For the Quarter Ending June 2025
North America (USA)
• The N-Propyl Acetate Price Index averaged USD 1,464/MT FOB Louisiana in Q2 2025, softening as coatings and adhesives demand slowed alongside muted industrial activity.
• The N-Propyl Acetate Spot Price reflected subdued restocking, with buyers relying on long-term contracts and delaying discretionary purchases amid stable ethanol and acetic acid inputs.
• Why did the price change in July 2025?
• Prices are projected to decrease slightly, driven by steady feedstock costs, high inventories, and tepid demand from the construction and automotive coatings sectors.
• The N-Propyl Acetate Production Cost Trend remained steady through Q2, with energy and logistics costs under control despite weaker demand.
• The N-Propyl Acetate Demand Outlook is bearish into Q3 2025, with adhesives and coatings activity showing seasonal softness while export-linked flows remain modest.
Europe (Germany)
• The N-Propyl Acetate Price Index averaged USD 1,333/MT FD Hamburg in Q2 2025, rising on firmer freight and tighter Asian supply, even as eurozone coatings demand remained weak.
• The N-Propyl Acetate Spot Price held firm, with most buyers limiting restocking to essential volumes due to cautious sentiment in Germany’s industrial and construction-linked sectors.
• Why did the price change in July 2025?
• Prices are projected to stay firm or edge up, supported by rising replacement costs and limited Asian export availability, despite continued demand fragility in construction and automotive sectors.
• The N-Propyl Acetate Production Cost Trend rose slightly as higher freight surcharges and ethanol adjustments pressured producer margins.
• The N-Propyl Acetate Demand Outlook is neutral, with Italy and France continuing to provide export support while domestic demand remains weak.
Asia-Pacific (China)
• The N-Propyl Acetate Price Index averaged USD 1,017/MT FOB Qingdao in Q2 2025, declining as export demand from India and Southeast Asia weakened, and domestic coatings activity slowed.
• The N-Propyl Acetate Spot Price reflected bearish sentiment, with producers trimming operating rates to manage inventories while downstream buyers procured only for immediate needs.
• Why did the price change in July 2025?
• Prices are projected to stabilize or recover slightly, driven by anticipated restocking from India and South Korea and firmer acetic acid feedstock costs despite soft methanol.
• The N-Propyl Acetate Production Cost Trend remained stable but is expected to rise modestly into Q3 as acetic acid prices strengthen.
• The N-Propyl Acetate Demand Outlook is steady-to-cautious, supported by expected restocking for Q3 packaging and coatings, though textile and dye-linked demand will stay muted.
For the Quarter Ending March 2025
North America
The U.S. N-Propyl Acetate market experienced a gradual downtrend throughout Q1 2025, shaped by a persistent imbalance between ample supply and sluggish demand. After a stable close to 2024, prices softened steadily across the first quarter of 2025, largely due to lower feedstock costs and reduced offtake from downstream segments. Feedstock acetic acid prices dropped significantly, providing some production cost relief, but this failed to stimulate market activity. End-user sentiment remained cautious as high interest rates, labor cost inflation, and tariff uncertainties on raw material imports dampened momentum in key applications such as coatings and adhesives.
On the supply side, domestic production levels remained adequate but were strategically trimmed to align with the weak demand outlook. Manufacturers adjusted output and maintained lean inventories to manage margin pressures. Although logistical conditions improved and imports flowed smoothly, oversupply conditions persisted.
Demand from construction-related coatings, printing inks, and packaging remained below expectations due to elevated building material costs and project delays. Despite modest support from the pharmaceutical and industrial sectors, overall procurement remained need based. With muted demand and no major cost-side disruptions, N-Propyl Acetate prices closed Q1 on a bearish note and are expected to remain under pressure moving into Q2 2025.
APAC
The N-Propyl Acetate market in China exhibited a firm-to-stable trend throughout Q1 2025, with prices showing a mild rise in January followed by a gradual softening toward March. This movement reflected the market’s response to reduced operating rates, steady demand from key downstream sectors, and moderate fluctuations in feedstock values.
Production during the quarter remained largely consistent, with minor adjustments across key facilities. Some producers lowered capacity utilization, while others modestly increased output, keeping overall supply balanced. Although feedstock acetic acid and propanol prices remained weak, they offered sufficient cost stability to avoid significant shifts in production economics.
Demand from the coatings, inks, and industrial solvents sectors held steady, supporting regular procurement patterns. The printing and packaging industries maintained their consumption pace, while seasonal demand from paints offered additional support during the early part of the quarter. Despite some caution in market sentiment, stable transaction volumes helped prevent price erosion.
Looking ahead, with downstream consumption likely to remain consistent and no major supply disruptions anticipated, N-Propyl Acetate prices are expected to continue a stable-to-firm trajectory into early Q2 2025.
Europe
The N-Propyl Acetate market in Germany remained under pressure through Q1 2025, with prices largely stable after a marginal recovery in February. Despite a slight upward trend mid-quarter, weak downstream demand and ample supply continued to weigh on the market. Compared to the same period last year, price levels remained significantly lower, reflecting a broader downtrend driven by soft consumption and persistent overcapacity in key application sectors.
Production across domestic plants remained stable, supported by steady feedstock availability and normalized logistics. Declining freight rates from North America improved import competitiveness, though demand-side pull remained insufficient to shift market sentiment. No major supply disruptions were reported, and stock levels stayed balanced.
Demand from end-use sectors such as paints, coatings, and adhesives remained sluggish, particularly due to ongoing weakness in Germany's construction and manufacturing sectors. High borrowing costs, lower project initiations, and inflation dampened procurement activity. With no substantial signs of recovery in industrial consumption, the market is expected to stay soft, with cautious optimism for moderate improvement heading into Q2 2025.
For the Quarter Ending December 2024
North America
In Q4 2024, N-propyl Acetate prices in the USA remained range bound, holding around USD 1545-1645 per metric ton FOB Louisiana, despite sluggish downstream demand from the paints, coatings, and personal care sectors.
Ample supply levels balanced the market, even as end-user purchasing power remained constrained. While attempts to reduce prices had minimal impact, upstream methanol prices showed upward momentum due to anticipated increases in Methanex's monthly contract pricing. However, weak methanol demand and elevated shipping costs limited significant price hikes for the feedstock. Manufacturing activity faced pressure as key downstream industries, including construction and automotive, exhibited subdued performance. Chemical producers, such as Celanese, implemented cost-cutting measures and temporary shutdowns to align with reduced demand.
Despite stable supply conditions, the U.S. construction sector, a major consumer of N-propyl Acetate in coatings, remained slow, with residential activity facing ongoing challenges from high interest rates and affordability issues. While builder optimism improved slightly, reflecting regulatory relief expectations post-election, overall construction activity stayed below prior-year levels. Looking ahead, market participants express cautious optimism for a potential recovery in 2025, driven by regulatory shifts and improved sentiment in downstream industries. However, persistent supply-demand imbalances and subdued global economic conditions are likely to keep price growth moderate in the near term.
APAC
In Q4 2024, the N-propyl Acetate market in China experienced mixed price trends, with overall declines driven by weak downstream demand, high inventory levels, and reduced production capacity due to shutdowns and lower utilization rates. Prices briefly rebounded in late November, supported by production halts in Shandong and modest improvements in demand, before stabilizing in December at around USD 1085-1250 per MT FOB Qingdao. Manufacturing activity remained steady, with stable plant operations and government stimulus measures supporting output, although oversupply and subdued foreign sales limited market recovery. Downstream demand from the paints, coatings, and construction sectors stayed weak, reflecting cautious purchasing behaviour and sluggish real estate activity despite ongoing stimulus measures. While higher upstream acetic acid costs could create some upward price pressure, weak trading activity and a cautious market sentiment are expected to keep the N-propyl Acetate market in a state of consolidation, with supply-demand imbalances persisting into 2025. Looking ahead, the market faces potential upward price pressure from higher upstream acetic acid costs, but weak downstream demand and cautious trading sentiment will likely limit significant price growth.
Europe
In Q4 2024, N-propyl Acetate prices in Germany showed a consistent declining trend, primarily driven by lower feedstock acetic acid prices, oversupply, and weak demand from the construction sector. Prices were further pressured by subdued downstream activity in applications like paints and coatings, exacerbated by a significant contraction in the construction industry. Residential construction saw persistent weakness, while commercial activity faced its sharpest decline in months, and civil engineering posted moderate reductions. Rising costs, logistical challenges, and high interest rates continued to weigh heavily on market sentiment. Manufacturing activity in Germany and the broader Eurozone remained under pressure, with the key indexes indicating ongoing contraction. Stable plant operations and steady import flows ensured sufficient supply, but oversupply and weak new orders reflected the broader economic slowdown. Business confidence showed some improvement late in the quarter, though supply-side constraints and reduced purchasing activity limited recovery. Looking ahead, the construction sector's challenges, including high material costs and geopolitical uncertainties, are expected to persist, delaying significant recovery until 2025. Although higher upstream methanol prices may create upward pressure on production costs, weak downstream demand and cautious market activity are likely to keep N-propyl Acetate prices subdued in the short term.
For the Quarter Ending September 2024
North America
Throughout Q3 2024, n-Propyl Acetate prices in North America witnessed a mixed trends with gradual increase in second half of Quarter, with the USA experiencing the most significant price changes. This quarter has been characterized by a shift towards higher prices, driven by various factors.
Adequate supply and increased demand from downstream industries, particularly construction, played a crucial role in pushing prices upwards. The stable feedstock prices, coupled with rising demand, created a positive pricing environment. The correlation between market trends and seasonality indicated a favorable outlook for n-Propyl Acetate prices. Compared to the same quarter last year, prices saw a notable -33% decrease, reflecting the resilience and recovery of the market.
In contrast, the quarter-on-quarter change in 2024 showed a positive 0.4% increase, highlighting the ongoing upward trajectory. Notably, the price comparison between the first and second half of the quarter revealed a marginal 1% increase, underlining the consistent growth trend. As Q3 2024 drew to a close, the latest price for n-Propyl Acetate in the USA stood at USD 1640/MT FOB Louisiana, signaling a stable and promising market outlook.
APAC
In Q3 2024, the n-Propyl Acetate pricing landscape in the APAC region has been characterized by an overall uptrend, driven by a combination of factors. Increased demand from various industries, particularly in the construction and coatings sectors, has played a significant role in bolstering market prices. Additionally, supply constraints and production facility maintenance have contributed to the tightening of supply, further pushing prices upwards. China, in particular, has experienced the most substantial price changes within the region. The market has witnessed a consistent increase in prices, reflecting a positive trend for n-Propyl Acetate. Seasonal variations and improved economic conditions have also influenced these price hikes. Comparing to the same quarter last year, the current quarter's prices have seen a notable recovery with a 13% increase from the preceding quarter in 2024. The price comparison between the first and second half of the quarter shows a significant 12% increase, indicating a strong upward trajectory in pricing dynamics. As the quarter culminated, the latest price for n-Propyl Acetate stood at USD 1088/MT FOB Qingdao in China, showcasing a steady and robust pricing environment with positive growth prospects.
Europe
In Q3 2024, the n-Propyl Acetate market in Europe witnessed a significant decline in prices, with Germany experiencing the most notable changes. This decline was primarily influenced by factors such as ample stock levels, weak demand from the construction sector, and lower import prices from China. The bearish market sentiment was further exacerbated by stable domestic production, reduced shipping costs from Asia, and lower natural gas prices, which decreased production costs. The overall trend in the European market reflected a consistent decrease in prices, with a correlation between weak demand and excess inventory levels. Compared to the same quarter last year, n-Propyl Acetate prices in Q3 2024 saw a significant decrease of 30%, indicating a challenging pricing environment. The quarter-on-quarter change from the previous quarter in 2024 was recorded at -2%, further highlighting the downward trend. Additionally, there was a noticeable price difference between the first and second half of the quarter, with prices declining by 5%. The quarter-ending price for n-Propyl Acetate in Germany stood at USD 1405/MT FD Hamburg, reflecting the overall negative pricing environment characterized by declining prices.
FAQs
1. What is the current N-Propyl Acetate Price Index?
o As of Q2 2025, prices averaged USD 1,464/MT in the U.S., USD 1,333/MT in Germany, and USD 1,017/MT in China.
2. Who are the top N-Propyl Acetate producers in the United States?
o Verified producers include Eastman Chemical Company, LyondellBasell Industries, and Oxea Corporation, serving domestic and export markets.
3. What drives the N-Propyl Acetate Production Cost Trend globally?
o Feedstock ethanol and acetic acid costs, freight surcharges, and energy tariffs are the primary cost drivers, with regional demand trends influencing margin pressure.
4. What is the N-Propyl Acetate Price Forecast for Q3 2025?
o Prices are expected to remain stable to slightly weaker in the U.S., edge up in Europe due to supply constraints, and show mild recovery in China as restocking and feedstock costs lend support.
