Production: n-Butanol operating rate was 84%, with output of 62,300 tons.
Demand: Butyl acrylate capacity utilization was 56.19%, with output of 49,000 tons; butyl acetate capacity utilization was 52.82%, with output of 15,800 tons; DBP (dibutyl phthalate) capacity utilization was 35.73%, with output of 7,500 tons.
Mainstream regional price trend chart for domestic n-butanol (CNY/ton)
Data source: Chempricehub Information
Weekly price change table for domestic n-butanol market prices
Unit: CNY/ton
| Market | Close this week | Close last week | Change | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shandong Region | 8325 | 8075 | +250 | +3.10% |
| East China Region | 8450 | 8225 | +225 | +2.74% |
| South China Region | 8300 | 8250 | +50 | +0.61% |
Data source: Chempricehub Information
During the period, the price center of domestic n-butanol fluctuated with a bullish bias. This was primarily due to rising international crude oil prices driving up feedstock propylene costs, creating significant cost pressure. Consequently, downstream buyers increased opportunistic purchasing at lower levels, leading to higher inquiries and transaction volumes. The volume of transactions at low prices increased while available low-priced offers diminished, pushing the price center towards the upper end. As market prices continued to rise, resistance to high prices emerged among buyers. Coupled with a brief decline in feedstock prices, buying interest softened, high-price transactions weakened, and the price center shifted slightly downward. Towards the weekend, propylene prices surged again, increasing cost pressures and providing stronger support for n-butanol prices.
Downstream operating rates declined (due to an expanded capacity sample), resulting in increased supply of n-butanol.
The average weekly profit margin for n-butanol was -179 CNY/ton, a decrease of 252 CNY/ton compared to the previous period.
China's n-butanol output reached 62,300 tons, an increase of 2,100 tons or 3.49% week-on-week. Plant capacity utilization stood at approximately 84%, down 4 percentage points from the previous week.
Supply side: n-Butanol plants are expected to maintain stable production next week, leading to a slight decrease in supply.
Demand side: Downstream operating rates are expected to improve, suggesting that demand will rise compared to this week.
Cost side: Propylene markets remain elevated, with costs staying high and continuing to grow.
Overall, driven by the strong upward momentum in feedstock propylene, cost pressures on n-butanol have intensified, supporting market prices at high levels. Although downstream buyers show resistance to current high prices, anticipated future price increases driven by rising costs are expected to boost opportunistic purchasing. Inquiries and transaction volumes are projected to gradually increase. Therefore, domestic n-butanol prices are expected to remain at elevated levels next week, supported by cost factors.
For more detailed weekly market analysis, please refer to the Chempricehub Information weekly report on oxo-alcohols (butanol/octanol).
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