Iso Butane Price Trend and Forecast

Iso Butane Regional Price Overview

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

Isobutane Price Trend for the Year 2024

Asia

The Asian Isobutane market demonstrated a predominantly bearish trend throughout 2024. The first half of the year saw relatively stable prices, but the market weakened significantly in the latter half, particularly in China. Demand remained sluggish across major end-user industries, with the refrigeration sector showing seasonal fluctuations.
 

Iso Butane Price Chart

Please Login or Subscribe to Access the Iso Butane Price Chart Data
 

While there were brief periods of improved industrial activity, as evidenced by marginal increases in manufacturing PMI, these weren't sufficient to boost overall market sentiment. High inventory levels and weak domestic consumption persistently pressured prices downward, despite occasional upticks in export demand from neighbouring regions.

Europe

European Isobutane markets navigated through a challenging year in 2024. The region experienced price volatility influenced by various factors, including subdued industrial activity and fluctuating energy costs. The first half showed some stability, but prices trended downward as the year progressed, primarily due to weak demand from the refrigeration sector. Supply remained adequate throughout the year, with production levels meeting both domestic and export requirements. The market faced additional pressure from logistical challenges, including increased freight rates and shipping disruptions in key routes.

North America

The North American Isobutane market maintained relative stability in 2024, despite facing various headwinds. The market started the year with firm prices, supported by steady demand from the petrochemical sector. However, as the year progressed, prices faced downward pressure due to ample supply and moderate domestic demand. Production facilities operated at near-capacity levels throughout the year, while export demand remained robust, helping to balance the market. Labor disputes at key ports and ongoing supply chain challenges periodically impacted market dynamics, though these disruptions were generally short-lived.

Analyst Insight

According to Procurement Resource, the global Isobutane market is expected to face continued price pressure in the near term due to persistent oversupply conditions and uncertain demand recovery. However, potential supply chain disruptions and geopolitical tensions could introduce price volatility in specific regions.
 

Iso Butane Price Trend for Second Half of 2023

Stay updated with the latest Iso Butane prices, historical data, and tailored regional analysis
 

Iso Butane prices were found to be oscillating throughout the given span of H2’23. Quarter three had a firm start in the Indian markets as the prices inched up from July to August, primarily because of the rise in the feedstock butane and crude oil prices in the country. However, the downstream demands did not incline in a similar manner as the manufacturing costs did.

The chemical and food sectors, in particular, were unable to provide any significant push to the Indian Iso Butane market. The prices wavered at the lower end of the spectrum for the next two to three months. Despite the sluggish consumption patterns, the high manufacturing costs kept the market range bound overall.

Manufacturers acquired a wait and watch approach as the ambiguity persisted in the international markets as well. Production was restrained to manage the markets from the supply side. A supply crunch in the market again pivoted the price curve in an upward direction. Iso Butane prices started rising again as the peak winter months arrived amid the rising crude oil costs.

The commencement of the Israel-Hamas war also sparked tensions in the Middle East, which was also the crucial factor behind this shift in the petrochemical sectors. In the Indian Iso Butane market, the average monthly prices went from about 3185 USD/MT (CIF) in July’23 to around 3205 USD/MT (CIF) in December’23. Overall, a moderate market run was witnessed throughout the said period.

Analyst Insight

According to Procurement Resource, given the rising Middle Eastern tensions and their impact on global politics, the Iso Butane prices are likely to surge in the coming months as well.

Procurement Resource provides latest prices of Iso Butane. Each price database is tied to a user-friendly graphing tool dating back to 2014, which provides a range of functionalities: configuration of price series over user defined time period; comparison of product movements across countries; customisation of price currencies and unit; extraction of price data as excel files to be used offline.