The IEA expects world oil demand to decline year-on-year for the first time since 2020, driven by the Iran war and Strait of Hormuz closure. Prices have eased on prospects of a surplus late in 2026, but renewed hostilities threaten supplies and introduce volatility.
Asia
Asian isobutanol prices strengthened during Q2 after relatively softer conditions earlier in the year. Higher propylene costs, firmer import replacement values and improved downstream procurement supported the increase, particularly in India. China remained comparatively well supplied because of its domestic oxo-alcohol production base, while import-dependent markets such as Japan remained more exposed to feedstock and freight movements. Prices moderated toward June as supply availability improved and upstream cost pressure eased.
Europe
European isobutanol prices moved higher through H1 2026, with Q2 gains supported by increased propylene, energy and logistics costs. Demand from coatings, paints and chemical-intermediate applications provided a stable consumption base, while tighter availability strengthened sellers’ pricing positions. Some moderation emerged toward June as supply conditions improved, although elevated replacement costs continued to support prices.
North America
North American isobutanol prices also strengthened during H1, supported by higher propylene costs and steady coatings and chemical-sector demand. OXEA announced a $0.10/lb price increase for isobutanol in the US and Mexico in March, effective March 25, reflecting firmer market conditions. Improved availability toward June reduced some spot-market pressure, although upstream costs continued to underpin pricing.
Analyst Insight
According to Procurement Resource, isobutanol prices are expected to remain sensitive to propylene costs and regional availability, while stable coatings demand should provide underlying support
Need Latest Isobutanol Prices?
Get real-time price assessments, periodic trends, forecasts and price driver insights across key global markets.
Our Clients
Turn price intelligence into action with the Procurement Resource Database. Log in or subscribe to unlock live price trends, historical charts, supplier databases, cost curves, and analyst-backed insights across chemicals, agriculture, energy, packaging, and more. Use these tools to benchmark your contracts, plan budgets with confidence, and stay ahead of market moves on every product you buy.
0
+Products
0
+Regions
0
+Subscriptions
Asia
Isobutanol prices in Asia displayed mixed movement during Q4 2025, largely tracking shifts in feedstock costs. In China, prices declined through the first half of the quarter, extending the weaker sentiment carried over from the prior period. Downstream buying interest remained cautious, particularly from coatings and solvent manufacturers operating under margin pressure and reduced production rates. Demand from isobutanol derivative sectors, including plasticizers, paint thinners, and butyl acrylate, was limited, as end-user industries such as construction and automotive recorded subdued activity. Expectations of additional supply from plant restarts further weighed on market sentiment, while feedstock cost support remained constrained amid volatility in international energy markets and ongoing structural oversupply concerns. In the second half of the quarter, prices recorded a modest recovery as the market adjusted to earlier declines. However, the rebound was measured, and by quarter-end, prices stabilized within a narrow range, reflecting cautious equilibrium between supply and demand.
Europe
Isobutanol prices in Europe broadly mirrored the Asian trend during Q4 2025. The quarter opened with softer pricing, reflecting limited downstream momentum from end-use sectors such as surface coatings, agricultural chemicals, and specialty solvents. Buying interest remained measured, and no significant cost pressure from feedstock was evident to support upward movement. Supply availability remained adequate across key producing regions, leaving little room for price acceleration even as some buyers sought to cover short-term requirements. The latter part of the quarter saw mild price recovery before the market moved into relative stability. Overall, volatility remained contained, and the European market transitioned from early weakness toward consolidation by the close of the period.
North America
In North America, isobutanol prices followed a comparable trajectory during Q4 2025. Initial softness in the first half of the quarter reflected balanced-to-ample supply conditions and moderate demand from derivative sectors, including fuel additives, coatings, and isobutyric acid production. Inventory levels at the producer and distributor level were sufficient to meet near-term requirements, reducing urgency among buyers to secure additional volumes at prevailing prices. Mid-quarter adjustments offered limited upward movement, though gains were not sustained. By quarter-end, prices had stabilized, aligning with broader global patterns of contained recovery and consolidation.
Isobutanol is a combustible, colourless liquid with a characteristic odour. It's mostly employed as a solvent, either directly or indirectly through esters. 1-butanol, 2-butanol, and tert-butanol are its three isomers, all of which are valuable in industry.
C4H10O
Adhesives and sealant chemicals, Agricultural chemicals (non-pesticidal), Corrosion inhibitors and anti-scaling agents, Fuels and fuel additives, Intermediates
1-Propanol, 2-methyl-1-Hydroxymethylpropane, Isopropylcarbinol, Isobutyl alcohol
BASF SE, Eastman Chemical Company, Gevo , Butamax Advanced Biofuels LLC, Sahara PCC
CurrencyUS$ (Data can also be provided in local currency)
Supplier Database AvailabilityYes
Customization ScopeThe report can be customized as per the requirements of the customer
Post-Sale Analyst Support360-degree analyst support after report delivery
Note: Our supplier search experts can assist your procurement teams in compiling and validating a list of suppliers indicating they have products, services, and capabilities that meet your company's needs.
Production of isobutanol from corn, also known as corn ethanol takes place via corn fermentation.
Our Price Analysis Methodology
AVP - Strategy and Solutions
Leading procurement research solutions across chemicals, materials, and food & beverages, with expertise in price forecasting and market analytics.
Experience how Procurement Resource transforms raw material price data into clear, decision ready intelligence. Optimise your performance with reliable, expert market data and analysis. Schedule your demo today to experience a live walk-through where our experts will showcase interactive price charts, forecasted prices, and insights driving the prices for your key commodities, tailored to your workflows. Contact us now!
Our Team will be happy to assist you
We are just a text away
Still Need Help?
This report presents a detailed cost analysis of bio-isobutanol production from biomass (including non-food biomass like plant material and animal waste) via fermentation.
Isobutene Manufacturing Plant Project Report thoroughly focuses on every detail that encompasses the cost of manufacturing. Our extensive cost model meticulously covers breaking down expenses around raw materials, labour, technology, and manufacturing expenses. This enables precise cost structure optimization and helps in identifying effective strategies to reduce the overall cash cost of manufacturing.
Unlock full access to Procurement Resource's price databases, interactive charts, and short-term forecasts for thousands of commodities. Elevate your sourcing decisions by comparing prices across regions, downloading historical data, and layering in analyst-backed insights, all with our flexible plans that scale as your portfolio grows.
Still have any Questions
Contact Us
Price Trend Dashboard - What's Included
Price trends across a diverse portfolio of categories and products, spanning board to niche chemicals
Coverage extendable to grade-specific chemicals based on procurement requirements
Regular price tracking supported by robust historical datasets
News, policy updates, and key market drivers impacting price movements
Short-term and long-term price outlooks and forecasts
Supply–demand dynamics and capacity-driven market analysis
Track prices, market movements, supply-demand dynamics, and industry developments across hundreds of commodities through a centralized intelligence platform built for informed procurement decisions.
Understand market fluctuations using analyst-backed forecasts, historical pricing patterns, and evolving industry trends to strengthen sourcing strategies and budget planning.
Leverage cost models, pricing benchmarks, and procurement insights to evaluate purchasing opportunities, improve negotiations, and enhance operational efficiency.
Access region-specific price trends, trade activities, capacity changes, and supply chain developments influencing commodity markets worldwide.
