For the Quarter Ending December 2025
Polyisobutylene Prices in North America
- In the United States, the Polyisobutylene Price Index fell in Q4 2025, influenced by declining manufacturing output and lower crude oil prices.
- Polyisobutylene production costs faced upward pressure from a 2.7% year-over-year CPI increase in December 2025, raising operational expenses.
- Input costs for industries purchasing Polyisobutylene rose, indicated by a 3.0% year-over-year PPI increase in November 2025.
- Polyisobutylene demand received support from a 2.0% year-over-year increase in industrial production during December 2025.
- Consumer spending, supporting Polyisobutylene demand, increased with retail sales rising 3.3% year-over-year in November 2025.
- A 4.4% unemployment rate in December 2025 indicated a strong labor market, generally supporting economic activity.
- Manufacturing output declined in Q4 2025, reducing demand for intermediate chemicals like Polyisobutylene.
- Polyisobutylene feedstock costs were impacted by Brent crude oil prices, which declined significantly in Q4 2025.
- Global oil inventories rose quickly in Q4 2025, contributing to balanced chemical inventories in 2025.
Why did the price of Polyisobutylene change in December 2025 in North America?
- Manufacturing output declined in Q4 2025, reducing industrial demand for Polyisobutylene.
- Crude oil prices, a key Polyisobutylene feedstock, declined significantly in Q4 2025.
- Rising operational costs, from a 2.7% CPI increase in December 2025, impacted Polyisobutylene production.
Polyisobutylene Prices in APAC
- In China, the Polyisobutylene Price Index fell quarter-over-quarter in Q4 2025, driven by weak consumer demand and declining producer prices.
- Polyisobutylene production costs were mixed; crude oil prices declined in December 2025, but LPG costs strengthened in October 2025.
- Automotive production and sales reached new highs in 2025, driving robust Polyisobutylene demand in Q4 2025.
- Industrial output in China expanded by 5.2% in December 2025, strengthening industrial demand.
- The Manufacturing Index expanded in December 2025, supporting industrial activity and Polyisobutylene demand.
- Consumer demand was weak in December 2025, with CPI at 0.8%, retail sales at 0.9%, and unemployment at 5.1%.
- Producer prices declined by 1.9% in December 2025, reflecting weak industrial demand and oversupply.
- Global oil inventories rose quickly in the second half of 2025, including Q4, contributing to downward feedstock pressure.
- China's chemical sector faced structural overcapacity in 2025, impacting Polyisobutylene supply dynamics.
Why did the price of Polyisobutylene change in December 2025 in APAC?
- Weak consumer demand, with CPI at 0.8% and retail sales at 0.9% in December 2025.
- Producer prices declined by 1.9% in December 2025, reflecting weak industrial demand.
- Crude oil prices generally declined in December 2025, lowering upstream feedstock costs.
Polyisobutylene Prices in Europe
- In Germany, the Polyisobutylene Price Index declined quarter-over-quarter in Q4 2025, driven by weak industrial demand.
- Polyisobutylene production costs decreased in Q4 2025, as the Producer Price Index fell 2.5% year-on-year in December.
- The Polyisobutylene demand outlook remained challenged by a contracting Manufacturing Index in December 2025.
- Global observed inventories of related products rose to four-year highs in October 2025, indicating ample market supply.
- Consumer confidence was low at -17.5 in December 2025, while CPI rose 1.8% year-on-year, impacting indirect demand.
- Automotive production significantly increased year-on-year in December 2025, providing support for Polyisobutylene demand.
- Germany's export orders continued falling in Q4 2025, limiting external demand for Polyisobutylene and its downstream products.
- The unemployment rate of 6.2% in December 2025 indicated reduced consumer purchasing power, impacting overall market activity.
- The Polyisobutylene Price Forecast suggests continued pressure due to persistent weak industrial demand and high inventories.
Why did the price of Polyisobutylene change in December 2025 in Europe?
- The Producer Price Index declined 2.5% year-on-year in December 2025, reflecting falling input costs.
- Germany's Manufacturing Index contracted in December 2025, signaling reduced industrial activity and demand.
- Crude oil prices dropped in November 2025, contributing to lower feedstock costs for Polyisobutylene production.
For the Quarter Ending September 2025
Polyisobutylene Prices in North America
- In United States, the Polyisobutylene Price Index remained stable quarter-over-quarter in Q3 2025, reflecting balanced market forces.
- Polyisobutylene production costs rose, driven by a 2.6 percent increase in the Producer Price Index in August 2025.
- Demand for Polyisobutylene in consumer goods was supported by a 5.42 percent rise in retail sales in September 2025.
- Industrial production grew only 0.1 percent year-over-year in September 2025, limiting Polyisobutylene demand in industrial applications.
- A 4.3 percent unemployment rate in September 2025 bolstered consumer purchasing power, aiding Polyisobutylene demand.
- Polyisobutylene demand outlook faced headwinds from consumer confidence declining to 94.2 in September 2025.
- Crude oil prices, a key feedstock for isobutylene, remained relatively stable throughout Q3 2025, moderating production costs.
- Automotive sector demand showed mixed signals in Q3 2025, with light vehicle output declining in September.
- Construction spending softened in July 2025, contributing to subdued Polyisobutylene demand in related end-uses.
Why did the price of Polyisobutylene change in September 2025 in North America?
- Rising input costs, indicated by a 2.6 percent PPI increase in August 2025, pressured Polyisobutylene production expenses.
- Mixed demand signals, with industrial production up only 0.1 percent in September 2025, limited upward price movement.
- Stable crude oil prices in Q3 2025, a key feedstock, helped moderate Polyisobutylene production cost increases.
Polyisobutylene Prices in APAC
- In China, the Polyisobutylene Price Index rose quarter-over-quarter in Q3 2025, driven by increasing feedstock costs and strengthening automotive demand.
- Polyisobutylene production costs faced upward pressure in Q3 2025 due to higher global oil demand influencing isobutylene feedstock expenses.
- Demand for Polyisobutylene strengthened in Q3 2025, supported by robust growth in automotive and adhesives sectors.
- China's CPI declined by 0.3% year-on-year in September 2025, indicating deflationary pressures affecting consumer purchasing.
- Industrial production increased by 6.5% year-on-year in September 2025, positively influencing Polyisobutylene industrial applications.
- The Manufacturing Index was contracting in September 2025, signaling reduced overall industrial activity and input demand.
- Retail sales grew by 3.0% year-on-year in September 2025, supporting Polyisobutylene demand in consumer-facing products.
- China's PPI declined by 2.3% year-on-year in September 2025, reflecting weak industrial demand and pricing power.
Why did the price of Polyisobutylene change in September 2025 in APAC?
- Rising feedstock costs for isobutylene in Q3 2025 exerted upward pressure on Polyisobutylene production expenses.
- Stronger automotive and adhesives sector demand in Q3 2025 supported Polyisobutylene consumption across various applications.
- Deflationary PPI (-2.3% in Sep 2025) and contracting Manufacturing Index in September 2025 indicated weak industrial pricing power.
Polyisobutylene Prices in Europe
- In Germany, the Polyisobutylene Price Index fell quarter-over-quarter in Q3 2025, driven by easing feedstock costs.
- Polyisobutylene production costs declined in Q3 2025, as isobutylene and naphtha feedstock expenses moderately fell.
- Contracting manufacturing activity in September 2025, with industrial production down 1.0% year-on-year, reduced Polyisobutylene demand.
- High isobutylene inventories in Q3 2025 pressured spot prices, reducing buying urgency for Polyisobutylene.
- Consumer confidence remained significantly negative at -23.6 in September 2025, dampening Polyisobutylene demand.
- Producer Price Index declined by 1.7% year-on-year in September 2025, indicating lower input costs.
- Retail sales increased by 0.8% year-on-year in September 2025, while CPI rose 2.4%, presenting mixed economic signals.
- The unemployment rate remained low at 3.9% in September 2025, supporting overall economic stability.
- The Polyisobutylene price forecast suggests continued pressure from ample supply and subdued industrial demand.
Why did the price of Polyisobutylene change in September 2025 in Europe?
- Isobutylene feedstock costs moderately fell in Q3 2025, easing Polyisobutylene production expenses significantly.
- High isobutylene inventories in Q3 2025 pressured spot prices, reducing overall buying urgency.
- Contracting manufacturing activity in September 2025 significantly reduced industrial demand for Polyisobutylene.
For the Quarter Ending June 2023
North America
Polyisobutylene prices have decreased in the US market throughout the second quarter of 2023, backed by weak feedstock prices and sufficient inventories. The cost pressure from feedstock Isobutylene was limited as its prices dropped, as reported by market participants. In addition, the impact of the most aggressive monetary policy tightening in decades and the expected slowdown of the US economy all argue in favor of weak economic activity, slowing down the market growth of the manufacturing sector.
Furthermore, the fragile economic conditions in the Chinese market have also impacted the quotations for the importing countries, the USA. In addition, core inflation has consistently exceeded the targeted levels set by the US Federal Reserve and has been gradually decreasing at a slower pace, resulting in strained trade activities. Despite this, demand for Polyisobutylene from the downstream automotive and construction industries has continued to gain pace in the domestic market.
On the supply front, the availability of finished stocks of Polyisobutylene was sufficient to cater to overall downstream demand, which encouraged the traders or manufacturers to revise their negative quotations. Therefore, prices of Polyisobutylene CFR Texas were assessed at USD 2352/MT during June 2023.
Asia-Pacific
Polyisobutylene prices have shown mixed sentiments in the South Korean market during the second quarter of 2023. During April, Polyisobutylene prices have inched lower, backed by limited demand and sufficient inventories in the domestic market. Although feedstock Isobutylene prices have increased, it had limited bearing over the prices of Polyisobutylene. The inquiries from the downstream construction and food additives industries were limited amidst global economic uncertainties, which weighed down the prices of Polyisobutylene. In addition, South Korea's manufacturing activity contracted in April, underlining the weak global demand conditions that continue to undercut the domestic economic recovery. On the other side, South Korean exports fell in April, driven by an extended slump in sales to China and suggesting persistent pressure on the economy from frail global demand. Although, Polyisobutylene prices rebounded during May on account of improved buying trends among the end-users. The demand from the downstream automotive industries has rebounded in the domestic market. As per the sources, South Korean automotive sales increased by over 9% in May. Thus, the offtake of Polyisobutylene has increased. However, due to high inflationary pressure rising interest rates, and weak domestic economic recovery, Polyisobutylene prices decreased in June. The oversupplies of feedstock Isobutylene have impacted the positive development of Polyisobutylene. Demand from downstream construction and other sectors has subdued, and market transactions were relatively flat in the domestic market. Therefore, prices of Polyisobutylene FOB Busan were settled at USD 1960/MT during June 2023.
Europe
Polyisobutylene prices have declined drastically in the German market during the second quarter of 2023, backed by weak cost pressure and sufficient inventories. The macroeconomic factor, including high inflationary pressure, rising interest rates by the European Central Bank, and weakened purchasing sentiments, have impacted the prices of Polyisobutylene in the domestic market. In addition, the cost pressure from the feedstock Isobutylene was limited as its prices progressed in a downward trend. On the input energy front, Natural gas prices have shown fluctuation throughout the quarter. Meanwhile, demand for Polyisobutylene from the downstream construction and food additives has remained soft, resulting in decreasing consumption rates, weighing down the prices of Polyisobutylene in the domestic market. Despite the economic slowdown, the demand from the automotive industries has rebounded, but it has not impacted the prices at a very broader level. The availability of finished stocks of Polyisobutylene was adequate to meet the existing downstream demand. Moreover, Germany's manufacturing Purchasing manager's index declined from 43.2 in May to 40.6 in June, indicating a contraction in both industrial and manufacturing activity. Thus, prices of Polyisobutylene FOB Hamburg were settled at USD 2249/MT during June 2023.
For the Quarter Ending March 2023
North America
Polyisobutylene prices have witnessed an upward trend in the USA market throughout the first quarter of 2023, backed by improved buying sentiments in the market. Imports from the Asian market have turned costly as prices increased in the Asian market. Additionally, overall demand for Polyisobutylene increased as consumers continued to place more new orders in the domestic market. Amidst the banking turmoil occurring in the US market, the prices of Polyisobutylene showcased positivity as end-use (automobile) operated on a modest level. Further, market sources have indicated that used electric vehicle sales in the US saw a 32% increase in the first three months of 2023. Hence, as a result, prices of Polyisobutylene CFR Texas were settled at USD 2913/MT during March 2023.
Asia- Pacific
Polyisobutylene prices have witnessed a mixed trend in China during the first quarter of 2023. During the first half of the quarter, Polyisobutylene prices decreased significantly on account of sufficient inventory and sluggish demand from the downstream automotive industry. Meanwhile, cheap imports from South Korea and other exporting countries have further weighed down the prices of Polyisobutylene. However, during the second half of the quarter, Polyisobutylene prices have risen significantly in the Chinese market, supported by the increased consumption from the downstream automotive industries. In addition, the automobile market continued to rebound as the country’s economic recovery from last year’s Covid lockdowns gathered pace. Additionally, feedstock Isobutylene prices increased, resulting in the high production cost of Polyisobutylene. Meanwhile, imports from the exporting countries have remained steady. Furthermore, as per the market participants, vehicle production and sales volume month-on-month and year-on-year have increased in February, compared with January 2023. Thus, prices of Polyisobutylene CFR Qingdao were offered at USD 1998/MT during March 2023.
Europe
Polyisobutylene prices have increased in the European market throughout the first quarter of 2023 on account of improved buying trends in the regional market. In terms of domestic production, operating rates have improved due to increased consumption from the downstream industries. Feedstock Isobutylene prices have increased, resulting in the high production cost of Polyisobutylene in the regional market. In addition, demand for Polyisobutylene from the end-user automotive sector has increased in the domestic and overseas markets, thus accelerating the prices of Polyisobutylene in the region. Furthermore, market participants reported sentiment in the auto industry in Germany improved in March, with the ifo barometer rising from 7.6 to 23.7 points. According to market sources, new passenger car registration in March increased 16.6% over the previous year to 281,361 units. Thus, prices of Polyisobutylene FOB Hamburg were offered at USD 3218/MT during March 2023.
For the Quarter Ending December 2022
North America
Polyisobutylene prices declined continuously in the USA market throughout the fourth quarter of 2022 owing to sufficient inventory and weak demand dynamics. Consumer sentiment has declined in the region, which has been witnessed by the decline in the Manufacturing Purchasing Index, which dipped below 50 (i.e., 49.7) in November, signifying a contraction in both industrial and manufacturing activity. Meanwhile, cheap imports from Asia weighed down the prices of Polyisobutylene in the regional market. Furthermore, demand from the downstream automotive and allied industries has decreased amid seasonal dullness, supporting the decline in the price realizations of Polyisobutylene in the regional market. As a result, prices of Polyisobutylene CFR Texas were settled at USD 2110/MT during December.
Asia- Pacific
Prices of Polyisobutylene declined consistently in China throughout the fourth quarter of 2022, backed by ample availability and weak demand. Furthermore, the ongoing lockdown measures in major cities amid rising pandemic cases lead to uncertainties in production, operation, and logistics activities. This exerted downward pressure on the end-user demand. Overall, offtake from downstream automotive and other competitive industries has continued to remain on the weak side in the domestic market. Most buyers take a side-line, and purchases were based on a need-to-need basis. Meanwhile, cheap imports from other Asian countries weighed down the prices of Polyisobutylene in the domestic market. According to the National Bureau for Statistics (NBS), manufacturing activity has witnessed a sharp decline, and Purchasing manufacturing index (PMI) dropped from 48 to 47in December, compared with the previous month. Thus, in conclusion, prices of Polyisobutylene CFR Qingdao were offered at USD 1910/MT during December.
Europe
Polyisobutylene prices constantly dropped in the German market during the fourth quarter of 2022 as downstream demand remained weak while the material availability improved. Meanwhile, the sharp decline in the freight charges from Asia to Europe resulted in better-imported material available in the region. Natural gas prices stabilized in the European market after the upheaval in Q3, which softened the production cost for several commodities, including Polyisobutylene. Meanwhile, demand from the downstream automotive and other competitive industries remained subdued throughout the quarter owing to the sluggish consumer sentiment in the region. In addition, the inflation has eased during Q4. As per the data, inflation dropped from 10.1% to 9.1% in December, compared with the previous month. In conclusion, prices of Polyisobutylene FOB Hamburg were assessed at USD 1830/MT during December 2022.
