For the Quarter Ending June 2026
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Isobutylene Prices in听North America
- In USA, the Isobutylene Price Index rose by 12.71% quarter-over-quarter, driven by strong export demand.
- The average Isobutylene price for the quarter was approximately USD 1433.33/MT, reflecting steady spot demand.
- Isobutylene Spot Price strengthened as exports reduced availability and inventories tightened across Gulf Coast hubs.
- Isobutylene Price Forecast signals modest volatility; summer blending provides temporary firmness before post-season softening.
- Isobutylene Production Cost Trend eased as butadiene weakened, partially offset by higher naphtha-driven refinery economics.
- Isobutylene Demand Outlook remains healthy with polyisobutylene, butyl rubber and gasoline blending sustaining routine offtake.
- Isobutylene Price Index reflected mixed pressures as inventories rose domestically while contractual terms supported pricing.
- High refinery-and-splitter runs kept C4 supply ample while export-arbitrage tightened domestic spot availability.
Why did the price of Isobutylene change in June 2026 in North America?
- Export demand to Latin-America and Europe diverted volumes, tightening domestic supply and elevating spot.
- A sharp decline in butadiene reduced production costs, diminishing upstream cost support for Isobutylene prices.
- High refinery and cracker utilization increased C4 availability and inventories, creating downward pressure on pricing.
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Isobutylene Prices in听APAC
- In China, the Isobutylene Price Index rose by 11.52% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting tighter coastal export flows and exports.
- The average Isobutylene price for the quarter was USD 1323.33/MT, based on FOB Qingdao settlements plus traders.
- Isobutylene Spot Price weakened as abundant coastal inventories and weak arbitrage pressured seller pricing discipline through June.
- Isobutylene Price Forecast expects modest volatility, with seasonal blending supporting temporary gains amid export uncertainty.
- Isobutylene Production Cost Trend eased after steep 1,3-butadiene declines, improving margins for dehydrogenation and FCC.
- Isobutylene Demand Outlook remains muted as MTBE and rubber procurement slowed after gasoline blending season.
- Isobutylene Price Index movement constrained by rising port inventories and subdued Southeast Asian purchasing interest.
- Producers held steady operating rates with no major outages, keeping supply flows predictable for buyers.
Why did the price of Isobutylene change in June 2026 in APAC?
- Ample refinery C4 availability increased coastal supply, raising inventories and pressuring Isobutylene Price Index downward.
- Sharp declines in 1,3-butadiene and LPG reduced production costs, enabling export offers and lower FOBs.
- Geopolitical tensions raised logistics and insurance premiums, but no transit disruptions occurred to affect supplies.
India
- In India, the Isobutylene Price Index rose by 14.22% quarter-over-quarter, supported by imports and production.
- Domestic supply improved with steady imports, keeping Isobutylene Spot Price under pressure and inventories comfortable.
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Isobutylene Prices in听Europe
- In Germany, the Isobutylene Price Index rose by 14.56% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting tighter supply and exports.
- The average Isobutylene price for the quarter was approximately USD 1403.33/MT, reflecting feedstock pressures regionally.
- Isobutylene Spot Price firmed amid low Hamburg inventories and constrained C4 feedstock supply into Europe.
- Isobutylene Price Forecast anticipates volatility as cracker run rates and seasonal blending demand influence offers.
- Isobutylene Production Cost Trend stayed high due to butadiene and ethylene feedstock spikes, energy expenses.
- Isobutylene Demand Outlook shows summer MTBE blending support offset by weaker industrial and automotive procurement.
- Isobutylene Price Index eased in June as falling butadiene lowered production costs, prompting seller discounts.
- Limited Hamburg inventories and firm Central European export demand maintained offers, preventing deeper spot declines.
Why did the price of Isobutylene change in June 2026 in Europe?
- Lower butadiene prices reduced production costs, easing pricing and contributing to Isobutylene Price Index decline.
- Subdued downstream demand from MTBE and lubricant sectors weakened buying interest, pressuring downward spot values.
- Stable cracker operations and smooth Rhine logistics maintained supply flows, limiting shortages and price recovery.
For the Quarter Ending March 2026
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Isobutylene Prices in听North America
- In USA, the Isobutylene Price Index rose by 7.16% quarter-over-quarter, supported by stronger downstream and export demand.
- The average Isobutylene price for the quarter was approximately USD 1271.67/MT, reflecting weighted FD Texas contract and spot realizations.
- Isobutylene Spot Price tightened late in the quarter as MTBE export demand reduced domestic prompt availability.
- Isobutylene Price Forecast points to modest volatility amid cost pressures and seasonal blending demand ahead.
- Isobutylene Production Cost Trend increased notably with rising ethylene and crude-linked feedstock, elevating producer break-even levels.
- Isobutylene Demand Outlook remains constructive as gasoline blending and polyisobutylene orders sustain steady consumption growth.
- Inventory levels and Gulf Coast logistics influenced the Isobutylene Price Index, moderating upside despite tight pockets.
- Major C4 splitters operated reliably, limiting supply shocks and keeping the Isobutylene Price Index comparatively orderly.
Why did the price of Isobutylene change in March 2026 in North America?
- War-driven crude and energy price escalation pushed feedstock costs higher, directly increasing isobutylene production expenses.
- Stronger downstream manufacturing and restocking elevated demand, tightening merchant supply and supporting higher spot realizations.
- Export flows for MTBE to Mexico and logistics constraints reduced domestic availability, amplifying price pressure.
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Isobutylene Prices in听APAC
- In China, the Isobutylene Price Index rose by 14.29% quarter-over-quarter, driven by feedstock cost rises and geopolitical tensions.
- The average Isobutylene price for the quarter was approximately USD 1186.67/MT, reflecting stable supply and steady downstream offtake.
- Isobutylene Spot Price firmed on constrained spot availability and elevated freight, supporting seller offers on parcels.
- Isobutylene Price Forecast reflects firmness as geopolitical risks and high energy costs sustain producer pricing discipline.
- Isobutylene Production Cost Trend showed upward pressure driven by surging naphtha and ethylene-linked feedstock expenses.
- Isobutylene Demand Outlook remains balanced with steady MTBE and rubber consumption, though cautious procurement persists.
- Isobutylene Price Index volatility increased in March as reduced cracker runs and higher shipping costs tightened market balances.
- Producer inventories remained below preferred cushions, prompting sellers to limit discounts and prioritize contracted export loadings.
Why did the price of Isobutylene change in March 2026 in APAC?
- Middle East conflict raised crude and naphtha costs, transmitting upstream production cost pressure to producers.
- Reduced cracker operating rates and run-cuts lowered spot availability, tightening market balances and lifting offers.
- Steady downstream offtake from MTBE and butyl rubber, plus precautionary buying, elevated short-term pricing pressure.
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Isobutylene Prices in听Europe
- In Germany, the Isobutylene Price Index rose by 7.61% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting elevated energy-driven production costs.
- The average Isobutylene price for the quarter was approximately USD 1225/MT, reflecting firm spot offers.
- Isobutylene Spot Price remained firm as regional crackers trimmed rates, supporting upward pressure on offers.
- Isobutylene Production Cost Trend showed increase due to high natural-gas and electricity tariffs raising costs.
- Isobutylene Demand Outlook remained balanced with steady MTBE blending and polyisobutylene orders absorbing spot supply.
- Isobutylene Price Forecast indicates modest volatility with intermittent tightening from maintenance and war-driven feedstock disruptions.
- Isobutylene Price Index movements tracked feedstock and freight inflation, limiting buyer willingness to initiate restocking.
- Inventory levels stayed near seasonal norms and export flows to Central Europe continued without Hamburg congestion.
Why did the price of Isobutylene change in March 2026 in Europe?
- Rising naphtha and energy costs increased production expenses, passing through to higher domestic isobutylene offers.
- Maintenance and reduced cracker run-rates tightened C4 availability, constraining supply and supporting stronger spot pricing.
- Logistics disruptions and war-driven freight insurance increases delayed imports, amplifying near-term shortages and market volatility.
For the Quarter Ending December 2025
North America
- In the USA, the Isobutylene Price Index fell by 1.93% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting subdued demand and supply.
- The average Isobutylene price for the quarter was approximately USD 1186.67/MT, reflecting narrow seasonal range.
- Isobutylene Spot Price remained rangebound in December as Gulf Coast availability balanced purchasing and inventories.
- Isobutylene Price Forecast signals upside into early 2026 driven by year-end restocking and constrained allocations.
- Isobutylene Production Cost Trend muted as stable mixed-C4 availability limited feedstock cost pass through effects.
- Isobutylene Demand Outlook remains subdued with tire and fuel additive sectors cautious amid seasonal restocking.
- Isobutylene Price Index movements reflected steady exports to neighboring markets and tactical discounts from refiners.
- Major Gulf Coast splitters operated, supporting contract volumes while compressing spot offers and moderating volatility.
Why did the price of Isobutylene change in December 2025 in North America?
- Moderate merchant allocations and refinery runs increased mixed-C4 supply, reducing upward pressure on spot prices.
- Downstream cautious buying from tire and fuel additive sectors limited demand recovery despite procurement windows.
- Producers applied discounts to defend volumes while terminal inventories remained near seasonal norms, capping gains.
APAC
- In China, the Isobutylene Price Index fell by 4.301% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting subdued downstream demand, destocking.
- The average Isobutylene price for the quarter was approximately USD 1038.33/MT, driven by feedstock cost.
- Isobutylene Spot Price softened as sellers offered discounts to move volumes amid cautious downstream purchasing.
- Isobutylene Price Forecast points to modest volatility with restocking rallies and intermittent post-holiday softening expected.
- Isobutylene Production Cost Trend strengthened as ethylene and butadiene increases raised C4 economics, supporting offers.
- Isobutylene Demand Outlook remains mixed; steady domestic consumption offset weaker exports and restrained restocking activity.
- Isobutylene Price Index movements reflected supply discipline, selective discounting, and refinery run-rate decisions affecting availability.
- Major domestic producers ran high utilizations, delaying turnarounds, which constrained spot availability and supported margins.
Why did the price of Isobutylene change in December 2025 in APAC?
- Higher ethylene and butadiene costs raised production economics, thereby prompting Chinese sellers to firm offers.
- Producers adjusted operating rates and inventory ahead of holidays, tightening near-term availability despite weak exports.
- Muted downstream purchasing and cautious restocking limited absorption of incremental volumes, keeping market transactional overall.
Europe
- In Germany, the Isobutylene Price Index fell by 1.87% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting balanced supply and muted demand.
- The average Isobutylene price for the quarter was approximately USD 1138.33/MT according to regional assessment reports.
- Limited prompt volumes supported a firmer Isobutylene Spot Price, as suppliers controlled allocations and prioritized contracts.
- Near-term Isobutylene Price Forecast indicates modest volatility around year-end as inventories and shipping factors adjust.
- Falling ethylene pricing did not drive feedstock pass-through, keeping Isobutylene Production Cost Trend broadly stable.
- Isobutylene Demand Outlook remains steady with tire, fuel additive and lubricant sectors providing baseline offtake.
- Inventory draws and export flows influenced the Isobutylene Price Index, tightening balances and supporting offers.
- Logistics normalization on the Rhine reduced inland premiums, aiding trade and stabilizing Isobutylene Spot Price movements.
Why did the price of Isobutylene change in December 2025 in Europe?
- Balanced regional supply and steady cracker and refinery operations reduced upward pressure on prices in December.
- Firm downstream procurement and limited spot availability provided support despite lower ethylene and feedstock cost pressures.
- Improved Rhine navigation and normalized logistics lowered inland premiums, easing distribution constraints and moderating volatility.
For the Quarter Ending September 2025
North America
- In the USA, the Isobutylene Price Index fell by 1% quarter-over-quarter, driven by high inventories.
- The average Isobutylene price for the quarter was approximately USD 1210/MT, reflecting average market conditions.
- Weak spot liquidity kept Isobutylene Spot Price depressed despite intermittent export interest and constrained producer flexibility.
- Near-term Isobutylene Price Forecast indicates marginal volatility with modest recovery opportunities ahead of year-end restocking.
- A reduced Isobutylene Production Cost Trend eased marginally as crude and feedstock pressures temporarily abated mid-quarter.
- High inventories and limited spot demand pressured the Isobutylene Price Index, prompting suppliers to trim ex-quotations.
- Operational variability at key U.S. producers and strengthened export inquiries intermittently supported price resilience modestly.
Why did the price of Isobutylene change in September 2025 in North America?
- Elevated domestic inventories reduced buying urgency, limiting upward price momentum across the supply chain effectively.
- Moderating crude and feedstock costs softened production expenses, exerting downward pressure on market prices concurrently.
- Renewed export interest and improved economic sentiment provided intermittent support, offsetting some bearish domestic dynamics.
APAC
- In China, the Isobutylene Price Index fell by 3.7% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting supply abundance and caution.
- The average Isobutylene price for the quarter was approximately USD 1085/MT, influenced by weak demand.
- Isobutylene Spot Price under pressure from ample inventories and export weakness, keeping Price Index subdued.
- Isobutylene Production Cost Trend softened as crude feedstock eased, yet downstream weakness prevented price recovery.
- Isobutylene Price Forecast projects limited near-term upside given tariff uncertainty and seasonally weak trading activity.
- Supplier quotes were reduced to stimulate orders; plant rates moderated, affecting the Isobutylene Price Index.
- Buyers favored inventories, limiting spot activity; logistics delays and cautious procurement restrained Isobutylene Spot Price.
Why did the price of Isobutylene change in September 2025 in APAC?
- Ample domestic supply and subdued export inquiries pressured September prices, outweighing modest production cost declines.
- Buyer risk aversion amid tariff uncertainty reduced procurement, causing lower spot liquidity and muted Price Index movement.
- Seasonal downstream weakness, logistical delays, and modest cost pressures combined to limit restocking and price recovery.
Europe
- In Germany, the Isobutylene Price Index fell moderately by 1% quarter-over-quarter, driven by easing production costs.
- The average Isobutylene price for the quarter was approximately USD 1160/MT, FD-Hamburg, reflecting muted spot activity.
- Isobutylene Spot Price remained pressured by high inventories and subdued domestic and international inquiry volumes.
- Isobutylene Price Forecast signals modest volatility ahead, with seasonal destocking and possible logistics-driven tightness affecting September.
- Isobutylene Production Cost Trend eased as crude oil softened, reducing manufacturing pressure and lowering cost support.
- Isobutylene Price Index movements reflected exporters' cautious quotations, constrained logistics, and buying from downstream processors.
- High terminal stocks and port congestion limited flows, weakening spot liquidity and pressuring short-term export demand.
