Contrary Price Trend for Tertiary Butyl Alcohol in European and Asian Markets

Tertiary Butyl Alcohol prices have shown a mixed sentiment across the globe at the beginning of November 2022. The fear of recession, tumbling energy prices, gloomy demand, and uncertainties in China have impeded the market growth of Tertiary Butyl Alcohol.

Tertiary Butyl Alcohol prices have dropped in China due to the lackluster demand from the downstream solvent and allied industries. In addition, the "Zero Covid Policy" in the region and the plummeting upstream crude oil prices amidst an increased US dollar and weak demand has deteriorated the market sentiments for Tertiary Butyl Alcohol in China. Moreover, China's trade activities declined in October 2022, with exports and imports declining amidst a global economic slowdown and strict Covid curbs taking a toll. According to the customs data, export declined by 0.3% compared to the previous month, consequently resulting in a sufficient inventory level in the domestic market.

In conclusion, prices of Tertiary Butyl Alcohol FOB Qingdao plunged by around 2% in China during the same time frame.

Similarly, in the Indian market, Tertiary Butyl Alcohol prices in the Indian Sub-continent have declined by more than 6% owing to sufficient material availability. Demand from downstream solvents and other value chains has remained weak as the festive season concludes in India, resulting in a drop in procurements.

However, prices of Tertiary Butyl Alcohol showed a marginal increment in the German market, backed by the high upstream cost. The domestic production cost continues to remain elevated amid mounting energy and operating costs, which result in low output rates. According to the data, Europe's benchmark natural gas prices, TTF Netherlands, surged by 11% on 14^th November 2022. Although, demand from the downstream paints and coating industry has remained weak as consumer sentiment remains sluggish in the domestic market.

Hence, in Germany, prices of Tertiary Butyl Alcohol FOB Marl were settled at USD 1288/MT with a slight rise of around 1.8% on 11^th November 2022.

According to ChemAnalyst, "prices of Tertiary Butyl Alcohol will drop in Asia and European markets due to slow demand from the end-user solvent and other industries. Meanwhile, market participants have been speculating around early destocking activities in the upcoming months, which is expected further to ease the prices of the Tertiary Butyl Alcohol."