For the Quarter Ending September 2024
North America
Throughout Q3 2024, the pricing of Iso Butyric Acid in North America remained stable, reflecting a balanced market sentiment. The quarter witnessed a significant influence on market prices due to weak demand from various industries, including food processing, chemicals, and animal feed. Factors such as moderate supply levels, subdued downstream activity, and uncertainties in the economy played a crucial role in maintaining price stability. Additionally, reduced orders from overseas markets due to high freight rates further muted the demand for product.
In the USA, which experienced the most price changes, the market trends were consistent with the overall region. However, compared to the previous quarter in 2024, there was a slight increase of 1%, demonstrating a marginal shift in pricing dynamics. Notably, the price remained constant between the first and second half of the quarter, further emphasizing the stable pricing environment.
As Q3 came to a close, the latest price for Iso Butyric Acid in the USA stood at USD 1230/MT FOB Houston, highlighting the continued stability in pricing trends.
APAC
Iso Butyric Acid pricing in the APAC region during Q3 2024 has been marked by a consistent downward trend, influenced by various significant factors. The market has experienced declining prices mainly due to weak demand from downstream industries such as food processing and flavoring sectors. This subdued demand has been further exacerbated by elevated raw material costs, impacting the overall pricing dynamics. China, in particular, has witnessed the most significant price changes, reflecting the overall trend in the region. Moreover, there was a noticeable increase from the previous quarter in 2024, with a 4% rise. The second half of the quarter recorded a substantial decrease of 6% in prices, indicating a sharp decline in market conditions. The latest quarter-ending price for Iso Butyric Acid FOB Shanghai in China stood at USD 1390/MT, underscoring the prevailing negative pricing environment in the region. This quarter has been characterized by a challenging market landscape, with prices consistently on a downward trajectory.
Europe
In Q3 2024, the Iso Butyric Acid market in Europe saw a notable decline in prices, with Germany being particularly affected by this downward trend. Several significant factors contributed to the decrease in market prices during this quarter. A disconnect between supply and demand created a bearish sentiment, exacerbated by supply chain disruptions, including port strikes that led to increased stockpiles of Iso Butyric Acid. Germany experienced the most significant price changes during this period, reflecting the broader challenges faced by the market. A seasonal slowdown impacted key sectors, such as chemical solvents, animal feed, and food processing manufacturing, all of which are major consumers of Iso butyric acid. This reduced demand, combined with logistical disruptions and heightened inventory levels, resulted in a consistent decline in prices throughout the quarter. Despite a slight decline in the previous quarter, the overall trend remained negative, highlighting the difficult pricing environment for iso butyric acid. Manufacturers and suppliers are now navigating these challenges as they seek to stabilize their operations amid ongoing market volatility and shifting demand dynamics.
For the Quarter Ending June 2024
North America
During Q2 2024, the Iso Butyric Acid market in North America maintained a stable pricing environment, largely due to a balanced demand and supply dynamic. This stability was influenced by several significant factors throughout the quarter. One key aspect was the limited inquiries from the downstream animal feed industry, which, coupled with a stable supply of Propylene feedstock, played a crucial role in maintaining steady prices.
Despite occasional disruptions in manufacturing activities due to severe weather conditions, the overall supply chain demonstrated resilience, ensuring a consistent flow of Iso Butyric Acid. In the USA, which experienced the most notable price changes, market trends reflected stability, with Iso Butyric Acid prices exhibiting minimal fluctuations and no significant difference between the first and second half of the quarter.
This stability can be attributed to moderate demand from the animal feed sector, which was effectively balanced by robust demand from the food and flavouring industries. Additionally, seasonal factors, such as the peak summer season, did not markedly impact prices, indicating a balanced market environment. Overall, the Iso Butyric Acid market in North America during Q2 2024 was characterized by stable pricing, supported by a resilient supply chain and balanced demand across key industries.
APAC
The second quarter of 2024 has been marked by a rising price trend for Iso Butyric Acid in the APAC region, primarily influenced by significant cost pressures from feedstock materials and logistical challenges. The quarter saw increased prices due to the heightened cost of raw materials, particularly Propylene, whose price surged by 3%, exerting upward pressure on production costs. Additionally, the limited availability of propane loading from the Middle East Gulf, coupled with delays in deliveries from the US, further tightened supply chains, exacerbating the price hike. These factors, alongside increased transportation costs, have collectively driven the upward trend.
Focusing on China, which witnessed the most substantial price variations, the market experienced notable volatility. Seasonality played a role, with demand fluctuations corresponding to the Chinese domestic market's cyclical nature. The quarter's overall trend reflected a cautious yet steady price increase. Despite a 0% change compared to the same quarter last year, the price from the previous quarter in 2024 saw a slight decline of -1%. However, a comparison between the first and second halves of the quarter revealed a 1% increase, indicating a gradual recovery and stabilization in prices.
The latest quarter-ending price for Iso Butyric Acid stood at USD 1595/MT FOB Shanghai. This consistent rise in prices underscores a generally positive pricing environment, driven by robust market fundamentals and strategic supply management.
Europe
In Q2 2024, the Iso Butyric Acid market in Europe experienced a significant decline in prices, driven by several key factors. One of the primary influences was the resumption of production at OQ Chemicals' facilities, which alleviated the previous supply shortages. This increase in availability exerted downward pressure on Iso Butyric Acid prices. Additionally, the reopening of LyondellBasell’s steam cracker improved the supply of Propylene feedstock, further lowering production costs and contributing to the price decline. The manufacturing sector's persistent bearish sentiment also played a crucial role in the price reduction. Weak order books and a general lack of demand for Iso Butyric Acid dampened market activity, reinforcing the downward trend in prices. France, in particular, saw notable price volatility. This was primarily due to improved supply conditions and market participants' cautious sentiments, which anticipated further price decreases. Seasonal variations further influenced the market, with reduced activity in the chemical intermediate sector during certain periods contributing to the overall price decline. These combined factors—improved supply from key producers, lower production costs, weak demand in the manufacturing sector, and seasonal effects—created a challenging environment for the Iso Butyric Acid market in Europe, leading to a substantial decline in prices during the second quarter of 2024.
For the Quarter Ending March 2024
North America
Iso Butyric Acid pricing in the North America region for Q1 2024 has witnessed an overall increasing trend. Several significant factors have influenced market prices during this quarter. Firstly, there has been a rise in market purchasing activities and an increase in bids among enterprises, leading to an elevation in the price trend.
Additionally, rising labor costs, global inflation, and increasing energy bills have prompted price adjustments for pigments and colorants by Sun Chemical, further contributing to the upward price trend. Nevertheless, the market fundamentals remain weak when compared with the previous quarter. In the USA specifically, the price of Iso Butyric Acid has seen the maximum price changes. The overall trend has been positive, with prices increasing steadily. Comparing to the same quarter last year, there has been a significant decrease of 29% in prices.
However, there has been a recovery in prices compared to the previous quarter in 2024, with a recorded increase of 4%. Moreover, there was a notable price difference between the first and second half of the quarter, with a 9% increase. With Q1 2024 ending price in the USA stands at USD 1215/MT of Iso Butyric Acid FOB Houston. Overall, the pricing environment for Iso Butyric Acid in the North America region in Q1 2024 has been positive, with increasing prices and bullish market sentiment.
APAC
The first quarter of 2024 has been characterized by increasing prices in the Iso Butyric Acid market in the APAC region. Several factors have influenced market prices during this period. In general, demand for Iso Butyric Acid has been strong, driven by various industries such as food and beverage, fragrance, and pharmaceuticals. This increased demand has put upward pressure on prices. Additionally, there have been supply constraints, with limited availability of Iso Butyric Acid in the market. This has further contributed to the price increase. China, in particular, has seen significant price changes in the Iso Butyric Acid market. The overall trend in China has been upward, with prices rising steadily throughout the quarter. This can be attributed to strong demand from various industries, coupled with limited supply. In terms of seasonality, the first quarter of the year is typically a period of increased demand for Iso Butyric Acid, as industries ramp up production after the holiday season. This has also contributed to the price increase. Compared to the same quarter last year, prices have increased by 6%. This indicates a positive pricing environment for Iso Butyric Acid. Furthermore, prices in the first quarter of 2024 have increased by 9% compared to the previous quarter, indicating a continued upward trend. In terms of price dynamics within the quarter, prices in the second half of the quarter have increased by 5% compared to the first half. This suggests a strengthening market and further supports the overall increasing sentiment.
Europe
The European market for Iso-Butyric Acid underwent notable fluctuations, largely influenced by ample supply and weak demand dynamics. Despite an uptick in feedstock propylene prices, the market remained sluggish due to limited trades and feeble demand from downstream sectors, particularly the personal care and pharmaceutical industries. Consequently, supply levels slightly exceeded demand, further dampening market sentiment. Notably, trades from Germany, a key supplier, to other European regions saw a reduction, attributed to sufficient product availability and deterred demand within the region. The downward trend in Iso-Butyric Acid prices persisted as more suppliers disclosed their fresh offers and encountered lower bids from regular customers. German Iso-Butyric Acid prices reached a low point as deals reflected the subdued demand prevailing in the market. Interestingly, despite the surge in oil prices, the impact on market sentiment remained minimal, with demand concerns taking precedence. Overall, the European Iso-Butyric Acid market faced challenges stemming from imbalanced supply-demand dynamics, contributing to a downward pressure on prices across the region.
For the Quarter Ending December 2023
North America
In Q4 2023, the price trend of Iso-butyric Acid in the North American market witnessed a decline in the price trend mainly attributed by lackluster trading fundamentals and limited demand fundamentals for the fresh stocks. The cost of Iso-Butyric Acid in the USA remains feeble in the locale because of a higher production rate among the significant manufacturers bringing about oversupplies.
Frail market elements and low offering for new bidding in cargoes brought about a cost pattern. Demand of Iso-Butyric Acid from downstream Pharma and solvent market confined because of low interest from purchaser's end. Because of the fall in adhesive industry, the Iso-Butyric Acid costs decelerated with production cuts among the local producers.
In Dec 2024, the price trend of Iso-Butyric Acid in the USA declined to USD 1190/ton FOB Houston. Iso-Butyric Acid prices fell with the succeeding quarter due to delayed offtakes, which were mostly attributed to sluggish buying attitudes mixed with low trading volume in the face of ample product supply. The price drop is placing pressure on chemical companies, affecting revenue and sales of downstream enterprises.
Asia Pacific
In the Asia Pacific region, the price trend of Iso-Butyric Acid maintained its price gain with the succeeding months. When compared with the previous quarter, the Iso-Butyric Acid prices ended on a bullish note with uptick in the market purchases in the region. With the start of the quarter, the price of Iso-Butyric acid rose amid the rise in crude oil prices caused by geopolitical tensions between Israel and Palestine, as did the cost of manufacture. Iso-Butyric Acid prices began to rise as the region's demand fundamentals improved. Due to limited product availability in the region, prices elevated as regional suppliers boosted their offers to regional suppliers. However, towards the end of Q4 2023, the prices declined in the wake of adequate inventory level and fading demand fundamentals from the buyers for the bulk purchases. In China, the price of Iso-Butyric Acid was USD 1508/ton FOB Shanghai during Nov 2023. Towards the end of the quarter, even as supplies were abundant, the demand for iso-butyric acid in China's marketplaces has continued to decline, seemingly due to a lack of trust on the side of purchasers.
Europe
The North American region saw a decline in the prices of Iso Butyric Acid in Q4 2023 due to several factors affecting the market. Firstly, there was a bearish market sentiment with high supply and low demand fundamentals. Secondly, weak trading activities and subdued year-end requirements further contributed to the price decline. Lastly, the oversupply of the product and weak spot price conversations impacted the market negatively. The downstream solvent market's need for the product was low, and the demand from the agriculture intermediate and dyes market has dropped, influencing the price trend. : With the feeble cost support from the feedstock Isobutyraldehyde the production cost of Iso-Butyric Acid slumped in the European market. Market trading activities remain plunged from the downstream enterprises as well and the suppliers remain hesitant to increase the prices in the domestic market. Due to weak regional demand, product reserves were satisfactory on the supply side. Limited Iso Butyric Acid trade within the European region put manufacturers under even more pressure due to impacted margins and declining profits.
