The global Isobutylene Market Study analyzes and forecasts the market size across 6 regions and 24 countries for diverse segments -By Product (Methyl Tert-Butyl Ether, Ethyl Tert-Butyl Ether), By End-User (Aerospace, Automotive, Antioxidants, Pharmaceuticals, Others).
Isobutylene, also known as 2-methylpropene, is a versatile chemical compound with the molecular formula C4H8, extensively used in the production of various polymers, elastomers, and specialty chemicals in 2024. It is a colorless, flammable gas with a faint sweet odor and is typically derived from the petrochemical refining process, particularly from the catalytic cracking of crude oil fractions. Isobutylene serves as a key building block in the synthesis of polybutylene (PB), polyisobutylene (PIB), butyl rubber (IIR), and other copolymers used in applications such as automotive tires, adhesives, sealants, and lubricants. Isobutylene-based polymers exhibit excellent chemical resistance, low gas permeability, and weatherability, making them valuable materials in industries requiring durable and long-lasting products. Additionally, isobutylene is utilized in the production of methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE), a fuel additive used to increase octane ratings and reduce air pollution in gasoline blends. Isobutylene is also a precursor in the synthesis of various specialty chemicals, including antioxidants, lubricant additives, surfactants, and agricultural chemicals. With its diverse range of applications and significant role in the production of essential materials and chemicals, isobutylene s to be a vital component of the petrochemical industry, driving innovation and value creation across multiple sectors.
The market report analyses the leading companies in the industry including BASF SE, Exxon Mobil Corp, Honeywell International Inc, Kaneka Corp, LyondellBasell Industries Holdings B.V., Nizhnekamskneftekhim, OMV Aktiengesellschaft, Praxair Technology Inc, Sumitomo Chemical Co. Ltd, TPC Group, Vinati Organics Ltd, and others.
A significant trend in the isobutylene market is the rising demand for butyl rubber and polymer applications. Isobutylene, a key building block chemical derived from refining processes, is primarily used in the production of butyl rubber, a synthetic rubber with excellent impermeability to gases and liquids. Butyl rubber finds extensive applications in tire manufacturing, automotive seals, adhesives, and pharmaceutical packaging due to its superior properties such as high tensile strength, flexibility, and resistance to heat and chemicals. The increasing demand for butyl rubber in automotive, construction, and healthcare sectors, driven by population growth, urbanization, and infrastructure development, is fueling the consumption of isobutylene and shaping market dynamics.
A key driver fueling the isobutylene market is the growth in the automotive and tire industries. Isobutylene is a critical component in the production of butyl rubber, which is extensively used in tire inner liners to improve air retention and reduce rolling resistance, thereby enhancing fuel efficiency and tire performance. With the global automotive industry experiencing steady growth, driven by rising consumer demand for passenger vehicles, commercial fleets, and electric vehicles, the demand for butyl rubber and isobutylene is expected to rise correspondingly. Additionally, increasing investments in infrastructure development, road construction, and transportation networks further contribute to the demand for tires, driving the consumption of isobutylene in tire manufacturing applications.
A promising opportunity for the isobutylene market lies in expansion into fuel and chemical synthesis applications. Isobutylene can be converted into various valuable downstream products including methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE), polyisobutylene (PIB), and alkylate, which are used as fuel additives, lubricant components, and chemical intermediates. With the growing demand for cleaner-burning fuels and high-performance lubricants, there is an opportunity to leverage isobutylene as a feedstock for producing environmentally friendly fuel additives and synthetic lubricants. Additionally, isobutylene-derived chemicals such as MTBE and alkylate are essential components in gasoline blending and octane enhancement, offering opportunities for integration into the petroleum refining and petrochemical industries. By diversifying into these value-added downstream products, isobutylene producers can capitalize on new market segments, optimize production capacity utilization, and enhance profitability in the isobutylene market.
The largest segment within the isobutylene market is methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE). The large revenue share is primarily due to its extensive usage as a fuel additive, particularly in gasoline, to enhance octane rating and reduce emissions. MTBE is added to gasoline blends to improve engine performance and combustion efficiency, thereby meeting regulatory requirements for cleaner fuels and reducing air pollution. Additionally, MTBE serves as a key component in the production of oxygenated gasoline, to reduce carbon monoxide emissions and comply with environmental regulations. The widespread adoption of MTBE in gasoline formulations, coupled with the growing demand for cleaner-burning fuels, drives its prominence in the isobutylene market. Moreover, advancements in MTBE production technologies and its versatility in various industrial applications further contribute to its dominance as the largest segment in the isobutylene market.
The fastest-growing segment within the isobutylene market is antioxidants. Isobutylene serves as a crucial raw material in the production of antioxidants, which are extensively used in various industries such as food and beverage, plastics, and rubber. Antioxidants play a critical role in preventing oxidation reactions, which can lead to the degradation of materials and the formation of harmful by-products. As industries increasingly prioritize the preservation of product quality, shelf life, and stability, the demand for antioxidants rises accordingly. Moreover, the growing awareness of the adverse effects of oxidative stress on human health drives the adoption of antioxidants in pharmaceutical formulations, dietary supplements, and functional foods. Additionally, advancements in antioxidant technologies and formulations, including the development of novel antioxidants with enhanced efficacy and stability, fuel the growth of this segment. As industries continue to focus on sustainability and product integrity, the antioxidants segment experiences robust growth within the isobutylene market.
By Product
Methyl Tert-Butyl Ether
Ethyl Tert-Butyl Ether
By End-User
Aerospace
Automotive
Antioxidants
Pharmaceuticals
Others
Countries Analyzed
North America (US, Canada, Mexico)
Europe (Germany, UK, France, Spain, Italy, Russia, Rest of Europe)
Asia Pacific (China, India, Japan, South Korea, Australia, South East Asia, Rest of Asia)
South America (Brazil, Argentina, Rest of South America)
Middle East and Africa (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Rest of Middle East, South Africa, Egypt, Rest of Africa)
BASF SE
Exxon Mobil Corp
Honeywell International Inc
Kaneka Corp
LyondellBasell Industries Holdings B.V.
Nizhnekamskneftekhim
OMV Aktiengesellschaft
Praxair Technology Inc
Sumitomo Chemical Co. Ltd
TPC Group
Vinati Organics Ltd
*- List Not Exhaustive
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1 Introduction to 2024 Isobutylene Market
1.1 Market Overview
1.2 Quick Facts
1.3 Scope/Objective of the Study
1.4 Market Definition
1.5 Countries and Regions Covered
1.6 Units, Currency, and Conversions
1.7 Industry Value Chain
2 Research Methodology
2.1 Market Size Estimation
2.2 Sources and Research Methodology
2.3 Data Triangulation
2.4 Assumptions and Limitations
3 Executive Summary
3.1 Global Isobutylene Market Size Outlook, $ Million, 2021 to 2032
3.2 Isobutylene Market Outlook by Type, $ Million, 2021 to 2032
3.3 Isobutylene Market Outlook by Product, $ Million, 2021 to 2032
3.4 Isobutylene Market Outlook by Application, $ Million, 2021 to 2032
3.5 Isobutylene Market Outlook by Key Countries, $ Million, 2021 to 2032
4 Market Dynamics
4.1 Key Driving Forces of Isobutylene Industry
4.2 Key Market Trends in Isobutylene Industry
4.3 Potential Opportunities in Isobutylene Industry
4.4 Key Challenges in Isobutylene Industry
5 Market Factor Analysis
5.1 Value Chain Analysis
5.2 Competitive Landscape
5.2.1 Global Isobutylene Market Share by Company (%), 2023
5.2.2 Product Offerings by Company
5.3 Porter’s Five Forces Analysis
5.4 Pricing Analysis and Outlook
6 Growth Outlook Across Scenarios
6.1 Growth Analysis-Case Scenario Definitions
6.2 Low Growth Scenario Forecasts
6.3 Reference Growth Scenario Forecasts
6.4 High Growth Scenario Forecasts
7 Global Isobutylene Market Outlook by Segments
7.1 Isobutylene Market Outlook by Segments, $ Million, 2021- 2032
By Product
Methyl Tert-Butyl Ether
Ethyl Tert-Butyl Ether
By End-User
Aerospace
Automotive
Antioxidants
Pharmaceuticals
Others
8 North America Isobutylene Market Analysis and Outlook To 2032
8.1 Introduction to North America Isobutylene Markets in 2024
8.2 North America Isobutylene Market Size Outlook by Country, 2021-2032
8.2.1 United States
8.2.2 Canada
8.2.3 Mexico
8.3 North America Isobutylene Market size Outlook by Segments, 2021-2032
By Product
Methyl Tert-Butyl Ether
Ethyl Tert-Butyl Ether
By End-User
Aerospace
Automotive
Antioxidants
Pharmaceuticals
Others
9 Europe Isobutylene Market Analysis and Outlook To 2032
9.1 Introduction to Europe Isobutylene Markets in 2024
9.2 Europe Isobutylene Market Size Outlook by Country, 2021-2032
9.2.1 Germany
9.2.2 France
9.2.3 Spain
9.2.4 United Kingdom
9.2.4 Italy
9.2.5 Russia
9.2.6 Norway
9.2.7 Rest of Europe
9.3 Europe Isobutylene Market Size Outlook by Segments, 2021-2032
By Product
Methyl Tert-Butyl Ether
Ethyl Tert-Butyl Ether
By End-User
Aerospace
Automotive
Antioxidants
Pharmaceuticals
Others
10 Asia Pacific Isobutylene Market Analysis and Outlook To 2032
10.1 Introduction to Asia Pacific Isobutylene Markets in 2024
10.2 Asia Pacific Isobutylene Market Size Outlook by Country, 2021-2032
10.2.1 China
10.2.2 India
10.2.3 Japan
10.2.4 South Korea
10.2.5 Indonesia
10.2.6 Malaysia
10.2.7 Australia
10.2.8 Rest of Asia Pacific
10.3 Asia Pacific Isobutylene Market size Outlook by Segments, 2021-2032
By Product
Methyl Tert-Butyl Ether
Ethyl Tert-Butyl Ether
By End-User
Aerospace
Automotive
Antioxidants
Pharmaceuticals
Others
11 South America Isobutylene Market Analysis and Outlook To 2032
11.1 Introduction to South America Isobutylene Markets in 2024
11.2 South America Isobutylene Market Size Outlook by Country, 2021-2032
11.2.1 Brazil
11.2.2 Argentina
11.2.3 Rest of South America
11.3 South America Isobutylene Market size Outlook by Segments, 2021-2032
By Product
Methyl Tert-Butyl Ether
Ethyl Tert-Butyl Ether
By End-User
Aerospace
Automotive
Antioxidants
Pharmaceuticals
Others
12 Middle East and Africa Isobutylene Market Analysis and Outlook To 2032
12.1 Introduction to Middle East and Africa Isobutylene Markets in 2024
12.2 Middle East and Africa Isobutylene Market Size Outlook by Country, 2021-2032
12.2.1 Saudi Arabia
12.2.2 UAE
12.2.3 Oman
12.2.4 Rest of Middle East
12.2.5 Egypt
12.2.6 Nigeria
12.2.7 South Africa
12.2.8 Rest of Africa
12.3 Middle East and Africa Isobutylene Market size Outlook by Segments, 2021-2032
By Product
Methyl Tert-Butyl Ether
Ethyl Tert-Butyl Ether
By End-User
Aerospace
Automotive
Antioxidants
Pharmaceuticals
Others
13 Company Profiles
13.1 Company Snapshot
13.2 SWOT Profiles
13.3 Products and Services
13.4 Recent Developments
13.5 Financial Profile
BASF SE
Exxon Mobil Corp
Honeywell International Inc
Kaneka Corp
LyondellBasell Industries Holdings B.V.
Nizhnekamskneftekhim
OMV Aktiengesellschaft
Praxair Technology Inc
Sumitomo Chemical Co. Ltd
TPC Group
Vinati Organics Ltd
14 Appendix
14.1 Customization Offerings
14.2 Subscription Services
14.3 Related Reports
14.4 Publisher Expertise
By Product
Methyl Tert-Butyl Ether
Ethyl Tert-Butyl Ether
By End-User
Aerospace
Automotive
Antioxidants
Pharmaceuticals
Others
Countries Analyzed
North America (US, Canada, Mexico)
Europe (Germany, UK, France, Spain, Italy, Russia, Rest of Europe)
Asia Pacific (China, India, Japan, South Korea, Australia, South East Asia, Rest of Asia)
South America (Brazil, Argentina, Rest of South America)
Middle East and Africa (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Rest of Middle East, South Africa, Egypt, Rest of Africa)
Global Isobutylene Market Size is valued at $31.2 Billion in 2024 and is forecast to register a growth rate (CAGR) of 4.6% to reach $44.7 Billion by 2032.
Emerging Markets across Asia Pacific, Europe, and Americas present robust growth prospects.
BASF SE, Exxon Mobil Corp, Honeywell International Inc, Kaneka Corp, LyondellBasell Industries Holdings B.V., Nizhnekamskneftekhim, OMV Aktiengesellschaft, Praxair Technology Inc, Sumitomo Chemical Co. Ltd, TPC Group, Vinati Organics Ltd
Base Year- 2023; Estimated Year- 2024; Historic Period- 2018-2023; Forecast period- 2024 to 2032; Currency: Revenue (USD); Volume