For the Quarter Ending June 2025
North America
• The North American N-Propanol market remained broadly stable throughout Q2 2025, as evidenced by a steady Price Index during the period.
• Demand from major downstream sectors—including paints and coatings, pharmaceuticals, and personal care—remained moderate. Seasonal delays in construction and renovation activity, particularly in early spring, led to subdued consumption of coatings and related products.
• Supply-side conditions were well balanced, with domestic production aligning closely with consumption requirements. Inventory levels were adequately maintained, and there were no significant disruptions across the supply chain.
• Logistical and infrastructure-related challenges at key export terminals caused intermittent delays, but these disruptions were not substantial enough to materially impact overall market stability.
• Market sentiment remained cautious, with buyers adopting a conservative procurement approach in light of limited cost pressures from upstream raw materials. As a result, restocking activity remained restrained, further supporting overall price stability.
Why did the price of N Propanol change in July 2025 in North America?
• In July 2025, the N-Propanol Price Index in North America remained stable, supported by a continued balance between supply and demand fundamentals.
• Although feedstock and transportation costs remained elevated, their impact on overall production costs was minimal, thanks to steady plant operating rates and manageable inventory levels.
• Demand across key end-use industries—particularly industrial coatings and personal care—remained subdued, contributing to limited upward pricing pressure.
• Market forecasts indicate that N-Propanol prices are likely to remain within a narrow range unless a significant rebound in consumption materializes, especially from sectors such as construction, automotive, or pharmaceuticals.
APAC
• The N-Propanol Spot Price in South Korea declined by 1.69% quarter-over-quarter in Q2 2025, as indicated by a downward shift in the Price Index.
• Prices trended downward from April to June, primarily driven by subdued demand from downstream sectors such as construction, paints, and coatings, despite stable upstream ethylene costs.
• Sufficient inventories and consistent domestic production helped maintain a balanced supply environment, preventing supply-side disruptions across the quarter.
• High freight costs and fluctuating tariff-related import prices added pressure on margins, leading to conservative procurement behavior among buyers.
• Despite minor improvements in automotive demand and new construction contracts in June, overall market sentiment remained cautious and price-sensitive throughout the quarter.
Why did the price of N-Propanol change in July 2025 in Asia?
• In July 2025, the N-Propanol Price Index in South Korea remained stable due to better alignment between supply and demand, even as feedstock costs like ethylene showed an upward trend.
• The N-Propanol Production Cost Trend saw modest cost pressures from feedstocks and labor, though these were largely offset by steady operating rates and sufficient inventories.
• The N-Propanol Demand Outlook remained subdued, particularly from the construction sector, which continued to struggle with slow project completion and weak investment flows.
• The N-Propanol Price Forecast indicates continued price stability in the near term, with limited upside unless construction and industrial demand rebound meaningfully.
Europe
• The N-Propanol Spot Price in Europe exhibited a slight decline over Q2 2025, as reflected in a modest reduction in the regional Price Index.
• Downstream demand remained tepid, particularly across key sectors such as paints and coatings, industrial cleaning, pharmaceuticals, and chemical intermediates. This was largely driven by sluggish manufacturing activity and continued macroeconomic uncertainty across the region.
• Supply-side conditions were stable, with domestic production broadly aligned with consumption. Despite elevated energy and logistics costs, no major disruptions were reported in the supply chain.
• Upstream cost pressures—stemming from higher prices of feedstocks like ethylene and propylene, as well as rising utility expenses—did exert some strain on producers, but these were largely offset by steady plant operations and well-managed inventory levels.
• Buyer behavior remained cautious, with many end-users opting to rely on existing inventories rather than placing forward orders. This conservative approach to procurement contributed to a generally subdued trading environment throughout the quarter.
Why did the price of N Propanol change in July 2025 in Europe?
• In July 2025, the N-Propanol Price Index in Europe remained largely range-bound, with stable supply-demand dynamics and no major market disruptions influencing price volatility.
• Production cost pressures stemming from elevated raw material and energy expenses persisted, though their impact on spot pricing was mitigated by steady operating rates and sufficient inventory levels across the region.
• Downstream demand continued to underperform, particularly within the coatings, pharmaceutical, and chemical sectors, reflecting ongoing stagnation in industrial activity across key European economies.
• The near-term price outlook remains subdued, with limited upside potential unless a marked recovery is observed in core industrial sectors such as automotive coatings, infrastructure, and construction.
For the Quarter Ending March 2025
North America
In Q1 2025, the North American N-Propanol market exhibited largely stable pricing, reflecting steady but restrained demand from the downstream paints and coatings sector. Despite early optimism, the construction and renovation segments, key consumers of coatings faced a slow start to the year due to persistent winter weather across parts of the U.S. and Canada, which delayed outdoor and infrastructure-related activity.
As a result, offtakes of N-Propanol, a primary solvent in coatings formulations, remained moderate. Demand for industrial coatings saw slight improvement in March with seasonal activity beginning to pick up, particularly in the southern U.S., but decorative coatings demand stayed subdued amid cautious consumer spending.
On the supply side, domestic production remained balanced with consumption. Producers maintained stable operating rates, and no major supply disruptions were reported. Inventories were adequately managed, with most suppliers avoiding overstocking. Although energy and logistics costs remained elevated, they had limited impact on N-Propanol pricing. The market heads into Q2 with expectations of gradual demand recovery tied to construction season momentum.
EUROPE
In Q1 2025, the N-Propanol market in Europe experienced stable to slightly declining price trends, reflecting a cautious demand environment in the downstream paints and coatings sector. While the European construction industry showed early but uneven signs of recovery—most notably in the UK, Nordics, and select regions of France—growth in decorative and industrial coatings demand remained moderate, limiting any significant uptick in N-Propanol consumption.
Supply across Europe remained steady, though some producers faced logistical challenges and elevated energy costs, particularly in January and February. These factors contributed to restrained inventory movement, though there was no widespread disruption in availability.
By March, construction and refurbishment activities began to recover modestly as temperatures rose. However, downstream purchasing behaviour remained conservative, with buyers avoiding bulk procurement due to uncertain near-term market direction. Despite stable demand for eco-friendly and fast-drying coatings, price pressure persisted due to balanced supply and soft market sentiment. The outlook heading into Q2 remains neutral, with hopes pinned on broader construction sector momentum.
APAC
In the first quarter of 2025, the APAC n-propanol market witnessed a 2.26% decline in prices, largely attributed to softened downstream demand and buyer caution across the region. In key markets like South Korea, buyers in the chemical and paints sectors adopted conservative procurement strategies, favouring existing inventories over new purchases. This cautious stance created a surplus in supply and limited the pricing power of producers.
Manufacturers maintained steady production amid stable raw material availability and uninterrupted logistics but declining new order intakes forced firms to rely on finished stockpiles, contributing to oversupply. Additionally, lower shipping costs due to a 6% drop in Drewry’s Intra-Asia Container Index improved import affordability, adding further pressure on regional prices.
The lack of strong restocking activity and subdued client sentiment reflected broader economic caution, leading to reduced output and employment levels across the manufacturing sector. These dynamics collectively contributed to the downward pressure on Formic Acid prices across the APAC region during the first quarter.
For the Quarter Ending December 2024
North America
In the fourth quarter of 2024, N-Propanol prices in North America moderated, reflecting a balance between stable supply and more cautious demand from downstream industries. As the year came to a close, many sectors that rely on N-Propanol, such as pharmaceuticals, coatings, and personal care products, adopted a more conservative approach to inventory management in anticipation of the holiday season and New Year. While there was some seasonal demand in preparation for year-end sales, overall activity in these industries slowed, which contributed to a stabilization in prices.
New Year sales did not have a substantial impact on N-Propanol prices in the final quarter. Instead, businesses focused more on adjusting their stock levels rather than making significant purchases. This cautious approach to buying, combined with limited production increases, led to more moderate pricing throughout the period.
On the supply side, production levels remained stable, with both domestic manufacturers and international suppliers ensuring steady availability. The stable supply, along with reduced purchasing activity from downstream industries, helped keep prices relatively flat. As a result, N-Propanol prices in North America experienced a period of moderation in the fourth quarter of 2024, driven by steady supply and tempered demand from key sectors.
APAC
In the fourth quarter of 2024, N-Propanol prices in Asia showed a mixed trend, with notable regional variations. In China, N-Propanol prices increased in November, driven by a combination of rising demand from downstream industries and supply chain adjustments. The demand spike was particularly noticeable in the coatings, pharmaceuticals, and personal care sectors, which tend to experience increased activity before the New Year. The preparation for year-end sales and holiday demand led to more significant purchasing, contributing to the price increase in November.
On the other hand, South Korea saw a slight decrease in N-Propanol prices throughout the quarter. This trend was largely due to more subdued demand from key downstream industries, as many businesses focused on inventory management and reducing stockpiles in anticipation of slower activity during the New Year period. Additionally, some production slowdowns in sectors like automotive and consumer goods, which are significant consumers of N-Propanol, kept demand relatively stable but not high enough to support price hikes.
The supply side remained balanced, with steady production from local suppliers and continued imports meeting regional demand. Overall, while China saw an uptick in prices due to strong downstream activity in November, South Korea’s prices trended downward due to weaker demand, leading to a mixed pricing trend for N-Propanol in Asia during the fourth quarter of 2024.
Europe
In the fourth quarter of 2024, N-Propanol prices in Europe experienced a slight decrease, influenced by a mix of demand trends and supply conditions. As the year came to a close, many downstream industries, such as coatings, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics, began to scale back production in preparation for the holiday season and New Year. This seasonal slowdown typically results in lower demand for raw materials like N-Propanol, contributing to a softening of prices.
New Year sales did not lead to significant changes in the N-Propanol market. While there was some increase in consumer demand for products like personal care items and cleaning agents, businesses in the downstream industries were more focused on managing inventory rather than making large purchases of raw materials. This cautious purchasing behavior kept demand for N-Propanol relatively stable, but not enough to push prices higher.
On the supply side, production levels in Europe remained steady, and imports from key global suppliers were consistent, ensuring a balanced market. The availability of N-Propanol was adequate to meet the reduced demand, preventing any significant price fluctuations. As a result, N-Propanol prices in Europe saw a slight decrease in the fourth quarter of 2024, driven by tempered demand from downstream industries and stable supply conditions.
For the Quarter Ending September 2024
North America
Throughout Q3 2024, n-Propanol prices in North America remained stable, reflecting a balanced market with moderate supply and subdued demand. This stability was influenced by several factors, including weak buying interest, lackluster demand from downstream industries, and slow trading activity. Existing stock levels were sufficient to meet domestic needs, leading businesses to adopt a cautious approach to inventory replenishment. Despite some improvements in the construction sector and other solvent-related industries, overall demand for n-Propanol remained muted.
These elements combined to create a consistent pricing environment, with prices holding steady despite the market’s challenges. As a result, companies were careful in their purchasing decisions, mirroring the cautious sentiment that dominated the region.
While certain sectors displayed signs of recovery, the broader outlook for n-Propanol demand continued to reflect a wait-and-see attitude among manufacturers and suppliers. This cautious approach contributed to the overall stability in pricing, as enterprises opted to proceed with restraint rather than engage in aggressive purchasing amid uncertainty in the market.
APAC
In Q3 2024, the APAC region witnessed a notable increase in n-Propanol prices, driven by a confluence of factors shaping market dynamics. Elevated demand from downstream industries, particularly in solvents and cosmetics, played a pivotal role in driving up prices. Additionally, supply constraints and logistical challenges, such as port congestion, contributed to the price surge. China, experiencing the most significant price changes, saw a steady uptrend in n-Propanol prices. At the end of August, the trading activity improved, and positive buying sentiments also contributed to upward trend. The overall trend in the region indicated a positive sentiment, with a 2% increase from the same quarter last year. Moreover, prices surged by 4% from the previous quarter in 2024, reflecting the growing market demand. A price comparison between the first and second half of the quarter revealed a 3% increase, showcasing the consistent upward trajectory. The quarter-ending price stood at USD 1140/MT of n-Propanol FOB-Qingdao in China, underscoring the prevailing bullish pricing environment in the APAC region.
Europe
In Q3 2024, n-Propanol prices in the European region experienced a notable decline due to several critical factors. The prevailing trend of decreasing prices was primarily influenced by rising global logistics costs. Disruptions in the Red Sea region significantly contributed to these increased expenses, as ongoing conflicts resulted in severe port congestion, equipment shortages, and higher operational costs. These logistical challenges created a ripple effect on supply chains, leading to delays and interruptions that amplified market volatility. With shipping routes becoming less reliable, the availability of n-Propanol was further constrained, complicating the pricing landscape.
Additionally, concerns over supply stability impacted market sentiment, contributing to price fluctuations. Manufacturers faced the challenge of navigating these complexities while managing their production schedules, which fostered an overall bearish outlook in the market. This combination of geopolitical factors and logistical disruptions ultimately led to a decrease in n-Propanol prices in Europe during this period, highlighting the intricate interdependencies within global supply chains.
FAQS
1. What is the current price of N-Propanol?
Prices vary across regions, with North America and Europe experiencing stable to slightly declining trends, while APAC shows subdued but steady pricing as of July 2025. Market fundamentals remain balanced, limiting significant volatility.
2. Who are the top N-Propanol producers in Europe?
Leading producers in the European N-Propanol market include BASF, OQ Chemicals, and LyondellBasell. These companies maintain significant market share through integrated production capabilities and consistent supply networks.
3. What is the N-Propanol Price Forecast for Q3 2025?
The forecast suggests continued range-bound movement across key markets, with limited upside expected unless a stronger rebound emerges in construction, automotive, or industrial coatings demand.
4. How is the N-Propanol Production Cost Trend impacting global prices?
Rising feedstock (ethylene/propylene) and utility costs are putting upward pressure on production expenses. However, steady operating rates and moderate inventories have so far mitigated significant impacts on global spot prices.
