n-Butanol Market Prices Trend Downward with Volatility (Sep 18–24, 2026)

1. Key Market Focus This Week

1. Production: The operating load for n-butanol was 76%, down 3 percentage points from the previous week, with a weekly output of 51,800 tons.

2. Demand: The capacity utilization rate for butyl acrylate was 57.56%, with an output of 50,200 tons; the capacity utilization rate for butyl acetate was 53.49%, with an output of 16,000 tons; and the capacity utilization rate for DBP (Dibutyl Phthalate) was 41.4%, with an output of 7,900 tons.

2. Weekly Market Analysis

The chart below illustrates price trends in major domestic regions for n-butanol (Unit: CNY/ton).

Weekly Price Change Table for Domestic n-Butanol Market
(Unit: CNY/ton)

Data Source: Chempricehub Information

During this period, the domestic n-butanol market trended downward with volatility. High-priced transactions gradually disappeared, while low prices emerged frequently. Initially, crude oil drove up propylene prices, which subsequently lowered the cost base for n-butanol and weakened its price support. Meanwhile, downstream demand remained weak, with factories maintaining only essential procurement levels and showing strong resistance to high prices. With some maintenance units expected to restart, producers maintained low inventory levels and actively offered discounts to boost shipments, leading to frequent appearances of low market prices. Towards the end of the weekend, market inquiries and transactions remained sluggish.

3. Analysis of Market Influencing Factors

1. Downstream operating loads decreased slightly, resulting in a minor reduction in n-butanol supply.

2. The average weekly profit margin for n-butanol was 1,102 CNY/ton, an increase of 48 CNY/ton compared to the previous period.

3. China's n-butanol production totaled 51,800 tons, a decrease of 2,100 tons from the previous week, representing a drop of 3.9%. The overall plant capacity utilization rate was approximately 76%, down 3 percentage points from the previous week.

4. Next Week's Market Forecast

1. Supply Side: Maintenance units are expected to restart next week, leading to a slight increase in supply.
2. Demand Side: Among the three major downstream sectors, operating rates for butyl acrylate and butyl acetate are expected to rise, while those for DBP may see a slight decline. Overall, demand is projected to be higher than this week.
3. Cost Side: The propylene market is expected to fluctuate at high levels, keeping n-butanol costs elevated.

In the near term, as maintenance units for n-butanol gradually restart, market supply will continue to grow. However, producers' low inventory strategy still exerts some pressure on prices. Although mainstream downstream products may see slight increases in production, their willingness to accept raw material deliveries remains insufficiently active, resulting in a somewhat lackluster trading atmosphere. Additionally, the propylene feedstock market is expected to maintain high-level fluctuations, continuing to impact costs.

Overall, the domestic n-butanol market is shifting towards oversupply. Market wait-and-see sentiment is rising, transaction volumes are limited, and price centers are leaning towards the lower end. Therefore, the domestic n-butanol market price is expected to trend weakly with volatility next week.

For more detailed weekly market analysis, please refer to the Chempricehub Information Oxos Alcohol Weekly Report.