Production: The operating load for n-butanol was 83%, with a weekly output of 61,400 tons.
Demand: The capacity utilization rate for butyl acrylate was 59.29%, with an output of 51,700 tons; the capacity utilization rate for butyl acetate was 45.86%, with an output of 13,700 tons; the capacity utilization rate for DBP (dibutyl phthalate) was 37.28%, with an output of 7,900 tons.
Trend Chart of Main Regional Prices for Domestic N-Butanol (CNY/ton)
Data Source: Chempricehub Information
Weekly Price Change Table for Domestic N-Butanol Market Prices
Unit: CNY/ton
| Region | Closing Price This Week | Closing Price Last Week | Change | Percentage Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shandong | 8,450 | 8,325 | +125 | +1.50% |
| East China | 8,550 | 8,450 | +100 | +1.18% |
| South China | 8,450 | 8,300 | +150 | +1.81% |
Data Source: Chempricehub Information
During this period, domestic n-butanol prices first rose and then fell. Initially, the upward trend from last weekend continued, primarily driven by significant consecutive increases in the raw material propylene price. This exacerbated the high-cost pressure on n-butanol, pushing market prices higher. Meanwhile, downstream buyers increased their procurement activity at lower levels, leading to more inquiries and transactions. Low-priced offers gradually disappeared, and the transaction center shifted toward higher price ranges. After n-butanol prices reached a peak, propylene prices began to decline, reducing costs, although they still provided slight support. However, resistance to high prices increased among both upstream and downstream participants, causing inquiries and transactions to weaken. High-priced offers decreased, and the market focus shifted back to lower price levels. As the weekend approached, sharp declines in international crude oil prices accelerated the drop in propylene prices, and bearish sentiment intensified in the market. Consequently, n-butanol transaction volumes dropped rapidly, and prices continued to fall.
Downstream operating loads declined, resulting in reduced supply of n-butanol.
The average weekly profit for n-butanol was -162 CNY/ton this week, an improvement of 17 CNY/ton compared to the previous period.
China's n-butanol production was 61,900 tons, a decrease of 900 tons from the previous week (-1.44%). The plant capacity utilization rate was approximately 83%, down 1 percentage point from the previous week.
Next Week's Market Forecast
Supply: Some n-butanol units undergoing maintenance are expected to restart next week, likely increasing supply.
Demand: Downstream operating loads are expected to rise next week, potentially boosting demand.
Cost: Propylene market prices are expected to fluctuate downward next week, likely reducing costs.
Overall, influenced by sharp declines in international crude oil prices and rising propylene operating loads, propylene prices are expected to fall, weakening cost support for n-butanol. With the restart of maintenance units, market supply will further increase. Although downstream operating rates may improve, early-month activities are largely dominated by contract executions, keeping actual demand relatively low. As a result, bearish sentiment is growing, making it difficult to sustain high prices. It is projected that the central tendency of domestic n-butanol market prices will decline next week.
For more detailed weekly market analysis, please refer to the Chempricehub Butanols Weekly Report.
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