Get the ChemPriceHub app — track prices on the go. Membership syncs across app & web. View plans
 
Home > News > N-butanol October output up 36,800 tons, profits down 88%, November outlook weak

N-butanol October output up 36,800 tons, profits down 88%, November outlook weak

Published on 2026-10-30
  1. Key Highlights This Month

① Monthly output increased by 36,800 tons to 270,600 tons;
② Consumption rose by 2.4% month-on-month;
③ Profits declined by 88% month-on-month.

  1. Market Analysis for the Month

Data Source: Chempricehub Information

Monthly Price Change Table for Domestic n-Butanol

Unit: RMB/ton

Region/Category Previous Period Average Current Period Average Price Change Percentage Change Unit
Shandong 8427 8263 -164 -1.95% RMB/ton
Jiangsu 8528 8410 -118 -1.38% RMB/ton
South China 8434 8430 -4 -0.05% RMB/ton

Data Source: Chempricehub Information

In October, the price center of domestic n-butanol shifted downward weakly. It is reported that the feedstock propylene price continued to rise due to the impact of international crude oil prices and tight propylene supply, forming high costs that provided some support to n-butanol market prices. However, new capacity was commissioned mid-month with product output increasing market supply. Sales pressure intensified for some producers, while downstream buyers slowed their purchasing intentions in anticipation of new capacity coming online. Inquiry and transaction volumes gradually weakened in the mid-to-late period, higher-end quotes disappeared, and lower prices emerged frequently, causing the market trading center to operate at lower levels. Near the end of the month, the sharp increase in propylene prices pushed n-butanol into a loss-making stage, intensifying cost pressures. Meanwhile, downstream opportunistic buying during low-price periods increased slightly, supporting a gradual recovery in market prices toward the end of the month.

  1. Analysis of Factors Influencing Future Market Trends

① Trends in international crude oil and feedstock propylene prices.
② Operating status of the three major downstream sectors and changes in market demand.
③ Status of n-butanol units undergoing maintenance.

  1. Next Month's Market Forecast

The price center of the domestic n-butanol market is expected to fluctuate weakly in November. From the supply side, units undergoing maintenance are scheduled to resume production sequentially in November, while output from new units remains stable, leading to a steady increase in market supply. On the demand side, November marks the traditional off-season for downstream industries, with expectations of reduced operating rates and a corresponding slow decline in market demand. Regarding raw material costs, propylene prices will continue to be influenced by international crude oil markets and easing supply conditions, resulting in a pullback from highs. However, prices remain at elevated levels, providing some support to n-butanol prices through high cost structures. Overall, the oversupply situation continues to expand. Downstream buyers primarily maintain rigid demand-based opportunistic purchasing, showing average willingness to take delivery. Producers face increased sales pressure and may offer discounts to move inventory. Therefore, domestic n-butanol market prices are predicted to fluctuate weakly in November.

For more monthly market analysis, please refer to the Chempricehub Information Butanols & Octanols Monthly Report.

Comments

0
  • Yuki Tanaka 2026-10-30 20:06
    With n-butanol output surging and margins collapsing 88%, I see significant risk for producers. High feedstock costs aren't offsetting the oversupply from new capacity, while weak downstream demand keeps prices under pre..
No comments yet.