Production: The operating rate of n-butanol was 85%, up 4 percentage points from the previous week, with a weekly output of 58,200 tons.
Demand: The capacity utilization rate for butyl acrylate was 57.51%, with a production volume of 48,600 tons; for butyl acetate, it was 42.23%, with a production volume of 14,200 tons; for DBP (dibutyl phthalate), it was 39.18%, with a production volume of 8,200 tons.
Domestic n-Butanol Mainstream Regional Price Trend Chart (CNY/ton)
Data Source: Chempricehub Information
Domestic n-Butanol Market Price Weekly Change Table
Unit: CNY/ton
| Region | Close This Week | Close Last Week | Change | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shandong | 8,365 | 8,250 | +115 | 1.37% |
| East China | 8,550 | 8,375 | +175 | 2.05% |
| South China | 8,600 | 8,575 | +25 | 0.29% |
Data Source: Chempricehub Information
During this period, domestic n-butanol prices fluctuated with a slightly bullish trend following the holiday return. This movement was primarily driven by raw material costs. Propylene, the key feedstock, saw consecutive sharp increases upon reopening after the holiday, creating high cost pressures that increasingly supported n-butanol prices. Meanwhile, units that had undergone maintenance shutdowns remained offline. However, factory shipments were limited during the holiday, leading to a slight increase in inventory levels, though overall supply remained sufficient. Downstream buyers exhibited strong wait-and-see attitudes post-holiday, purchasing only on an as-needed basis at lower prices. Nevertheless, the robust rise in propylene prices boosted market acceptance slightly, causing low-priced offers to disappear and transaction centers to shift toward higher levels. Due to reduced downstream operating rates and slow demand growth, price increases remained gradual.
Downstream operating rates improved, while n-butanol supply remained ample.
The average weekly profit for n-butanol this week (Oct 8–10) was 299 CNY/ton, a decrease of 449 CNY/ton compared to the previous period (Sep 24–30).
China's n-butanol production reached 58,200 tons, an increase of 1,200 tons or 2.11% from the previous week. The plant capacity utilization rate was approximately 85%, up 4 percentage points from last week.
Next Week Market Forecast
Supply Side: Some plants are increasing their operating loads, and there is anticipation of new capacity coming online, leading to a gradual increase in market supply.
Demand Side: Major downstream sectors are slowly entering the off-season, coupled with significant cost pressures. Consequently, overall operating rates are expected to decline, resulting in a slight reduction in demand.
Cost Side: The propylene market has continued to surge significantly, causing n-butanol production costs to rise correspondingly.
Currently, the domestic n-butanol market structure is shifting toward oversupply. Downstream participants remain cautious, maintaining procurement strictly based on immediate needs at favorable prices. While overall trading activity remains healthy, sustained high propylene prices continue to exert pressure on margins, eroding profits and pushing market prices gradually upward. Considering the anticipated commissioning of new capacities, which will further increase market supply, it is projected that the center of gravity for domestic n-butanol prices may still see room for improvement next week, although the magnitude of the increase is expected to be limited.
For more detailed weekly market analysis, please refer to the Butanols Weekly Report by Chempricehub Information.
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