted feedstock availability and costs.
n-Butylene Prices in APAC
- In China, the n-Butylene Price Index fell quarter-over-quarter in Q4 2025, influenced by weak consumer demand.
- Consumer Price Index rose 0.8% year-on-year in December 2025, indicating subdued consumer spending.
- Industrial Production expanded 5.2% year-on-year in December 2025, supporting n-Butylene industrial demand.
- The Manufacturing Index expanded in December 2025, signaling manufacturing sector growth, aiding n-Butylene demand.
- Producer Price Index declined -1.9% year-on-year in December 2025, reflecting weak industrial pricing.
- Retail Sales growth was 0.9% year-on-year in December 2025, dampening end-user demand.
- The 5.1% unemployment rate in December 2025 contributed to reduced consumer purchasing power.
- Cooled consumer sentiment during Q4 2025 indirectly impacted demand for various consumer goods utilizing n-Butylene.
- General industrial input costs experienced downward pressure in December 2025, indicated by -1.9% year-on-year PPI.
- The n-Butylene Price Index outlook remained challenged by weak consumer and industrial demand in Q4 2025.
Why did the price of n-Butylene change in December 2025 in APAC?
- Weak consumer demand, with CPI at 0.8% year-on-year, pressured n-Butylene prices.
- Declining Producer Price Index of -1.9% year-on-year indicated weak industrial pricing.
- Subdued consumer purchasing power, reflected by 5.1% unemployment, dampened market demand.
n-Butylene Prices in Europe
- In Germany, the n-Butylene Price Index fell quarter-over-quarter in Q4 2025, due to weak industrial demand and producer price deflation in December 2025.
- n-Butylene production costs were influenced by sharply rising European natural gas futures during Q4 2025.
- Naphtha feedstock price hikes lost momentum in late December 2025, impacting n-Butylene production costs.
- The n-Butylene demand outlook was dampened by a contracting Manufacturing Index in December 2025.
- Consumer confidence remained pessimistic at -17.5 in December 2025, affecting n-Butylene end-use demand.
- Industrial production increased modestly by 0.8% year-on-year in October 2025, limiting n-Butylene demand.
- German chemical industry domestic and export orders trended weak in Q4 2025, impacting n-Butylene demand.
- High unemployment at 6.2% in December 2025 reduced consumer spending for n-Butylene derivatives.
- European refining margins surged in Q4 2025, influencing n-Butylene supply economics.
- Global oil inventories rose to four-year highs in October 2025, continuing to rise in December 2025.
Why did the price of n-Butylene change in December 2025 in Europe?
- Weak industrial demand, evidenced by a contracting Manufacturing Index in December 2025.
- Producer price deflation of -2.5% year-on-year in December 2025 indicated a challenging pricing environment.
- High unemployment at 6.2% in December 2025 reduced consumer purchasing power.
For the Quarter Ending September 2025
n-Butylene Prices in North America
- In the U.S., the n-Butylene Price Index eased slightly quarter-over-quarter as downstream polymer and chemical consumption moderated.
- Average n-Butylene pricing across key Gulf Coast hubs reflected stable contractual settlements under steady domestic supply conditions.
- The n-Butylene Spot Price traded within a narrow band due to balanced refinery-petrochemical integration and limited export pull.
- n-Butylene Demand Outlook softened marginally as coatings, solvents, and elastomer units ran at conservative rates amid seasonal slowdowns.
- n-Butylene Production Cost Trend moved modestly lower, supported by steady feedstock values and improved utility efficiency at integrated plants.
- n-Butylene Price Forecast points toward limited fluctuations in the near term as neither feedstock swings nor major supply disruptions are expected.
- Inventory conditions across storage terminals and pipelines kept the n-Butylene Price Index contained by preventing short-term scarcity premiums.
- High operating reliability at major U.S. producers curbed volatility and restricted any notable upward pressure on regional prices.
Why did the price of n-Butylene change in September 2025 in the USA?
- Moderately softer downstream consumption reduced immediate buying momentum, putting gentle downward pressure on U.S. n-Butylene values.
- Stable feedstock costs and predictable refinery operations kept production economics steady, limiting any upside movements.
- Adequate inventories and limited export arbitrage maintained a balanced market, keeping the Price Index from rising.
n-Butylene Prices in Europe
- In Europe, the n-Butylene Price Index declined marginally quarter-over-quarter amid muted requirements from downstream polymer and solvent sectors.
- Average n-Butylene pricing across Northwest Europe and the Mediterranean followed stable trading indications within established regional benchmarks.
- The n-Butylene Spot Price stayed rangebound due to well-balanced supply across refineries and limited arbitrage into overseas markets.
- n-Butylene Demand Outlook softened slightly as converters and downstream manufacturers operated at lower seasonal throughput.
- n-Butylene Production Cost Trend shifted modestly downward with consistent feedstock inputs and efficient energy utilization.
- The n-Butylene Price Forecast points to restrained movement as neither feedstock volatility nor major logistic disruptions are anticipated.
- Adequate terminal inventories and reliable cross-border distribution networks kept the n-Butylene Price Index from experiencing significant upward pressure.
- Stable operations at key European producers minimized market volatility, reducing the likelihood of abrupt price swings.
Why did the price of n-Butylene change in September 2025 in Europe?
- Softer downstream purchasing and orderly plant operations eased demand-side pressure, tempering the regional Price Index.
- Steady feedstock markets supported predictable cost structures, helping contain price movement.
- Sufficient storage levels and reduced export opportunities limited potential price recovery, keeping values subdued.
n-Butylene Prices in APAC
- In India, the n-Butylene Price Index fell by 0.73% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting marginally softer domestic demand.
- The average n-Butylene price for the quarter was approximately USD 1113.50/MT on regional delivered terms.
- n-Butylene Spot Price remained rangebound due to balanced local supply and limited export arbitrage opportunities.
- n-Butylene Demand Outlook weakened slightly as downstream polymer and solvent consumption slowed during monsoon maintenance.
- n-Butylene Production Cost Trend was lower driven by stable feedstock naphtha prices and reduced utilities.
- n-Butylene Price Forecast signals subdued near-term movement absent major feedstock or export demand disruptions changes.
- Inventory kept n-Butylene Price Index pressure contained as port stocks and pipeline flows remained adequate.
- Major producer operating rates were stable, limiting volatility and reducing immediate upward pressure on prices.
Why did the price of n-Butylene change in September 2025 in APAC?
- Seasonal maintenance reduced downstream consumption slightly, easing short-term demand and tempering regional Price Index increases.
- Stable feedstock naphtha costs moderated production costs, supporting margins and limiting upward Price Index pressure.
- Port inventories and constrained export arbitrage reduced immediate outlet options, keeping n-Butylene Price Index subdued.
