For the Quarter Ending December 2025
North America
鈥� In USA, the Butanediol Price Index fell by 8.71% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting weaker spot export demand.
鈥� The average Butanediol price for the quarter was approximately USD 1575.67/MT, reflecting reported FOB assessments.
鈥� Butanediol Spot Price remained rangebound as imports and runs constrained upside in the Price Index.
鈥� Butanediol Price Forecast expects modest monthly fluctuations amid balanced supply, seasonal demand, and inventory smoothing.
鈥� Butanediol Production Cost Trend showed slight easing as natural gas linked hydrogen costs retreated marginally.
鈥� Butanediol Demand Outlook remains muted short-term with softer construction and automotive polyurethane sectors reducing offtake.
鈥� Butanediol Price Index weakness was reinforced by competitive Asian imports and conservative procurement among buyers.
鈥� Balanced inventories and normal Gulf operations limited volatility while mixed export demand kept price subdued.
Why did the price of Butanediol change in December 2025 in North America?
鈥� Ample import inflows and steady domestic output increased supply versus weak downstream demand, pressuring prices.
鈥� Eased natural gas and hydrogen costs mildly reduced variable production expenses, removing notable cost-push support.
鈥� Smooth ports and shorter transit improved supply reliability while buyer caution, seasonality limited restocking demand.
APAC
鈥� In South Korea, the Butanediol Price Index fell by 1.41% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting import-led supply surplus.
鈥� The average Butanediol price for the quarter was approximately USD 1117.67/MT, reflecting stable FOB Busan quotations.
鈥� Butanediol Spot Price remained range-bound amid steady imports and subdued downstream purchasing, pressuring upward movement opportunities.
鈥� Butanediol Price Forecast indicates modest downside risk given ample terminal inventories balanced against periodic logistical friction.
鈥� Butanediol Production Cost Trend showed limited savings as lower feedstock prices partially offset freight and energy tariff pressures.
鈥� Butanediol Demand Outlook remains cautious with PTMEG stable while PBT and THF end-markets show selective softness limiting restocking.
鈥� Butanediol Price Index movements were constrained by smooth Busan berthings, exporter competition, and lack of major domestic outages.
鈥� Terminal inventory levels and steady Ulsan plant operations kept availability comfortable, limiting short-term volatility risks in export markets.
Why did the price of Butanediol change in December 2025 in APAC?
鈥� High import volumes maintained ample availability while domestic output remained routine, constraining upward price pressure.
鈥� Flat feedstock costs and stable energy tariffs limited production cost escalation despite rising late-December freight premiums.
鈥� Subdued downstream procurement, selective PBT and THF softness, and competitive Chinese exports capped Korean FOB recovery.
Europe
鈥� In Germany, the Butanediol Price Index fell by 8.6% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting logistical bottlenecks and softer downstream demand.
鈥� The average Butanediol price for the quarter was approximately USD 1474.00/MT, reflecting subdued spot activity and balanced inventories.
鈥� Butanediol Spot Price remained range-bound during December, keeping the Butanediol Price Index near recent multi-week lows.
鈥� The Butanediol Demand Outlook stayed muted as automotive and specialty polymer call-offs matched normal seasonal consumption.
鈥� Weak feedstock movements produced a stable Butanediol Production Cost Trend, limiting producer willingness to hike offers.
鈥� Short-term Butanediol Price Forecast indicates limited upside absent feedstock shocks or sudden restocking from distributors.
鈥� Elevated inventories and restrained export demand weighed on the Butanediol Price Index and pressured seller margins.
鈥� Major German producers operated at normal rates but withheld run-rate increases, supporting steady Butanediol spot liquidity.
Why did the price of Butanediol change in December 2025 in Europe?
鈥� Balanced domestic inflows and restrained downstream offtake resulted in limited spot buying, keeping prices largely unchanged.
鈥� Stable methanol and acetylene feedstock costs contained the Butanediol Production Cost Trend, limiting upward price pressure.
鈥� Improved container availability and lower freight reduced landed Asian offers, maintaining import parity and price equilibrium.
For the Quarter Ending September 2025
North America
鈥� In the USA, the Butanediol Price Index fell by 0.94% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting balanced supply conditions.
鈥� The average Butanediol price for the quarter was approximately USD 1726.00/MT. reflecting rangebound FOB Texas.
鈥� Butanediol Spot Price softened mid-quarter as propylene declines offset firm butadiene, pressuring offers modestly thereby.
鈥� Butanediol Production Cost Trend showed easing as feedstock flows remained steady and energy costs contained.
鈥� Butanediol Demand Outlook stayed subdued; PTMEG, PBT, and THF demand remained steady without restocking surges.
鈥� Butanediol Price Forecast expects rangebound FOB Texas movements unless feedstock or hurricane disruptions alter supply.
鈥� Inventory discipline and term contracts kept Butanediol Price Index stability, limiting spot volatility and buying.
鈥� Export demand from Latin America and Asia supported contracts; spot uptake remained selective and cautious.
Why did the price of Butanediol change in September 2025 in North America?
鈥� Adequate domestic production and balanced inventories reduced urgency, causing stable offers and limited upward price pressure.
鈥� Eased propylene and butadiene costs trimmed production expenses, softening seller pricing power across Gulf Coast nodes.
鈥� Export flows remained contractual and shipping normalized, keeping spot demand subdued and preventing notable price rebounds.
Europe
鈥� In Germany, the Butanediol Price Index rose by 2.20% quarter-over-quarter, amid feedstock and logistics constraints.
鈥� The average Butanediol price for the quarter was approximately USD 1612.67/MT, reflecting measured contract demand.
鈥� Butanediol Spot Price remained range-bound as producers maintained run rates amid port and rail congestion.
鈥� Butanediol Production Cost Trend edged higher driven by firmer propylene input costs despite stable butadiene.
鈥� Butanediol Demand Outlook is mixed, textile-related PTMEG strength offset by weaker automotive and PBT demand.
鈥� Butanediol Price Forecast suggests modest downside risk as weak industrial indicators temper appetite for restocking.
鈥� Butanediol Price Index stability reflected balanced inventories as buyers prioritized delivery certainty over speculative purchasing.
鈥� Domestic producers ran reliably, while smooth Asia-to-Rhine imports and intra-EU flows kept inventories adequately supplied.
Why did the price of Butanediol change in September 2025 in Europe?
鈥� Balanced domestic output versus subdued downstream demand left comfortable stocks, limiting immediate upward price pressure.
鈥� Rising propylene costs increased production expense but were offset by stable butadiene and flat energy.
鈥� Port and rail congestion disrupted logistics and delivery timing, prompting cautious buyer ordering and procurement.
APAC
鈥� In South Korea, the Butanediol Price Index rose by 8.97% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting stronger export demand and balanced supply.
鈥� The average Butanediol price for the quarter was approximately USD 1133.67/MT, based on FOB Busan and contractual volumes.
鈥� Butanediol Spot Price remained range-bound on steady exports and measured spot inquiries, supporting a stable Price Index trajectory.
鈥� Butanediol Price Forecast models indicate modest monthly oscillations with eventual mild tightening, driven by seasonal export restocking.
鈥� Butanediol Production Cost Trend showed limited upward pressure as mixed feedstock moves offset each other this quarter.
鈥� Butanediol Demand Outlook remains cautious, supported by stable PTMEG and THF consumption but constrained discretionary spot volumes.
鈥� Butanediol Price Index reflected balanced inventories and smooth Busan logistics, limiting volatility despite regional downstream softness.
鈥� Steady operating rates at South Korean plants sustained export allocations, keeping offers disciplined amid northern hemisphere demand fluctuations.
鈥� Competitive Chinese offers and freight rates could pressure FOB values, tempering near-term Price Forecast upside.
Why did the price of Butanediol change in September 2025 in APAC?
鈥� Balanced domestic output and uninterrupted Busan shipments maintained supply in September, preventing sharp price declines.
鈥� Export demand firmness, especially to Vietnam and China, supported offers despite muted domestic manufacturing indicators.
鈥� Mixed feedstock movements limited production cost pressures, keeping sellers cautious while downstream procurement remained order driven.
For the Quarter Ending June 2025
North America
鈥� The Butanediol Price Index (FOB US Gulf) fell by 4.4% in the course of Q2 2025, descending from USD 2,700/tonne in April ringing in at USD 2,580/tonne in June, attributed to sluggish domestic consumption and balanced inventories on merchant channels.
鈥� Why did the price of Butanediol change in July 2025?聽
In July 2025, Butanediol prices declined further as industrial and automotive sectors failed to offer meaningful offtake, even as feedstock costs like Butadiene showed limited upward momentum. The overall market sentiment was weak with downstream restocking deferred.
鈥� Butanediol Spot Price levels stayed under pressure due to contract-heavy supply chains and limited discretionary buying, especially in the adhesive and engineered plastics segments.
鈥� There were no major logistics or freight-related disruptions reported in Q2 2025 from U.S. Gulf ports, keeping FOB US Gulf shipments consistent despite subdued activity.
鈥� The Butanediol Demand Outlook for Q3 remains weak, with no clear rebound in core consuming industries. Specialty chemical buyers remain cautious amid inflation-driven budgeting slowdowns.
鈥� The Butanediol Production Cost Trend was mostly steady due to stable natural gas prices and minimal fluctuation in crude-linked intermediates. However, margin compression was evident as downstream prices weakened faster than input costs.
鈥� Butanediol Price Forecast: Q3 2025 prices are expected to remain soft or edge down slightly unless export interest improves from Latin America or Europe.
贰耻谤辞辫别听
鈥� The Butanediol Price Index (FD Northwest Europe) rose gradually during Q2 2025, peaking at around USD 2,780/tonne, posting a +3.7% quarter-over-quarter gain.
鈥� Why did the price of Butanediol change in July 2025?
The July price increase was driven by tight supply availability due to turnarounds at central European facilities, even as downstream demand remained stable to slightly weak across automotive polymers and specialty coatings.
鈥� Inventory levels in Western Europe were low as producers prioritized key contract customers. The Netherlands saw a sharper increase due to localized stock depletion and delayed imports from Asia.
鈥� Butanediol Demand Outlook for Q3 2025 is mixed. Automotive sector remains weak amid tepid vehicle production, but pharmaceuticals and 3D printing resins offer upside.
鈥� The Butanediol Production Cost Trend remained under slight pressure as utilities costs increased in June, though feedstock volatility was minimal.
鈥� Regulatory tightening on chemical storage and environmental compliance also led to increased handling costs.
鈥� Butanediol Price Forecast for Q3: A sideways-to-slightly soft trend is expected unless new downstream demand from construction coatings materializes.
APAC
鈥� The Butanediol Price Index (FOB South Korea) dropped in Q2 2025, averaging USD 2,480/tonne, a -4.2% decline from Q1 2025.
鈥� Why did the price of Butanediol change in July 2025?
The July decline was primarily due to weak regional demand and rising oversupply risks, especially from Chinese and Southeast Asian producers offering at aggressive price points.
鈥� Butanediol Spot Price came under pressure as large-volume spot parcels from China flooded Southeast Asia, forcing South Korean sellers to cut offers for export competitiveness.
鈥� Demand fluctuations in the polyurethane and spandex sectors added to market uncertainty, while Indian buyers remained conservative on new bookings.
鈥� The Butanediol Production Cost Trend declined mildly due to softened feedstock prices (maleic anhydride), though capacity utilization remained high among Korean producers.
鈥� Supply chain stability was maintained, but price competition intensified, squeezing profitability.
鈥� Butanediol Demand Outlook for Q3 2025: Cautious, with potential improvement only if Chinese domestic consumption stabilizes or restocking emerges in India and Vietnam.
鈥� Butanediol Price Forecast: The trend is expected to remain under downward pressure, though any shutdowns or capacity cutbacks could provide a floor.
For the Quarter Ending March 2025
North America
The Butanediol (BDO) market in North America experienced a mixed price trend during Q1 2025. January began with stable pricing, driven by balanced supply and demand dynamics. Demand from key sectors like polyurethane (PU) and polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) was moderate, and stable raw material costs for butadiene and propylene helped maintain price consistency.聽
In February, BDO prices saw a slight increase due to rising demand and ongoing supply-side challenges, including reduced production rates and logistical issues. March witnessed a more significant price surge of 1.7%, fueled by stronger demand, especially from the PU resin sector, and persistent supply constraints, such as port congestion and shifting tariff policies.聽
Despite these challenges, manufacturing conditions remained steady with sufficient production capacity, though occasional production issues and tight inventory levels contributed to price volatility. Throughout Q1, the BDO market was supported by stable raw material costs and consistent demand from downstream industries. By March鈥檚 end, BDO prices were assessed at USD 1780/MT. Compared to Q4 2024, Q1 2025 showed a steadier price trend, with moderate fluctuations rather than significant increases.
APAC
During Q1 2025, the Butanediol (BDO) market in the Asia-Pacific region, particularly in South Korea, experienced a largely stable-to-soft price trend amid tepid demand and elevated competition. The quarter opened with prices at USD 1083/MT in early January, but a persistent post-holiday slowdown in downstream industries such as polyurethane (PU), PTMEG, and THF, alongside intensified competition and a buildup of inventories, drove prices down by month-end. February maintained this subdued tone with prices largely steady, as a balanced supply-demand dynamic and cautious buyer sentiment prevented any significant fluctuations. Although operational stability was upheld across production facilities, uncertainties surrounding global trade and logistics, including Red Sea route disruptions, limited market activity.
March saw further bearish pressure in the first half due to weak procurement from key sectors and oversupply from Chinese imports, bottoming out at USD 1052/MT. However, a modest demand rebound from the PU resin sector toward the end of March helped lift prices slightly. Compared to Q4 2024, where prices declined from higher post-inventory-replenishment levels, Q1 2025 reflected a flatter, more cautious market sentiment driven by prolonged demand recovery and heightened regional competition.聽
Europe
During Q1 2025, the European Butanediol (BDO) market exhibited a mildly volatile yet overall stable pricing trend, driven by alternating phases of demand fluctuations and supply chain pressures. In January, prices began on a stable note, supported by consistent demand from the PU Resin and THF sectors, despite weak consumer sentiment and modest industrial activity. As the month progressed, mild supply surpluses and inventory adjustments pushed prices slightly downward before rebounding to USD 1640/MT by month-end due to a pickup in downstream demand.
February saw relatively firm pricing, as robust demand from PU resin and THF industries, coupled with tighter inventories and sporadic supply issues, created moderate upward pressure. March opened with further price strengthening, propelled by heightened PU resin consumption in furniture and construction. However, by quarter-end, prices declined, driven by subdued PU resin demand, inventory corrections, and persistent logistical disruptions.
This trend was consistent across Europe, with balanced supply-demand dynamics, raw material stability, and downstream sector performance shaping the regional market in a similar manner throughout Q1 2025.
