On this page
Asia Pacific n-butanol production in 2026 is estimated at approximately 4 to 6 million tonnes, positioning the region as the largest global supply base. Output growth reflects steady expansion in coatings, adhesives, plasticisers and acrylates rather than short cycle demand swings. n-Butanol remains a core oxo alcohol due to its solvent strength, reactivity and role as an intermediate for higher value derivatives.
Production economics are closely linked to propylene availability, oxo synthesis efficiency and energy costs. Pricing behaviour across Asia Pacific varies by country depending on feedstock sourcing, refinery integration and import exposure. Integrated producers benefit from cost stability, while import dependent markets experience higher volatility linked to freight and currency movements.
China leads regional capacity through large scale petrochemical complexes and strong downstream demand. South Korea and Japan maintain mature but technologically advanced capacity aligned with specialty chemicals. Southeast Asia expands production to support coatings and construction growth. India increases capacity to reduce imports and support infrastructure and manufacturing expansion.
Buyers prioritise consistent purity, predictable supply and alignment with downstream derivative availability.
Solvent and intermediate grades represent the majority of regional volume due to broad use in coatings and derivatives. High purity grades serve smaller but more regulated applications requiring tighter impurity control.
Rhodium catalysed oxo synthesis dominates modern Asia Pacific capacity due to higher selectivity and lower by product formation. Integration with downstream derivatives improves economics but limits rapid output shifts.
Coatings dominate regional demand due to construction and manufacturing growth. Derivative production provides stable baseline consumption tied to broader chemical value chains.
China leads capacity through integrated refinery petrochemical complexes and strong coatings and plastics demand.
These countries maintain stable capacity focused on high quality and specialty derivatives.
Southeast Asia expands production to support construction, automotive and manufacturing growth.
India increases capacity to reduce imports and support coatings and infrastructure demand.
n-Butanol supply chains begin with propylene sourcing followed by oxo synthesis, distillation, storage and bulk distribution. Trade flows are active across Asia Pacific due to uneven capacity distribution, with exporters supplying coatings and chemical hubs in import dependent countries.
Propylene pricing, catalyst cost, energy use, plant utilisation and logistics dominate cost structure. Freight availability and port access materially influence delivered pricing in smaller consuming markets.
The ecosystem includes propylene producers, oxo alcohol manufacturers, coatings and adhesive companies, plasticiser producers, chemical intermediates firms, logistics providers and regulators. China anchors volume growth, while Northeast Asia influences technology and quality standards.
Strategic focus areas include feedstock integration, derivative alignment, emissions compliance and long term supply reliability.
Asia Pacific n-butanol production in 2025 is estimated at approximately 4.0 to 6.0 million tonnes, with China accounting for the largest share.
Propylene feedstock pricing, catalyst costs, energy use, plant utilisation and logistics dominate cost structure.
Coatings and paints represent the largest consuming sector, followed by derivatives such as acrylates and acetates.
Uneven capacity distribution and differing levels of downstream integration drive inter regional trade.
Buyers rely on multi supplier sourcing, inventory buffers and long term supply agreements.
Explore Hydrocarbons, Petrochemicals, and Organic Chemicals Insights
View Reports
Asia Pacific n-Butanol Production Capacity and Growth Outlook
Thank you!
You will receive an email from our Business Development Manager. Please be sure to check your SPAM/JUNK folder too.
