This week, the European butadiene market exhibited divergent supply-demand dynamics. Butadiene prices strengthened, supported by disruptions to export vessel schedules; specifically, a 13,000-ton cargo destined for Northeast Asia was delayed, tightening expected December arrivals in Asia. Consequently, producer FOB Rotterdam offers were raised to $1,350–$1,400 per ton, with the FOB Rotterdam assessed price reaching $1,310 per ton, marking a significant weekly increase. Despite concurrent declines in Asian butadiene prices, European sellers maintained firm quotations.
On the demand side, factors were mixed. Downstream players expressed concerns that year-end destocking would suppress December demand. However, rising energy costs provided support for contract prices. Unplanned plant shutdowns generated spot inquiries, while some vendors reported weak short-term demand and proactively locked in orders to control inventory levels toward year-end. The FD Northwest Europe butadiene assessed price stood at €1,210 per ton.
Other C4 fractions generally weakened. Naphtha prices plunged sharply, resulting in available supply but sluggish trading activity. Butene-1 was pressured by softening MTBE markets, leading to a reduction in its relative pricing coefficient, while buyer interest remained cautious.
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