For the Quarter Ending December 2025
North America
• The Di-Ter-Butyl Phenol Price Index in North America ended Q4 2025 slightly higher / broadly stable, following modest resilience in industrial demand and ongoing offtake from antioxidant and additive sectors, even amid cautious procurement by some end-users.
• The Di-Ter-Butyl Phenol Spot Price remained firm into late 2025, supported by steady requirement for phenolic antioxidants used in plastics, lubricants, and specialty chemical additives, which underpinned spot enquiries and prevented sharp downward pricing pressure.
• Key downstream uses of Di-Ter-Butyl Phenol in North America continued to include its role as a phenolic antioxidant and stabilizer for polymers and plastics, oxidation inhibitor in lubricants and fuels, intermediate for higher molecular weight phenolic antioxidant production, and additive in specialty industrial and automotive fluids. These applications link DTBP to durability, thermal stability, and oxidation resistance in end-products.
• The Di-Ter-Butyl Phenol Production Cost Trend in North America saw moderate cost pressure from feedstock phenol, where phenol pricing trends—including slight upward movements earlier in 2025—contributed to maintaining a relatively firm cost base for producers, even as energy and logistics costs fluctuated.
• The Di-Ter-Butyl Phenol Demand Outlook remained steady, with consistent offtake from plastics stabilization, automotive lubricant additives, and industrial specialty chemical segments, while growth in adjacent applications (e.g., coatings and adhesives) provided incremental support to consumption.
• The Di-Ter-Butyl Phenol Price Forecast for early 2026 suggests range-bound to modest upward potential, assuming that downstream antioxidant and stabilizer requirements remain stable and feedstock availability does not tighten severely.
• By December, the Di-Ter-Butyl Phenol Price Index reflected mild overall firmness, as year-end restocking and a stable downstream demand backdrop helped maintain pricing discipline and limited any steep declines.
Why did the price of Di-Ter-Butyl Phenol change in December 2025 in North America?
• Selective restocking by plastics and lubricant additive formulators late in the quarter supported incremental demand, lifting the Di-Ter-Butyl Phenol Price Index and helping the Spot Price remain firm.
• Feedstock phenol costs trended modestly higher earlier in 2025 and remained a meaningful component of production expenses, so producers were less inclined to reduce pricing aggressively, contributing to stability or slight increases.
• Steady industrial activity in automotive and specialty chemical segments maintained a base level of DTBP consumption, providing underlying support to pricing trends.
APAC
• In Taiwan, the Di-Ter-Butyl Phenol Price Index fell by 3.91% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting weaker export inquiries and softer feedstock support.
• The average Di-Ter-Butyl Phenol price for the quarter was approximately USD 1350.00/MT, reflecting steady export flows.
• Di-Ter-Butyl Phenol Spot Price pressures persisted as exporters trimmed offers to clear year-end inventory positions.
• Market commentary indicated a modest Di-Ter-Butyl Phenol Price Forecast for early 2026, with mixed monthly percentage adjustments anticipated.
• Di-Ter-Butyl Phenol Production Cost Trend showed limited upward pressure from LNG-indexed electricity and stable tert-butyl alcohol feedstock.
• Di-Ter-Butyl Phenol Demand Outlook remained cautious as Southeast Asian buyers delayed restocking, keeping spot enquiries subdued.
• Elevated inventories pressured the Di-Ter-Butyl Phenol Price Index, prompting sellers to offer competitive FOB allocations.
• Producers operated steady semi-batch campaigns, ensuring supply continuity while export demand recovery remained key for price momentum.
Why did the price of Di-Ter-Butyl Phenol change in December 2025 in APAC?
• Weaker export inquiries from Vietnam and Thailand reduced Taiwanese sellers' pricing power, driving downward pressure.
• Limited feedstock cost support from tert-butyl alcohol and phenol failed to offset demand-driven netbacks significantly.
• Improved container availability lowered freight costs, enabling FOB reductions and encouraging exporters to clear inventories.
Europe
• The Di-Ter-Butyl Phenol Price Index in Europe showed a softening trend in Q4 2025, as subdued industrial demand and cautious purchasing patterns weighed on pricing momentum for this specialty phenolic intermediate.
• The Di-Ter-Butyl Phenol Spot Price eased further through October–November amid restrained offtake from key downstream sectors like polymers, lubricants, and additives, where buyers managed inventories conservatively.
• Key downstream uses of Di-Ter-Butyl Phenol in Europe included its role as a chemical intermediate in the synthesis of high-performance antioxidants and light stabilizers used in polyolefins and other polymers, as well as use in lubricants, coatings, specialty additives, and fuel additives, where hindered phenolic derivatives are critical for oxidation resistance and material stability.
• The Di-Ter-Butyl Phenol Production Cost Trend remained elevated due to ongoing high energy costs and significant feedstock burdens—especially stable or high phenol input costs—which limited producers’ ability to cut prices despite weaker demand.
• The Di-Ter-Butyl Phenol Demand Outlook for late 2025 was muted, with automotive, electronics, and industrial adhesive sectors operating below full capacity, tempering appetite for growth in DTBP consumption.
• The Di-Ter-Butyl Phenol Price Forecast for early 2026 remained cautious, projecting range-bound pricing with potential mild downside should downstream demand fail to rebound or if production efficiencies fail to absorb cost burdens.
• By December, the Di-Ter-Butyl Phenol Price Index showed early signs of stabilization, as some restocking for polymer additives and lubricant antioxidant production provided support, limiting further descent.
Why did the price of Di-Ter-Butyl Phenol change in December 2025 in Europe?
• Selective restocking by downstream antioxidant and stabilizer producers lifted spot demand modestly, helping restrain declines in the Di-Ter-Butyl Phenol Price Index toward year-end.
• Elevated energy and feedstock (notably phenol) cost pressures persisted, meaning producers did not significantly discount Spot Prices even as industrial demand softened.
• Weak overall industrial activity—especially in automotive, construction-linked coatings, and manufacturing—kept broader consumption subdued, limiting stronger upward price moves.
For the Quarter Ending September 2025
North America
• In the USA, the Di-Tert-Butyl Phenol (DTBP) Price Index held steady with a modest 0.5% QoQ rise in Q3 2025, reflecting balanced supply-demand amid economic uncertainties.
• The average Di-Tert-Butyl Phenol price for the quarter was approximately USD 3,200/MT.
• Di-Tert-Butyl Phenol Spot Price remained resilient despite cautious procurement strategies in key sectors.
• Di-Tert-Butyl Phenol Spot Price firmed slightly as steady antioxidant needs in plastics offset softer volumes, supporting Price Index stability.
• Forecast for Di-Tert-Butyl Phenol Price Forecast remains neutral amid vendor sustainability evaluations and core application resilience.
• Production Cost Trend signals moderate feedstock volatility in the USA, underpinned by compliance efficiencies for larger firms.
• Demand Outlook shows steady pace; plastics stabilization, automotive lubricants, and specialty chemicals sustain DTBP consumption alongside industrial applications.
• Market dynamics include regulatory complexity favoring established players, steady supply chains, and sustainability scrutiny enhancing Spot Price firmness.
• Late-year automotive recovery and eco-compliant formulations may nudge Price Index gains into Q4.
• Economic headwinds and vendor shifts toward greener practices may temper broader DTBP Price Index upside.
Why did the price of Di-Tert-Butyl Phenol change in September 2025 in North America?
• Supply remained stable with consistent domestic production and mitigated chain concerns.
• Cost pressures were mild due to balanced feedstock levels and unpassed-on regulatory burdens, contributing to modest price firming in Q3 2025.
• Demand dynamics focused on antioxidants in plastics and lubricants, maintaining overall DTBP consumption in North America.
APAC
• In Taiwan, the Di-Ter-Butyl Phenol Price Index fell by 3.99% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting weaker export volumes.
• The average Di-Ter-Butyl Phenol price for the quarter was approximately USD 1405.00/MT, reported by exporters.
• Di-Ter-Butyl Phenol Spot Price weakened on lower export demand; Price Index reflected inventory accumulation pressure.
• Di-Ter-Butyl Phenol Price Forecast suggests moderate downside risk near term given subdued orders and constrained shipments.
• Di-Ter-Butyl Phenol Production Cost Trend remained stable as feedstock and logistics costs experienced limited volatility.
• Di-Ter-Butyl Phenol Demand Outlook points to gradual recovery post-monsoon, driven by coatings and adhesive sector restocking.
• Stable output contrasted with weak export orders, pressuring margins and keeping the Price Index biased.
• Producers operated uninterrupted and ports remained efficient, but trade fair innovation did not improve exports.
Why did the price of Di-Ter-Butyl Phenol change in September 2025 in APAC?
• Soft global demand reduced export bookings, leading to lower shipment volumes and reduced price support.
• Stable feedstock and freight limited cost-driven increases, leaving prices responsive mainly to orderbook fluctuations only.
• Inventories remained elevated with cautious buyers; regulatory and seasonal timing delayed sizable restocking and demand recovery.
Europe
• In Europe, the Di-Tert-Butyl Phenol (DTBP) demand decline in Q3 2025, amid subdued industrial demand and elevated energy costs.
• Di-Tert-Butyl Phenol Spot Price softened due to cautious procurement and weaker automotive and manufacturing volumes.
• Di-Tert-Butyl Phenol Spot Price eased as unpassed-on production costs met competitive pressures, dragging Price Index lower.
• Forecast for Di-Tert-Butyl Phenol Price Forecast remains guarded amid economic headwinds and inventory caution.
• Production Cost Trend signals persistent high energy and phenol feedstock burdens in Europe, capping Price Index recovery.
• Demand Outlook shows subdued pace; polymers and lubricants sustain DTBP consumption alongside fuel additives.
• Market dynamics include automotive slowdown, supply chain resilience focus, and sustainability scrutiny impacting Spot Price.
• Late-year industrial restocking and efficiency gains may limit further Price Index declines into Q4.
• Competitive green alternatives and ongoing economic uncertainty may constrain broader DTBP Price Index upside.
Why did the price of Di-Tert-Butyl Phenol change in September 2025 in Europe?
• Supply remained stable with consistent phenol availability and no major disruptions.
• Cost pressures intensified from energy and feedstock levels but were not passed on, contributing to price softening in Q3 2025.
• Demand dynamics weakened across automotive, manufacturing, and construction sectors, dampening overall DTBP consumption in Europe.
For the Quarter Ending June 2025
North America
• DTBP market activity in the USA remained largely steady in Q2 2025, with no significant price movements reported across key downstream sectors.
• Demand from industrial coatings, polymer modification, and resins stayed tepid, with buyers restricting procurement to essential volumes.
• Inventory management remained a focus, as distributors avoided overstocking due to unpredictable order patterns.
• Though upstream phenol prices fell, this was offset by rising energy and logistics costs, which prevented any broad-based price relief.
• Trade volumes remained consistent, though some market players flagged pressure from imported cargoes at discounted rates from Asia.
Why did the price of DTBP change in July 2025 in the USA?
• In July, price levels held flat due to limited downstream restocking and no significant recovery in industrial applications.
• Buyers stayed cautious amid uncertain economic outlooks and inflationary pressures, restricting contract negotiations.
• Resin manufacturers and formulators kept offtake minimal, focusing on consuming prior inventory.
• Overall, June concluded with low spot liquidity and weak purchasing sentiment, despite stable supply conditions.
Europe
• DTBP pricing in Germany showed minimal movement during Q2 2025 as both domestic demand and export volumes remained soft.
• Activity in the automotive, electronics, and industrial adhesives segments slowed further, pulling down consumption.
• Import volumes stayed stable but conservative, as local buyers delayed purchases amid weak economic signals.
• Downward pressure on upstream phenol and benzene prices was counterbalanced by elevated energy costs and stagnant logistics efficiency.
• Market participants opted for a wait-and-see strategy, delaying bulk commitments until clearer demand signals emerge.
Why did the price of DTBP change in July 2025 in Germany?
• July witnesses no significant DTBP price changes, largely due to continued stagnation in domestic and export-oriented industrial sectors.
• Local producers operated at reduced rates, focusing on short-term delivery contracts to avoid excess inventories.
• Regional exports to Eastern Europe and Scandinavia declined amid soft downstream chemical demand.
• With feedstock input costs neutralized by fixed overheads, no pricing revision occurred, maintaining price flatness.
Asia Pacific
• DTBP export prices in Taiwan dropped by 6.40% in Q2 2025, settling at an average of USD 1463.33/MT, down from Q1.
• Weak offtake from ASEAN buyers (except India) combined with cost-side deflation contributed to bearish market sentiment.
• Despite innovative showcases in plastics and adhesives, real-time demand from OEMs remained underwhelming.
• Local production was steady, but high inventory levels persisted due to poor export momentum and limited bulk ordering.
• Trade participants highlighted ongoing caution from buyers amid global economic softening and slower polymer consumption.
Why did the price of DTBP change in July 2025 in Taiwan?
• Drop in July is driven by continued export weakness, especially to Korea, Japan, and Southeast Asia.
• Downstream industries, particularly industrial adhesives and engineering plastics slowed their operations.
• Despite successful trade shows in Tainan, conversion to purchase orders was negligible, affecting supplier optimism.
• Port operations were efficient, but logistics alone couldn't offset the weight of demand erosion, pushing prices down.
For the Quarter Ending March 2025
North America
In Q1 2025, the North American Di-tert-butyl Phenol market exhibited a soft price trend, influenced by balanced supply and steady demand from downstream sectors such as plastics, adhesives, and coatings. While manufacturing activities remained stable, buyers adopted a cautious procurement approach amid ongoing economic uncertainties, leading to restrained market activity. Feedstock phenol prices showed slight improvement during the quarter, alleviating some cost pressures for producers. However, competitive dynamics and adequate inventories in the region kept price movements limited.
Di-tert-butyl Phenol prices in North America experienced marginal fluctuations, reflecting a broadly stable market environment. Producers maintained consistent output levels to meet downstream requirements, while moderate raw material cost adjustments supported market stability. The steady performance of key applications, particularly in the plastics and adhesives sectors, provided a reliable demand base, although growth remained modest.
The near-term outlook for the North American Di-tert-butyl Phenol market remains cautiously optimistic, with expectations of stable prices supported by balanced supply-demand dynamics and slight improvements in feedstock costs. Seasonal upticks in downstream activity may provide incremental support, although broader economic conditions are likely to influence purchasing behavior and overall market sentiment.
APAC
In Q1 2025, the APAC Di-tert-butyl Phenol market faced a tightening supply environment driven by robust demand from downstream sectors such as plastics, coatings, and adhesives. Manufacturing indices reflected solid growth, fueled by increased production and a rise in both domestic and international orders. However, supply chain challenges, including raw material shortages and workforce constraints, created capacity pressures, prompting firms to enhance purchasing and inventory strategies. Despite intermittent seasonal slowdowns, market sentiment remained optimistic, with sustained demand growth anticipated.
In Taiwan, Di-tert-butyl Phenol prices declined by 1.05% from Q4 2024, averaging $1563.33 USD/MT in Q1 2025. However, monthly trends within the quarter pointed to a bullish trajectory, supported by tight supply conditions and robust export demand. Factors such as workforce retention challenges, input cost increases, and constrained availability contributed to price resilience. The near-term outlook suggests modest price increases as strong downstream demand and inventory rebuilding efforts continue to shape market dynamics.
Europe
In Q1 2025, the European Di-tert-butyl Phenol market exhibited a soft pricing trend, driven by steady downstream demand from key sectors such as plastics, coatings, and adhesives, alongside a decline in feedstock phenol prices. While downstream industries maintained stable consumption levels, buyers exercised caution amid economic uncertainties and evolving market conditions, resulting in restrained procurement and subdued price momentum throughout the quarter.
Di-tert-butyl Phenol prices in Europe experienced minor downward adjustments as lower feedstock costs eased production expenses for manufacturers. Supply levels remained stable, with producers ensuring adequate inventories to meet consistent downstream demand. However, competitive imports and cautious inventory management strategies by buyers contributed to a lack of significant price recovery.
Despite the soft pricing environment, the market demonstrated resilience, supported by the steady performance of downstream sectors. The overall sentiment remained neutral, with limited volatility reflecting a balance between supply and demand. Market participants remain watchful of broader economic indicators and supply chain dynamics that could influence future trends.
