For the Quarter Ending March 2026
Tertiary Butyl Alcohol Prices in APAC
- In China, the Tertiary Butyl Alcohol Price Index rose by 4.13% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting tightened feedstock.
- The average Tertiary Butyl Alcohol price for the quarter was approximately USD 958.67/MT, Qingdao assessment.
- Tertiary Butyl Alcohol Spot Price strengthened in March as lean inventories, constrained production tightened availability.
- Tertiary Butyl Alcohol Price Forecast indicates near-term gains driven by feedstock pressures and logistical disruption.
- Tertiary Butyl Alcohol Production Cost Trend rose as isobutylene and propylene increases pressured manufacturing margins.
- Tertiary Butyl Alcohol Demand Outlook remains steady with solvents, MTBE, and specialty chemicals sustaining consumption.
- Tertiary Butyl Alcohol Price Index firmed as export enquiries, berth congestion, cautious procurement supported prices.
- Producers prioritized contractual shipments over spot volumes, reducing availability as MTBE restarts add co-product TBA.
Why did the price of Tertiary Butyl Alcohol change in March 2026 in APAC?
- Constrained isobutylene supply from refinery run cuts and Middle East disruptions tightened feedstock availability March.
- Rising propylene benchmarks increased manufacturing costs, prompting sellers to lift Tertiary Butyl Alcohol Price Index.
- Berth congestion and logistics delays slowed shipments, reducing prompt supply while traders maintained cautious buying.
Tertiary Butyl Alcohol Prices in Europe
- In Germany, the Tertiary Butyl Alcohol Price Index rose by 3.1% quarter-over-quarter, driven by feedstock tightness.
- The average Tertiary Butyl Alcohol price for the quarter was approximately USD 1758.67/MT excluding taxes.
- Balanced inventories restrained rallies while Tertiary Butyl Alcohol Spot Price showed strength from tighter C4 feedstock.
- Rising crude and naphtha benchmarks pushed Tertiary Butyl Alcohol Production Cost Trend higher, compressing producer margins.
- Export restocking for MTBE blending supported Tertiary Butyl Alcohol Demand Outlook despite subdued domestic solvent purchasing.
- Forward curve signals and geopolitical risk lifted Tertiary Butyl Alcohol Price Forecast for near term months.
- German operating rates remained routine, keeping Tertiary Butyl Alcohol Price Index firm despite thin liquidity conditions.
- Adequate inventories tempered shortages while sustained export demand continued supporting tighter offered Tertiary Butyl Alcohol volumes.
Why did the price of Tertiary Butyl Alcohol change in March 2026 in Europe?
- Isobutylene feedstock tightening raised production costs and reduced exportable volumes, pressuring German Tertiary Butyl Alcohol offers.
- War-related shipping disruptions, port congestion and elevated insurance premiums extended lead times, constraining prompt supply offers.
- Delayed downstream buying muted immediate demand, but expected restocking ahead of summer blending will tighten markets.
Tertiary Butyl Alcohol Prices in North America
- In the United States, the Tertiary Butyl Alcohol Price Index moved moderately higher quarter-over-quarter, supported by tighter C4 feedstock availability and firm petrochemical fundamentals.
- The average Tertiary Butyl Alcohol market tone remained stable-to-firm, with balanced inventories preventing sharp rallies but maintaining upward pressure.
- Tertiary Butyl Alcohol Spot Price strengthened through March as isobutylene constraints and cautious seller behavior reduced prompt supply.
- Tertiary Butyl Alcohol Price Forecast signals near-term upside, driven by rising crude benchmarks, freight inflation, and geopolitical-linked supply risks.
- Tertiary Butyl Alcohol Production Cost Trend increased as C4 feedstock, energy, and logistics costs moved higher, compressing producer margins.
- Tertiary Butyl Alcohol Demand Outlook remained steady, supported by MTBE blending, coatings, and industrial solvent applications.
- The Tertiary Butyl Alcohol Price Index firmed through March as export restocking and tighter merchant volumes supported stronger offers.
- Domestic plants operated normally, but logistics delays and elevated insurance premiums limited spot flexibility and tightened available parcels.
Why did the price of Tertiary Butyl Alcohol change in March 2026 in the USA
- Tightening isobutylene feedstock availability increased production costs and reduced merchant supply, supporting firmer offers. • Freight inflation, longer transit times, and higher insurance premiums constrained prompt supply and lifted sentiment. • Export restocking for MTBE blending and steady industrial demand increased procurement, reinforcing upward pressure.
For the Quarter Ending December 2025
APAC
- In China, the Tertiary Butyl Alcohol Price Index fell by 2.71% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting soft demand conditions.
- The average Tertiary Butyl Alcohol price for the quarter was approximately USD 920.67/MT according to data.
- Tertiary Butyl Alcohol Spot Price remained range-bound at coastal terminals, reflecting balanced supply and cautious buying.
- Tertiary Butyl Alcohol Price Forecast indicates modest monthly fluctuations, upside limited by weak gasoline blending economics.
- Tertiary Butyl Alcohol Production Cost Trend eased as isobutylene feedstock prices softened, capping producer margin expansion.
- Tertiary Butyl Alcohol Demand Outlook remains subdued with solvent and MTBE blenders maintaining conservative, short-term procurement.
- Tertiary Butyl Alcohol Price Index stability reflected comfortable coastal inventories and steady export enquiries into Asia.
- New plant ramps and limited turnarounds kept Tertiary Butyl Alcohol supply tight, supporting balanced market conditions.
Why did the price of Tertiary Butyl Alcohol change in December 2025 in APAC?
- Balanced supply and subdued domestic demand kept prices largely unchanged despite modest export inquiries supporting offers.
- Rise in feedstock costs for isobutylene and propylene increased production cost pressures, limiting downward price momentum significantly.
- Normal port operations and steady logistics flows prevented supply shocks, while cautious buyers restrained inventory accumulation.
Europe
- In Germany, the Tertiary Butyl Alcohol Price Index fell by 0.12% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting broad stability.
- The average Tertiary Butyl Alcohol price for the quarter was approximately USD 1705.67/MT, FOB Marl.
- Tertiary Butyl Alcohol Spot Price remained range-bound, mirroring the Price Index amid balanced supply volumes.
- Tertiary Butyl Alcohol Price Forecast indicates limited variance from seasonal blending and refinery turnaround schedules.
- Tertiary Butyl Alcohol Production Cost Trend showed restrained escalation as isobutylene feedstock costs softened recently.
- Tertiary Butyl Alcohol Demand Outlook remains subdued; cautious procurement and weak MTBE blending limit offtake.
- Tertiary Butyl Alcohol Price Index reflects comfortable inventories and stable exports, with logistics normalizing recently.
- Regional operating rates dipped marginally for maintenance, yet major producers sustained supply without force majeure.
Why did the price of Tertiary Butyl Alcohol change in December 2025 in Europe?
- Balanced domestic output met flat order books, limiting upward pressure despite elevated electricity costs.
- Soft MTBE blending demand and cautious procurement restrained buying, keeping the Price Index muted.
- Stable feedstock availability and normalized Rhine logistics preserved supply, offsetting potential December tightening pressure.
North America
- In the USA, the Tertiary Butyl Alcohol Price Index remained largely stable quarter-over-quarter, reflecting a balanced market with limited volatility through Q4 2025.
- Tertiary Butyl Alcohol Spot Price traded within a narrow range, as steady domestic supply and muted downstream demand capped any significant price movement.
- Tertiary Butyl Alcohol Price Forecast suggests a steady near-term outlook, with prices expected to track refinery operating rates and seasonal fuel blending requirements into early 2026.
- Tertiary Butyl Alcohol Production Cost Trend softened modestly, supported by easing isobutylene feedstock prices and stable energy costs at US refineries.
- Tertiary Butyl Alcohol Demand Outlook remained subdued, as MTBE blending demand was limited and chemical buyers adopted conservative procurement strategies.
- The Tertiary Butyl Alcohol Price Index was supported by comfortable inventories, which reduced urgency for spot purchases despite minor refinery maintenance activity.
- Refinery operating rates were largely stable, and no major force majeure events were reported, ensuring uninterrupted availability across key consuming regions.
Why did the price of Tertiary Butyl Alcohol change in December 2025 in the USA?
- Stable domestic supply and adequate inventories balanced routine demand, limiting price movement.
- Softer MTBE blending demand reduced incremental buying interest toward year-end.
- Lower isobutylene feedstock costs eased production economics, preventing upward price pressure.
For the Quarter Ending September 2025
APAC
- In China, the Tertiary Butyl Alcohol Price Index fell by 12.54% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting robust supply and weak demand.
- The average Tertiary Butyl Alcohol price for the quarter was approximately USD 946.33/MT, FOB Qingdao.
- Tertiary Butyl Alcohol Spot Price remained under pressure as supply stayed ample and MTBE demand weakened.
- Tertiary Butyl Alcohol Price Forecast suggests limited upside near term due to soft export demand and steady supply.
- Tertiary Butyl Alcohol Production Cost Trend remained mixed as feedstock isobutylene costs edged higher sporadically.
- Tertiary Butyl Alcohol Demand Outlook remains cautious with coating, solvent, and MTBE sectors showing subdued activity.
- Tertiary Butyl Alcohol Price Index faced volatility in late August, reflecting port delays and fluctuating freight costs.
- Tertiary Butyl Alcohol Spot Price cycles show episodic rebounds as MTBE stabilization supports limited restocking momentum.
- Tertiary Butyl Alcohol Production Cost Trend and export dynamics may reframe supply discipline amid rising refinery runs.
Why did the price of Tertiary Butyl Alcohol change in September 2025 in APAC?
- In APAC, demand softness and ample supply constrained TBA restocking, weighing on price momentum in September.
- Feedstock cost dynamics and currency-related input costs exerted mixed pressure on producers and margins in the region.
- Logistics bottlenecks and port disruptions, coupled with export policy shifts, constrained supply flexibility and priced movements.
North America
- In the United States, the Tertiary Butyl Alcohol Price Index declined by quarter-over-quarter, driven by weak seasonal demand and competitive import offers.
- Tertiary Butyl Alcohol Spot Price softened in September as downstream MTBE blending and solvent demand remained muted.
- Tertiary Butyl Alcohol Price Forecast indicates a neutral-to-soft outlook, with limited upside unless construction and coatings activity rebounds.
- Tertiary Butyl Alcohol Production Cost Trend eased slightly due to lower isobutylene feedstock prices and stable refinery operations.
- Tertiary Butyl Alcohol Demand Outlook was mixed, with coatings and cleaning agents showing mild recovery, while fuel blending remained under pressure.
- Tertiary Butyl Alcohol Price Index reflected oversupply conditions and margin compression amid high inventory levels across Gulf Coast terminals.
- Spot market activity remained subdued, with traders cautious amid uncertain demand signals and steady domestic production.
Why did the price of Tertiary Butyl Alcohol change in September 2025 in the USA?
- Weak demand from MTBE and solvent sectors limited restocking, softening the Price Index.
- Lower feedstock costs and high inventories prompted price adjustments across key distribution hubs.
- Competitive imports and slow recovery in coatings and construction sectors capped upward price movement.
Europe
- In Germany, the Tertiary Butyl Alcohol Price Index fell by 0.83% quarter-over-quarter in Q3 2025, reflecting cautious demand conditions.
- The average Tertiary Butyl Alcohol price for the quarter was approximately USD 1707.67/MT, flat versus prior period.
- Tertiary Butyl Alcohol Spot Price showed limited movement as European logistics and inventories tightened slightly.
- Tertiary Butyl Alcohol Price Forecast remains neutral for Europe, with demand outlook and feedstock costs balancing.
- Tertiary Butyl Alcohol Production Cost Trend eased modestly as propylene feedstock costs softened and logistics stabilized.
- Tertiary Butyl Alcohol Demand Outlook remains subdued in solvents and coatings, with cautious replenishment patterns.
- Tertiary Butyl Alcohol Price Index fluctuated within a tight band, mirroring steady supply and modest downstream activity.
- Seasonal factors and export competition suggest prices may average sideways, with occasional bursts on festival restocking.
Why did the price of Tertiary Butyl Alcohol change in September 2025 in Europe?
- Supply remained ample while demand stayed reserved, limiting upside despite stable refinery runs and output.
- Rising isobutylene costs pressured margins, offsetting gentle demand improvements in coatings and solvents sector activity.
- Regional port congestion and logistics volatility intermittently constrained shipments, maintaining price stability around current levels.
For the Quarter Ending June 2025
Asia-Pacific (APAC)
- Tertiary Butyl Alcohol (TBA) Price Index in China increased marginally by 0.4% quarter-on-quarter, settling at USD 1,040/MT FOB Qingdao by the end of June 2025.
- Why did the price of Tertiary Butyl Alcohol change in July 2025 in China?
- TBA prices remained under pressure due to ample domestic supply, weak gasoline blending demand, and reduced export momentum, especially after forward bookings to Southeast Asia slowed in late May.
- TBA Demand Outlook: Gasoline demand remained muted, with increasing EV penetration and soft road fuel consumption limiting blending activities. Solvent and pharmaceutical-grade TBA consumption provided modest support but was insufficient to offset broader weakness.
- TBA Price Forecast for Q3 2025: A flat-to-soft pricing trajectory is expected, with little upside unless gasoline demand rebounds during summer travel. Export activity and crude oil movements will remain key watchpoints.
- TBA Production Cost Trend: Feedstock isobutylene prices remained volatile due to shifts in MTBE margins and global crude oil benchmarks. Yellow phosphorus and energy input costs softened slightly, aiding margins, but excess inventory still pressured netbacks.
- TBA Manufacturing & Supply Dynamics: TBA production rates in Shandong hovered around 55–60% of capacity through June. Exports to Southeast Asia and the Gulf tightened supplies briefly in early May but restarted plants and low domestic offtake replenished stockpiles quickly.
- Fuel/Gasoline Sector: Despite seasonal gasoline blending, MTBE inclusion rates stayed flat near 9%. The rise in EV adoption and subdued holiday travel activity capped gasoline consumption and limited upward pressure on TBA demand.
Europe
- Tertiary Butyl Alcohol (TBA) Price Index in Germany rose by 2.6% quarter-on-quarter, settling at USD 1,730/MT FOB Marl.
- Why did the price of Tertiary Butyl Alcohol change in July 2025 in Europe? •
- Prices showed no major movement as isobutylene supply stayed constrained, but demand from solvents and MTBE-blending remained soft. Imports from Asia and the U.S. helped balance inland availability.
- TBA Demand Outlook: Steady but unremarkable offtake was observed from the solvents, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals sectors. Automotive and coatings demand failed to rebound, curbing incremental purchases.
- TBA Price Forecast for Q3 2025: Prices are expected to remain stable-to-weak, depending on isobutylene tightness and any macroeconomic stimulus in the manufacturing sector. Without stronger industrial demand, upside remains limited.
- TBA Production Cost Trend: European feedstock costs eased slightly in May and June as Brent crude fell, and naphtha prices declined. However, persistent isobutylene shortages and reduced refinery C4 cuts kept TBA production constrained.
- TBA Manufacturing & Supply Dynamics: Marl-based producers ran TBA units at ~60% capacity. Domestic output was supplemented by cargoes from the U.S. Gulf and Asia. Forward-looking supply tightness is expected due to BP’s planned crude run reductions.
- Fuel/Gasoline Sector: While summer gasoline blending lifted baseline MTBE usage in the ARA hub, inland demand stayed subdued. This offered limited support to TBA pricing via the MTBE route.
North America
- Tertiary Butyl Alcohol (TBA) Price Index in North America remained broadly flat through Q2 2025, assessed at approximately USD 1,570–1,590/MT FOB USG by the end of June.
- Why did the price of Tertiary Butyl Alcohol change in July 2025 in North America?
- Prices remained steady amid consistent contract-based sales and a muted spot market. Stable isobutylene feedstock pricing and balanced supply-demand fundamentals capped price volatility.
- TBA Demand Outlook: Demand from solvents and pharmaceutical intermediates remained steady. However, MTBE blending demand was weak due to declining gasoline consumption and growing EV market share.
- TBA Price Forecast for Q3 2025: A flat-to-soft trajectory is expected unless summer gasoline demand exceeds expectations.
- TBA Production Cost Trend: Input costs for isobutylene and energy remained stable in Q2, while feedstock availability was unaffected by hurricanes or shutdowns. Refining margins stayed compressed, discouraging any production ramp-ups.
- TBA Manufacturing & Supply Dynamics: U.S. Gulf Coast producers operated plants at moderate rates, with utilization averaging 65–70%. Inventory positions were manageable, and imports from Asia were minimal. Export activity to Latin America remained slow but steady.
- Fuel/Gasoline Sector: U.S. gasoline consumption in Q2 remained below pre-pandemic norms. MTBE blending remained limited to export-oriented production, as domestic use is restricted.
- The seasonal driving season offered modest support, but EV adoption and high fuel efficiency capped additive demand.
