North America
The North American Butanediol (BDO) market displayed an upward price trajectory throughout Q4 2024, supported by strong demand and favorable market fundamentals. Price gains during the first half of the quarter were primarily driven by increased consumption from key downstream sectors such as polyurethane (PU), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), and tetrahydrofuran (THF). Efforts to rebuild inventories following prior destocking phases further reinforced this trend.
On the supply side, logistical challenges—including port congestion and labor strikes—disrupted transportation and contributed to tighter availability, adding upward pressure on prices. Additionally, rising raw material and energy costs led to elevated production expenses, further pushing prices higher.
By late November, logistics began to normalize, and supply chain operations improved. However, demand eased slightly in December due to seasonal slowdowns and more cautious procurement strategies among downstream buyers. Despite this softening, steady demand from core industries and broader economic resilience kept the overall price trend positive. As a result, BDO prices in North America closed the quarter at a higher level compared to its start, underscoring the impact of firm market fundamentals and earlier supply constraints.
The quarter ended with a BDO price of USD 1774/MT DEL Texas, reflecting a quarter-on-quarter change of -4%, which highlights a significant rebound in prices within a short period.
Get Real time Prices for Butanediol (BDO) : https://www.chemanalyst.com/Pricing-data/butanediol-54
The BDO market in the Asia-Pacific region experienced mixed dynamics in Q4 2024, with a notable rise in the first half of the quarter followed by a downward shift in the latter part. Early gains were fueled by robust demand from downstream sectors such as PU, PBT, and THF, supported by restocking efforts after destocking cycles and increased production ahead of the Lunar New Year. Temporary supply constraints, including planned maintenance shutdowns, also contributed to tightening availability and rising prices. Additional logistical issues—such as port congestion and equipment shortages—exacerbated supply chain strain and reinforced upward momentum.
However, in the second half of the quarter, market sentiment turned bearish. Seasonal industrial slowdowns and a decline in end-use consumption—especially in the construction and automotive sectors—weighed on demand. The commissioning of new production capacities and stable raw material availability led to a supply surplus, intensifying downward pressure. This was compounded by broader economic uncertainties and more conservative purchasing behavior.
China saw the most pronounced shift, recording a 4% quarter-on-quarter decline, with BDO prices closing Q4 2024 at USD 1114/MT FOB Qingdao. Overall, the APAC market closed the quarter on a weaker note following a strong start.
The European BDO market—particularly in Germany—exhibited distinct pricing phases. During the first half of the quarter, prices held steady amid balanced supply-demand fundamentals and sustained consumption from key downstream segments like PU and THF. Stable domestic production and disciplined inventory management by suppliers helped maintain market equilibrium despite challenges such as fluctuating crude oil prices and port congestion.
As the quarter progressed, however, pricing momentum weakened. Seasonal slowdowns and macroeconomic headwinds led to a drop in demand from industries such as automotive, construction, spandex, and PU resins. Simultaneously, an increase in domestic output and inventory adjustments created a supply overhang, exerting downward pressure on prices. Ongoing port congestion in Northern Europe, especially in Hamburg, further disrupted logistics, compounding supply chain inefficiencies.
By the end of the quarter, the market in Germany had softened, driven by reduced demand, increased availability, and broader economic concerns. Prices closed at USD 1658/MT FD Karlsruhe, with no quarter-on-quarter change (0%). Despite price stability early in the period, the overall trend for Q4 reflected a steady decline influenced by oversupply and weaker downstream performance.
Get Real time Prices for Butanediol (BDO) : https://www.chemanalyst.com/Pricing-data/butanediol-54
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