Tetrahydrofuran Price Trend and Forecast

Regional Price Overview

Get the latest insights on price movement and trend analysis of Tetrahydrofuran in different regions across the world (Asia, Europe, North America, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa).

Tetrahydrofuran Price Trend for the Q1 of 2024

Asia

In the first quarter of 2024, China's tetrahydrofuran market faced a gradual decline in its pricing patterns due to weakened demand from key downstream sectors like furniture and construction. High inventory levels from increased 2023 production contributed to the price drop as producers aimed to clear surplus stocks. Government interventions to curb price hikes also affected the tetrahydrofuran demand indirectly.

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Despite stable butane prices, regional variations occurred, with Eastern China seeing a slight dip in prices due to higher inventory levels, while Western and Central China remained stable to slightly higher. This decline benefited users in sectors like furniture and resin production but likely impacted tetrahydrofuran producers' profitability. However, as the quarter progressed towards its termination, the price trends in China began to oscillate, influenced by global economic recovery, feedstock costs, demand trends, and inventory management strategies.

Europe

Tetrahydrofuran serves as a crucial intermediate chemical in the European chemical sector. While China dominates production, Europe also plays a significant role in regulating the supply chains of tetrahydrofuran in the global market. It is used in various industries, including coatings, paints, and lubricating oil additives, which are the main drivers of the tetrahydrofuran market. However, despite its importance, the market registered a notable stagnancy despite the significant uptick in the economic indicators of the market.

The largest downstream market for tetrahydrofuran, which is vital in the automotive, construction, and infrastructure sectors globally, also remained under the red zone. The sales figures of unsaturated polymers also remained skeptical and raised the concerns of the trading community throughout the first quarter of 2024.

North America

In contrast to European countries, tetrahydrofuran prices in North America surged in the first quarter due to a combination of factors. Warmer weather conditions since January stimulated economic activity, contributing to increased demand for tetrahydrofuran. Additionally, disruptions in shipping routes, particularly in the Red Sea region, led to elevated shipping costs and delays in delivery times.

As a major importer heavily reliant on China as a prominent exporter, the United States faced supply chain disruptions and increased freight charges, further driving up tetrahydrofuran prices. These price fluctuations highlight the volatility and interconnectedness of global markets, influenced by economic, geopolitical, and environmental factors. Industry players also adapted well to the changing dynamics of the trading sector and effectively navigated through the changing landscape of the market.

Analyst Insight

According to Procurement Resource, the price trend of Tetrahydrofuran is expected to be driven by the rising number of sales in the downstream industries and the positive outlook of the feedstock industries.

Tetrahydrofuran Price Trend for the October - December of 2023

Asia

Tetrahydrofuran market performance in the Asian region was witnessed to be below average during the last quarter of the year 2023. THF market observed a very tepid procurement curve during this time span. Since the impending holiday season called for a decline in industrial activities, the market prices for tetrahydrofuran also started falling down, and whatever demands the consuming industries posed for tetrahydrofuran could easily be taken care of by the existing inventory stocks.

A significant depreciation in the crude oil prices around this time also didn’t help the tetrahydrofuran market sentiments much. Overall, downward fluctuating price trend were witnessed for tetrahydrofuran during the fourth quarter.

Europe

The European market trend for tetrahydrofuran closely mimicked the Asian trend as the prices here, too, kept oscillating towards the lower end of the curve. The supply chain and freight issues caused by the commencement of the Israel-Hams war kept the suppliers at their tows. Market uncertainties amidst these geopolitical and geoeconomic tensions kept the sentiments gloomy. This downturn in international trade impacted the tetrahydrofuran demand outlook very negatively and burdened the supply chains. The general market outlook for tetrahydrofuran was observed to be weak during Q4’23.

North America

The North American tetrahydrofuran market also followed along with its Asian and European counterparts as the THF prices witnessed swift declines during the last three months of 2023. Along with the overflowing domestic inventories, the holiday season further affected the downstream demand, leading to a fall in tetrahydrofuran consumption and, thus, the prices.

Analyst Insight

According to Procurement Resource, Tetrahydrofuran price trend are not likely to improve immediately since the inventory levels are high, and the market sentiment will take some time to rebound.

Tetrahydrofuran Price Trend for the July-September of 2023

Asia

The prime factor that drove the trajectory of tetrahydrofuran price trend in an upward direction was the rising cost of production. This increase in the production cost was supported by the forward movement of prices of raw materials and crude oil. The crude oil sector saw exponential growth as the majority of the crude oil and energy-producing nations followed the sanctions imposed by OPEC+ regarding exports. Additionally, the manufacturing rates of tetrahydrofuran were only mild as compared to the demand from the end-user sector, disbalancing the supply-demand equilibria and leading to the northward movement of the tetrahydrofuran price graph.

Europe

The improvement in industrial activities only extended a little support to the tetrahydrofuran market. With a gradual positive movement in the raw material industries, the tetrahydrofuran price trend in the third quarter were able to gain some stability. However, the growth of the market was stunted by severe economic challenges presented by the slowing down of financial growth and a consistent rise in inflationary pressure on the manufacturing and trading sectors. Due to these similar factors, the rates of procurement from the end user industries were also feeble and unable to provide the tetrahydrofuran price trend its required support.

North America

In North America, during the third quarter of 2023, the lukewarm demand from the downstream industries proved to be an obstacle for the tetrahydrofuran prices. On the other hand, other factors, such as a rise in the cost of feedstock chemicals, inclination in upstream industries, and a significant hike in the cost of natural gas, all seemed to support the rise in the tetrahydrofuran price trend. The trading sector of North America also worked efficiently towards the smooth functioning of the supply chains, but an imbalance in the demand caused the tetrahydrofuran price trend to fluctuate.

Analyst Insight

According to Procurement Resource, the price trend of Tetrahydrofuran are expected to oscillate in the upcoming months as the equilibrium of supply and demand will struggle to find a common ground.

Tetrahydrofuran Price Trend for the Fisrt Half of 2023

Asia

Tetrahydrofuran prices experienced mixed market behavior during the first half of the year 2023. The post-lockdown recovery was slow in the Chinese market; still, the price trend moved positively during the first half of the first quarter as the consumption sectors offered some demands.

However, the demands again got humble in the downstream polyurethanes, PVC, and other polymer industries as the end consumer purchasing capabilities were compromised by rising global inflation.

As the second quarter arrived, this also affected the reopening of plants and further pushed the market offtakes down. The tetrahydrofuran market experienced price depreciation in the second quarter with a dull market outlook.

Europe

In the European Tetrahydrofuran market, a faltering production cost caused the price to slide in the first quarter. Since the US released oil stocks from its strategic reserves, the crude oil price started normalizing in the European region as well. This released some of the market pressure caused by the Russia and Ukraine war.

Demands were also feeble, so both upstream and downstream situations pushed the Tetrahydrofuran market sentiments down. It was in the latter half of the second quarter the prices inclined marginally owing to the constricted supplies.

North America

In accordance with the global Tetrahydrofuran market outlook, the prices remained on a sliding journey in North American markets as well during the said period. High inflation in the domestic market because of rising interest rates limited the demand, which caused the prices to totter at the lower end.

Analyst Insight

According to Procurement Resource, after long fluctuations, the Tetrahydrofuran market is likely to strive for some stability in the coming months.

Tetrahydrofuran Price Trend for the Q2, Q3 and Q4 of 2022

Asia

Tetrahydrofuran, or THF, is commercially produced from butanediol and is primarily utilized in the chemical industry as a potent solvent and precursor of polymers. So, the price trend also depend on downstream demands from the chemical industry and the availability and prices of feedstock butanediol. During the said three quarters of 2022, the Tetrahydrofuran market outlook was mostly negative in the Asian region.

At the beginning of Q2, China had just come out of a long and stressful lockdown. Both production and purchasing capacities were constricted during that time. So, with insignificant exchanges in the biggest export market, the prices remained sluggish. The market recovery in the later months was also very slow and centered around the necessary commodities. Overall, a dull market sentiment was observed.

Europe

The war between Russia and Ukraine immediately changed the general market outlook for the entire European region. In the second quarter, a steep and sudden rise in prices was observed since the skyrocketing inflation pushed the production costs through the roof. However, the later months saw a sluggish market trend attributed to the demand depreciation amidst unsustainable operational costs.

North America

Exhibiting a mixed market behavior, the Tetrahydrofuran prices first consistently till the beginning of the final quarter of the year, primarily because of a rise in crude oil costs. Even with regular demands, the prices continued moving steadily and positively.

It was in the latter half of the fourth quarter that the prices shifted momentum and started decreasing since the demand outlook turned negative. These trend continued for the rest of the said period in a wavering manner.

Analyst Insight

According to Procurement Resource, projections do not look very positive for Tetrahydrofuran in the coming months. With fluctuations in demand dynamics, a mixed market outlook is expected.

For the Q1 of 2022

Asia

Tetrahydrofuran (THF)prices in India surged during the first quarter of 2022. Following the outbreak of COVID-19 and the subsequent interruption of China's supply chains, the Indian pharmaceutical sector became increasingly reliant on Chinese imports.

Tetrahydrofuran offers ex-depot Chennai were reported at 8641 USD/MT in the Indian market in March. Additionally, as a result of widespread energy worries, China's output curtailed, and the APAC region's availability of several pharmaceutical feedstocks and solvents dropped.

Europe

Domestic tetrahydrofuran prices in the European region returned to a reasonable level in Q1 2022, following a significant increase. THF demand from pharmaceuticals, an important downstream market, remained largely stable, despite rising demand for other essential solvents. Due to geopolitical tensions, the Russia-Ukraine war put upward pressure on upstream values, resulting in a regional demand-supply mismatch for a number of commodities.

Maleic Anhydride and Butanediol costs also decreased to a certain point, and the price differential between raw materials and Tetrahydrofuran (THF) was reported to be significant owing to the supply and demand mismatch. CFR bids were so offered at 5160 USD/MT for the March 2022 quarter.

North America

Tetrahydrofuran prices increased by 3% in the first quarter of 2022, from 4180 USD/MT in February to 4180 USD/MT in March. The pricing rise in February was due to a shortage of products in the nation and increased demand from the pharmaceutical business. In the United States, THF's growing pricing trend was backed by a fragmented supply chain and high freight expenses.

For the Fourth Quarter of 2021

Asia

Tetrahydrofuran prices increased in the final quarter of 2021, as numerous pharmaceutical businesses in India complained about a lack of THF solvents owing to China's October production cut. During the fourth quarter, upstream 1,4-butanediol (BDO) prices increased.

Additionally, as a result of China's dual control strategy in response to energy-related concerns, India's availability of certain pharmaceutical feedstocks and solvents has diminished. Tetrahydrofuran prices climbed as a result, eventually stabilizing at around 571940 INR/MT Ex-Depot Chennai in December.

Europe

Tetrahydrofuran prices in Europe increased significantly in Q4 2021, in line with global market dynamics. Due to a serious supply shortfall, European manufacturers of upstream BDO producers have been inundated with queries from Asia.

Due to persistent demand and scarcity of supplies, major manufacturers such as Ashland increased THF pricing in Europe in November. Demand from downstream producers of Polybutylene Terephthalate (PBT) was robust throughout the quarter.

North America

Tetrahydrofuran prices increased in the North American market during the fourth quarter, owing to increased demand from downstream sectors. Additionally, storm Ida struck the Gulf Coast of the United States, forcing the closure of numerous industrial plants due to power outages in the area, which impacted Q4 as well. Due to interruptions in logistics as a result of the climatic calamity, supply restrictions resulted in a rise in upstream Butanediol costs in the region this quarter.

For First, Second and Third Quarters of 2021

Asia

In Asia, strong demand from a variety of downstream sectors combined with constrained supply pushed Tetrahydrofuran prices higher in Q1 2021. Congestion on the Europe-Asia route resulted in a scarcity of both BDO and THF. Tetrahydrofuran prices in India increased from 2436.2 USD/MT in January to 2597.4 USD/MT in March, owing to worldwide inflation in petrochemical pricing. The Asian market for THF was constant to robust throughout second quarter, despite reduced supply.

In May, India saw a sharp increase in costs, owing to delayed imports and crippled supply activity caused by the country's continuing epidemic. Tetrahydrofuran prices in India hovered around 5381 USD/MT in May.

In Asia's third quarter of 2021, the general market prognosis indicated an increasing trend. In India, rising freight costs combined with constant to robust local demand resulted in a considerable increase in THF pricing. A considerable increase in prices was noticed from July to September, when they increased from 4996 USD/MT to 5810 USD/MT Ex-Depot Chennai.

Europe

LyondellBasell's upstream PO manufacturing facility in Rotterdam was forced to shut down owing to technical difficulties, affecting THF production throughout the area and consequently increasing its pricing. BASF was heard favorably boosting the prices of BDO and THF in both January and March in Europe.

Demand from downstream sectors, along with a severe lack of feedstock chemicals, drove up prices across Europe in Q2 2021. Feedstock BDO prices have risen dramatically internationally as a result of a significant scarcity caused by reduced production activity. Prices increased across the European region during the third quarter. Imports from Asian nations decreased significantly as a result of a variety of causes, including rising logistical costs, restricted vessel capacity, and price hikes in Asia.

North America

THF availability in North America remained constrained in Q1 2021 because of regional feedstock BDO scarcities. The price of BDO and THF rose by 330 USD/MT and 440.5 USD/MT, respectively, effective 1st April 2021. Some producers expressed concern that government involvement might significantly constrain US THF supply in the future quarters.

Tetrahydrofuran prices increased significantly in the North America area in the second quarter, owing to a major scarcity of feedstock chemicals. Prolonged disruptions in production across the United States resulted in a dramatic increase in the price of BDO. Tetrahydrofuran prices in North America increased by 550 USD/MT in May.

Throughout the third quarter of 2021, prices increased across the North American area. During the quarter, robust demand from the downstream pharmaceutical sector continued to provide excellent profits for producers.

For the Year 2020

Asia

In India, construction workers were kept away from job sites, which caused a pause on approximately 20,000 active projects in the country. Berger Paints, India's second-largest paint manufacturer, reported a 6.5 percent reduction in consolidated net profit for the fourth quarter ended March 31 to INR 1,032 million (USD13.76 million).

Due to the pandemic, the petrochemical industry was also negatively impacted and thus impacted the polymer industry. Owing to all these considerations, the tetrahydrofuran market was significantly influenced by COVID-19.

North America

The supply of BDO and derivatives in the United States was critically low, owing to production restrictions in the critical automobile industry, among other concerns. According to various market sources, the US supply of BDO derivative polytetramethylene ether glycol (PTMEG) was low, with an unplanned government order taking priority over contract clients.

The BDO derivative tetrahydrofuran, a precursor to PTMEG, was also subject to a separate government contract, further constraining supplies. THF was the primary market for BDO, accounting for more than 40% of US BDO output in 2020.

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