Udeesha Tomar
AVP - Strategy and Solutions
Leading procurement research solutions across chemicals, materials, and food & beverages, with expertise in price forecasting and market analytics.
Butene Price Trend Analysis 2026: Latest News, Historical Prices, Market Insights, Price Drivers & Supply Demand Analysis
Written ByUdeesha Tomar
Butene Price Trend Q1 2025
Asia
In the first quarter of 2025, the butene market in Asia showed a downward trend, primarily resembling the price trend of its primary feedstock, ethylene. The upstream market witnessed an overall downward trajectory, pressuring the butene prices. Along with this, subdued demand from the major downstream industries such as automotive and textile remained weak.
Asian consumers, fearing further price reductions, purchased cautiously, adding to the downward trend. Despite some minor support from planned maintenance shutdowns at several regional ethylene plants, the overall market sentiment remained weak. With inventory levels staying high, the buying activity remained muted, preventing any notable price recovery. The bearish market trend persisted during the period with no real upturn.
Europe
In Europe, butene price curve also trended in a similar downward direction during Q1 2025. The region continued to be hit by oversupply due to excess production. Demand in major industrial segments such as packaging and construction continued to be rather flat, which kept the market dynamics subdued.
Although some scheduled maintenance across ethylene plants resulted in temporary disruptions, the oversupply situation was more in control, and butene prices continued to come under pressure. Moreover, low feedstock costs further undermined any hoped-for recovery, as numerous long-term contracts remained under renegotiation or were not being rolled over, which further depressed market activity.
North America
In North America, butene price trend followed a similar pattern as witnessed in other global markets during Q1 2025. Soft domestic demand combined with global oversupply pressured the prices, which eventually moved down. Weather disruptions in the early part of the year, mainly along the Gulf Coast, temporarily disrupted operations.
Production was resumed rapidly, though, and inventory levels were higher than normal. Meanwhile, the ethylene prices also started falling and with these downward fluctuations butene market remained comparatively weak. Similar to other regions, there was minimal spot purchasing, as downstream markets such as polyethylene and MEG exhibited softer demand. Also, the cautious behavior of buyers resulted in sustained pricing pressures during the quarter.
Analyst Insight
According to Procurement Resource, in the near future, slight improvements in demand from major segments can provide some relief to the butene market, and there can be a possibility of stabilization if the global supply situation evens out.
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Asia
The Asian butene market navigated through a challenging 2024, characterized by persistent downward pressure. Chinese demand remained subdued as downstream industries operated at reduced rates.
Production rates stayed high throughout most of the year, leading to inventory build-up. While there were occasional spikes during maintenance periods, the overall trend remained bearish due to lacklustre derivative demand and ample availability.
Europe
European butene markets weathered significant volatility in 2024. Early in the year, supply constraints and strong derivative demand supported prices. However, the market softened considerably by mid-year as downstream polymer producers reduced operating rates amid economic uncertainties. Technical issues at several crackers and logistics disruptions temporarily tightened supply, but these effects were short-lived against the backdrop of weak demand.
North America
North American butene followed a unique trajectory in 2024. The market began strong, supported by healthy derivative demand and planned maintenance at key production facilities. However, improved cracker operations and new capacity additions in the latter half led to increased availability. Export opportunities helped balance the market somewhat, though prices remained under pressure as domestic supply consistently exceeded demand.
About Butene
Butene is a hydrocarbon belonging to the group of alkenes with four carbons in the chain and a saturation (double bond) at the first position. It is a highly flammable, colorless gas with a distinct odor. Depending on the position of the double bond, different isomers can exist, each having its distinct properties. Butene is a gas at room temperature but can be liquefied by lowering the temperature or raising the pressure.
It is present as one of the minor constituents of crude oil, but it is not feasible for extraction; hence it is obtained by catalytic cracking of long chain hydrocarbons. Butene is used in several polymerization reactions, primarily in producing HDPE and LDPE.
Butene Product Detail
Hs Code
29012300
Chemical Formula
C4H8
Cas Number
106-98-9
Molecular Weight
56.11 g/mol
Industrial Uses
Polymers/Polyethene, Chemical Substrates, Rubber Processing Industries
Synonyms
But-1-ene, Ethyl ethylene, 1-Butylene
Supplier Database
Shell, Evonik, Mitsui Chemical, Sumitomo Chemical, Idemitsu Kosan, CNPC, SINOPEC
Regional Coverage
Asia Pacific
China, India, Indonesia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Japan, Philippines, Vietnam, Iran, Thailand, South Korea, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, Nepal, Taiwan, Sri Lanka, UAE, Israel, Hongkong, Singapore, Oman, Kuwait, Qatar, Australia, and New Zealand
Europe
Germany, France, United Kingdom, Italy,Spain, Russia, Turkey, Netherlands, Poland, Sweden, Belgium, Austria, Ireland Switzerland, Norway, Denmark, Romania, Finland, Czech Republic, Portugal and Greece
North America
United States and Canada
Latin America
Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Columbia, Chile, Ecuador, and Peru
Africa
South Africa, Nigeria, Egypt, Algeria, Morocco
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.
Butene Production Processes
- Butene Production from Raffinate Streams; Butene Production from ethylene
The catalytic dimerization of ethylene in the presence of Ziegler catalyst to Butene is one of the most selective and economical routes to produce Butene. Dimerization reaction occurs in the liquid phase of the reactor and the pump around the loop. The feedstock ethylene enters the reactor, and the catalyst is injected into the pumps and coils, facilitating the reaction. Thus, the required product is removed from the reactor, and the effluents are drained and pumped into the catalyst removal section.
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