For the Quarter Ending September 2025
North America
鈥� In the USA, the Butadiene Price Index fell by 16.4% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting subdued market activity and weak downstream demand.
鈥� The average Butadiene price for the quarter was approximately USD 761.33/MT on CFR USGC basis.
鈥� Butadiene Spot Price remained subdued as steady production and weak SBR purchasing limited market activity.
鈥� Butadiene Price Forecast shows volatility, with seasonal restocking and feedstock shifts causing intermittent upward pressure.
鈥� Butadiene Production Cost Trend fluctuated as crude and naphtha volatility moderated expenses for crackers.
鈥� Butadiene Demand Outlook remains subdued, reflecting weaker automotive production and cautious rubber producers reducing procurement.
鈥� Butadiene Price Index pressure rose from rising inventories and weak export demand from buyers.
鈥� Producer operating rates stayed steady, limiting tightening while maintenance schedules and exports present potential upside.
Why did the price of Butadiene change in September 2025 in North America?
鈥� Elevated inventories and muted SBR demand reduced buyer activity, directly pressuring domestic Price Index levels.
鈥� Consistent domestic production and constrained export outlets increased supply availability, thereby weakening regional Price Index.
鈥� Feedstock cost volatility and logistics bottlenecks supported offers but failed to offset prevailing demand weakness.
APAC
鈥� In Japan, the Butadiene Price Index fell by 2.6% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting muted buying activity amid weaker downstream elastomer demand.
鈥� The average 1,3 Butadiene price for the quarter was approximately USD 1481.33/MT on Ex-Tokyo basis.
鈥� Butadiene Spot Price showed intramonth swings as freight and intra-Asia flows shifted offers and availability.
鈥� Butadiene Demand Outlook remains weak with cautious SBR procurement and sluggish tire production limiting purchases.
鈥� Butadiene Production Cost Trend eased as crude and naphtha softened, reducing marginal production cost pressure.
鈥� Butadiene Price Forecast indicates rangebound movement into Q4 amid inventory builds and seasonal demand uncertainties.
鈥� Butadiene Price Index volatility reflected Chinese competition, shifting cracker margins, and mixed regional export flows.
鈥� Rising inventories pressured sellers even as major producer operating rates remained broadly stable across Japan.
Why did the price of Butadiene change in September 2025 in APAC?
鈥� Oversupply from steady cracker runs and weak NBR demand lowered offtake, pressuring the Price Index.
鈥� Easing crude and naphtha reduced production cost support, weakening sellers' pricing power during September sessions.
鈥� Freight volatility and Chinese price competition diverted demand flows, exacerbating downward pressure on Price Index.
Europe
鈥� In France, the Butadiene Price Index fell by 8.48% quarter-over-quarter, driven by softer domestic demand.
鈥� The average 1,3 Butadiene price for the quarter was USD 881.67/MT on FD Le Havre basis.
鈥� Butadiene Spot Price stayed range-bound amid balanced supply conditions.
鈥� Butadiene Price Forecast signals Q4 recovery as seasonal tire restocking and stronger exports support offtake.
鈥� Butadiene Production Cost Trend edged higher as firmer naphtha and energy costs lifted cracker expenses.
鈥� The Butadiene Demand Outlook is mixed; SBR demand remains moderately low while ABS demand steadies.
鈥� Elevated inventories and muted exports pressured the Butadiene Price Index, while logistical disruptions limited flows.
鈥� Major French producers-maintained operations despite heatwaves and rail strikes, supporting supply and preventing spikes.
Why did the price of Butadiene change in September 2025 in Europe?
鈥� Balanced regional supply and steady cracker output met weak downstream demand, producing downward price pressure.
鈥� Stable naphtha and energy costs balanced production costs, while rail strikes and heatwaves constrained logistics.
鈥� Cautious buying, inventory control, and weak ABS demand from construction and automotive curtailed spot activity.
鈥� Soybean Oil Demand Outlook shows resilient overseas demand, especially from Asia this quarter as harvest season approaches.
鈥� Soybean Oil Price Index signals quarterly volatility from logistics and macro shifts in markets worldwide globally.
Why did the price of Soybean Oil change in September 2025 in South America?
鈥� Strong overseas demand from Asia as winter stocking boosts imports into the region globally and markets for processors.
鈥� Rising production costs and biodiesel blending commitments tighten domestic supply and support sustained prices across regional markets worldwide.
鈥� Logistics bottlenecks at ports and currency movements constrained export flows, underpinning persistent price firmness throughout Q3 period.
For the Quarter Ending June 2025
North America聽
鈥� The butadiene spot price in the US dropped to USD 865/tonne in early Q2, reflecting a declining price index since May.
鈥� Price index decreased in July 2025, largely due to ongoing weakness in demand for synthetic rubbers such as NBR and SBR.
鈥� A sharp 10% y-o-y rise in US. car sales in April were short-lived; demand cooled in July following the tariff-driven pre-buying spree.
鈥� The butadiene demand outlook remains bearish as automotive and industrial sectors slow, and no strong recovery is visible in non-auto applications.
鈥� The butadiene production cost trend turned negative with falling naphtha and crude oil prices offering little cost support.
鈥� Despite steady operating rates and balanced inventories, weak downstream pull from PBR and abs restrained upward momentum.
鈥� Ongoing US. 鈥揅hina tariff uncertainty continues to weigh on trade sentiment, keeping procurement strategies cautious.
鈥� The butadiene price forecast suggests prices will likely remain flat to mildly bearish unless feedstock costs rise or demand rebounds significantly.
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鈥� The Butadiene Spot Price dropped on CFR Busan basis in early Q2 from USD 990/tonne in May, indicating a weakened Price Index.
鈥� Price Index decreased in Q2 2025, primarily due to muted downstream demand in PBR, SBR, and NBR sectors.
鈥� South Korea鈥檚 Hyundai chemical EV plant shutdown through may created temporary tightness, but imports from China and the US filled the gap.
鈥� The butadiene demand outlook was weak as domestic automotive production declined seasonally, and export demand remained soft.
鈥� Despite a rise in upstream crude oil and naphtha, downstream derivative prices didn鈥檛 respond, pressuring margins.
鈥� Butadiene production cost trend was undercut by falling naphtha prices in may, which continued to erode margins in July.
鈥� ABS showed modest resilience while other rubber-based derivatives continued their downtrend, reflecting sector-specific divergences.
鈥� The Butadiene Price Forecast remains bearish to neutral for Q3 2025 due to soft demand, improving supply, and no clear recovery in downstream applications.
Europe
鈥� The Butadiene Spot Price decreased to USD 890/tonne in early Q2, after dropping from USD 1092/tonne in April; the Price Index showed mixed trends.
鈥� Price Index moved marginally higher in July 2025, supported by seasonal auto sales and tight port logistics, but gains were capped by weak derivatives.
鈥� ABS and PBR held steady while NBR and SBR declined, highlighting uneven performance in downstream sectors.
鈥� The Butadiene Demand Outlook stayed tepid, as the European automotive industry struggled with seasonal softness and export challenges.
鈥� Congestion at Hamburg port worsened due to terminal relocation and automation work, raising transit times and creating logistical pressures.
鈥� The Butadiene Production Cost Trend remained soft, with stagnant naphtha and only mild recovery in crude oil offering limited cost support.
鈥� U.S. tariff threats on European goods added uncertainty, discouraging production growth in automotive and rubber sectors.
鈥� The Butadiene Price Forecast is cautiously optimistic for summer, but real gains will depend on resolving supply chain bottlenecks and improving derivative demand.
For the Quarter Ending March 2025
North America聽
鈥� Butadiene Price Index in North America showed stagnation to a slight decline in Q1 2025. By the end of quarter, the price of Butadiene settled at USD 1094/MT on a CFR USGC.
Why did the price of Butadiene change in April 2025 in the US?聽
Prices remained largely declined in April due to weak downstream demand and macroeconomic pressures. While crude oil volatility raised Butadiene Production Cost Trend, stable domestic production prevented any significant upward price movement.
鈥� Despite new vehicle sales improving in late 2024, the automotive sector (key end-use for butadiene spot price) continued to struggle with high interest rates and inflation, limiting consumption.
鈥� Butadiene Demand Outlook remained subdued with minimal procurement activity due to cautious sentiment in the rubber and tire industries.
鈥� Imports and domestic production were steady throughout the quarter, with no major shutdowns or disruptions reported.
鈥� The Butadiene Price Forecast for the coming quarter remains uncertain, with slow recovery expected unless macroeconomic conditions improve.
Asia-Pacific (APAC)
鈥� The Butadiene Price Index in the APAC region (notably Malaysia, Singapore, and India) was marked by fluctuations but remained relatively stable overall.
Why did the price of Butadiene change in April 2025 in the Asia?聽
Prices in early Q1 saw a marginal dip due to oversupply and weak synthetic rubber demand. However, in April, prices rose moderately as buyers anticipated tighter availability in Q2, driving procurement activity.
鈥� Mid-quarter gains in butadiene spot price were linked to improved sentiment in India and Singapore, especially for ABS and PBR.
鈥� Despite a consistent Butadiene Production Cost Trend, price gains were contained due to uneven recovery in derivative demand, particularly from NBR and SBR sectors.
鈥� End of Q1 saw stabilization in the market, with Butadiene Demand Outlook improving slightly due to seasonal automotive production uptick.
鈥� The Butadiene Price Forecast is cautiously optimistic, with anticipated summer demand and continued trade dynamics playing a pivotal role.
Europe
鈥� The Butadiene Price Index in Europe reflected a moderate recovery, particularly from February onward.
Why did the price of Butadiene change in April 2025 in the Europe?聽
Prices in April remained firm after a significant March increase, supported by strong derivative demand, especially for ABS, PBR, and SBR.
鈥� The mid-quarter rally in butadiene spot price was driven by rising automotive production and tighter supply, despite lower feedstock naphtha prices reducing the Butadiene Production Cost Trend.
鈥� Later in the quarter, prices corrected slightly as mixed trends in downstream markets created uncertainty鈥擲BR remained strong while PBR and NBR weakened.
鈥� Butadiene Demand Outlook in Europe is supported by continued export orders and automotive output, though geopolitical tensions and logistical constraints remain a concern.
鈥� The Butadiene Price Forecast for Q2 suggests cautious optimism, with potential for stable or slightly higher pricing based on derivative market resilience.
For the Quarter Ending December 2024
North America
The Butadiene market in the North American region, especially USA, experienced a downward price trend throughout Q4 2024.Weak market conditions and cautious market behavior dominated Q4. Sluggish automotive sales鈥攁 major driver of butadiene demand鈥攚ere a key factor. High inventory levels throughout the quarter exerted significant downward pressure on prices, with manufacturers and traders adopting destocking strategies. Despite elevated crude oil and naphtha prices, these cost increases were not fully reflected in butadiene production prices, further contributing to the price decline. The holiday season in December further reduced demand and procurement activity.
The downturn in Butadiene market stemmed from several key factors: Sluggish automotive sales significantly reduced demand. High inventory levels forced destocking, lowering prices. Elevated crude oil and naphtha costs weren't fully reflected in butadiene prices, adding to the pressure. Geopolitical uncertainties and the year-end holiday season further dampened demand and procurement activity. These combined factors created a challenging market environment characterized by oversupply and price erosion. The quarter ended with Butadiene CFR USGC priced at USD 987/MT.聽
The persistent oversupply, weak demand from the automotive sector, and geopolitical uncertainties created a challenging environment for butadiene market participants in Q4 2024. Maintaining profitability amidst declining prices and high inventory levels presented a significant hurdle. The lack of substantial price increases despite rising raw material costs also posed financial challenges.聽
APAC
The APAC butadiene market, particularly in China, experienced a challenging Q4 2024, marked by declining prices and subdued demand. This contrasts sharply with previous quarters, which saw more robust activity. The primary driver of the downturn was weak downstream demand. Key consumers like the tire and synthetic rubber industries showed cautious purchasing behavior, fueled by weak consumer sentiment and economic uncertainty. The automotive sector, while showing some growth in new energy vehicles, didn't generate sufficient butadiene demand to offset the overall weakness. An oversupply situation, exacerbated by the restart of several production units in China (such as the Tianjin plant) and high port inventories in East China, further depressed prices. Importantly, South Korea's reduced export volumes and active destocking in China significantly impacted December's price drop.聽
Several factors contributed to the market's state. Falling crude oil prices weakened the cost support for butadiene production. The continued weak demand from key downstream sectors and the overall subdued economic climate in China played a significant role. The increase in domestic production in some exporting countries also lessened reliance on imports.
Market participants faced significant challenges due to these developments. Producers experienced reduced profitability due to lower prices. Buyers, though benefiting from lower prices, faced uncertainty regarding future supply and pricing. The overall market sentiment was pessimistic, with a "wait-and-see" attitude prevailing among buyers and producers alike. The quarter ended with the price of Butadiene CFR Qingdao in China at USD 1205/MT.聽
Europe
The European butadiene market, particularly in Germany, experienced a challenging Q4 2024, characterized by persistent price declines and subdued demand. The automotive industry, a major consumer of butadiene (via synthetic rubber for tires), experienced a substantial contraction due to weak demand, shrinking margins, and economic uncertainty. The transition to electric vehicles (EVs) further complicated the situation, as did new tariffs imposed by the US on German carmakers. This reduced demand for butyl rubber, a key downstream product, directly impacting butadiene consumption. The broader European economy also played a role, with weakening business confidence and reduced industrial output limiting procurement. High inventory levels further added to downward pressure on prices.
Butadiene prices in Germany exhibited a consistent downward trajectory throughout Q4. October saw a decline due to high product availability and weak downstream demand. November witnessed further price drops, driven by the contraction in the automotive sector and broader economic uncertainty. December continued this negative trend, with reduced sales in the rubber sector and reduced tire production leading to even weaker demand.
Market participants faced substantial challenges. Producers struggled with reduced profitability due to lower prices and weak demand. Buyers, while benefiting from lower costs, faced uncertainty in the market, with the potential for further price drops. The overall market sentiment was pessimistic, with a lack of confidence in a short-term recovery. The quarter ended with Butadiene priced at USD 1041/MT FD Hamburg.
