Robust demand from building and construction activities coupled with increased supplies of n-Butanol continue to drive the market size over the forecast period. Strong growth for construction chemicals for waterproofing and enhancing material properties drive the sales in the construction industry. Further, strong demand from coatings industry coupled with advancements in bio-based butanol shape the long-term market prospects. In addition, the ability to solve diverse organic materials drive the demand for n-Butanol as solvent. For instance, Arkema uses n-Butanol as a key solvent in its water-based coating technologies to reduce volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Similarly, the growing demand for high-purity solvents in electronics industry further augments the n-Butanol sales volume.
The global n-Butanol (n-Butyl Alcohol) production is estimated at 5.8 million tons with OXO synthesis of Propylene (C3H6) and Synthesis gas (H2+CO) being the widely opted production process. Leading manufacturers are marketing potential advantages including low-level impurities of the plasticizer alcohol to be used as raw materials in different chemicals such as coating resins, butyl acetates, butyl acrylate, glycol ethers, and others. The industry is characterized by several small to medium scale plants. Amidst fluctuating prices of feedstock, most companies are emphasizing optimization of operating costs for improved profitability. The table below provides the average export prices of n-Butanol between 2015 and 2023.
Table- Global n-Butanol Average Export Price, USD per Ton, 2015 to 2023
2015 |
2016 |
2017 |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
|
Average Export Price (USD/Ton) |
812 |
573 |
814 |
940 |
802 |
673 |
1,561 |
1,290 |
1106 |
The biodegradability and negligible bioaccumulative potential of n-butanol supports its widespread use in the renewable paints and coatings industry. As a medium-volatility solvent with favorable evaporation rates, n-butanol helps improve application properties while reducing harmful emissions. n-Butanol also plays a key role as a coalescing agent in waterborne coatings. Further, bio-based paints relying on renewable resources instead of petrochemicals continue to drive companies like Gevo Inc. and Cargill to invest heavily in the development of bio-based n-butanol using corn and biomass. n-Butanol is also used in high-performance urethane coatings, which offer exceptional protection against corrosion, abrasion, and chemical damage. UV-curable coatings are also increasingly shifting to n-Butanol solvents.
Ethanol-sourced n-Butanol is gaining wide interest among manufacturers and end-users amidst increasing preference for renewable sources. The ability to penetrate into the global gasoline market in ICEs drives the investments in the sector. Further, less corrosiveness of the fuel supports distribution through existing transportation and distribution networks. In addition to being used as fuel in automotive, manufacturers are focusing on the aerospace fuel market. Gevo, in particular, is exploring the use of bio-butanol as a renewable fuel for aviation, blending it with jet fuel to reduce carbon emissions in the aviation sector.
Acrylates (Butyl Acrylate) are the largest application segment for n-Butanol. Paints and Coatings, adhesives and sealants, resins, and others opt for butyl acrylate to impart low-temperature properties and toughness properties. Asia Pacific is the largest consumer of Butyl Acrylate, driven by strong demand from end-user industries. Increasing use as feedstock for chemical syntheses supports the long-term demand for Acrylates in the region.
n-Butyl acetate is a highly efficient solvent driven by its rapid-drying capabilities across coatings. End-user demand from fast-drying paints including cellulosic and acrylic-based lacquers, varnishes, and enamels drives the large market share. In particular, industries including wood finishing (furniture), packaging (containers), and automotive, where fast-setting coatings are crucial for both efficiency and quality finishes remain long-term revenue drivers. In addition, n-butyl acetate is a preferred solvent in leather treatments and perfume formulations due to its excellent solubility properties and compatibility with other chemicals.
N-butyl acrylate, acetate, and glycol ethers production determine the market demand for n-Butanol worldwide. In particular, China accounted for over 40% of the global market size. Driven by its wide use as a solvent for diverse organic materials, and as a raw material for coating resins, the product is widely used in Chinese markets.
Construction and infrastructure activities are also witnessing robust growth in the country, which will support the country’s market growth through 2030. In addition to China, India, Southeast Asia, and other markets present strong growth potential. Indian Paint and Coating Association – IPCA identifies innovation as the key for paints and coating industries, encouraging manufacturers to focus on new feedstocks.
The global n-Butanol market is fragmented with the presence of both local and global players. Leading companies included in the study are BASF SE, Dow Chemical, OQ Chemicals, Sasol Ltd, Petrochina, Sinopec, Mitsubishi Chemical, KH Neochem, and others.
Parameter |
Details |
Market Size (2024) |
$4.6 Billion |
Market Size (2032) |
$6.95 Billion |
Market Growth Rate |
5.3% |
Largest Segment- Application |
Acrylates (Butyl Acrylate) (40.5% market share) |
Fastest Growing Market- Region |
Asia Pacific (5.6% CAGR) |
Largest Segment- Grade |
Industrial |
Segments |
Types, Grades, Technology, Manufacturing Process, Applications |
Study Period |
2018- 2023 and 2024-2032 |
Units |
Revenue (USD) |
Qualitative Analysis |
Porter’s Five Forces, SWOT Profile, Market Share, Scenario Forecasts, Market Ecosystem, Company Ranking, Market Dynamics, Industry Benchmarking |
Companies |
BASF SE, Dow Chemical, OQ Chemicals, Sasol Ltd, Petrochina, Sinopec, Mitsubishi Chemical, KH Neochem |
Countries |
US, Canada, Mexico, Germany, France, Spain, Italy, UK, Russia, China, India, Japan, South Korea, Australia, South East Asia, Brazil, Argentina, Middle East, Africa |
Type
Grade
Application
Countries Analyzed
*- List Not Exhaustive
About USD Analytics
Table of Contents
List of Charts and Exhibits
List of Tables
1. Executive Summary
What’s New in 2024?
Top 10 Takeaways from the industry
Potential Opportunities for Industry Stakeholders
Strategic Imperatives
Company Market Positioning
Industry Benchmarking Matrix
2. Research Scope and Methodology
Market Definition
Market Segments
Companies Profiled
Research Methodology
Bottom-Up Method
Top-Down Method
Data Triangulation
Forecast Methodology
Data Sources
USDA Proprietary Databases
External Sources
Primary Research and Interviews
Conversion Rates for USD
Abbreviations
3. Strategic Landscape: Key Insights and Implications
Spotlight: Key Strategies opted by Business Leaders
Competitive Landscape
Market Size ($ Million) and Share (%) by Company, 2023_
SWOT Analysis
- Key Market Strengths
- Key Market Weaknesses
- Potential Opportunities
- Potential Threats
Porter’s Five Force Analysis
- Summary
- Bargaining Power of Buyers- Impact Analysis
- Bargaining Power of Suppliers- Impact Analysis
- Threat of new entrants- Impact Analysis
- Intensity of Competitive Rivalry- Impact Analysis
Macro-Environmental Analysis
- Economic forecasts by Country, 2010- 2032
- Population forecasts by Country, 2010- 2032_
- Inflation Outlook by Country, 2010-2032
- Impact of Russia-Ukraine Conflict, Sluggish China Growth, US Developments
5. Growth Opportunity Analysis
Trends at a Glance
- What are the most noteworthy trends in the market
- Where should leaders pay attention?
- What industries are likely to be affected by the growth?
Market Dynamics
- Charting a path forward
- Growth Drivers
- Growth Barriers
Key Industry Stakeholders
- Suppliers
- Manufacturers and Service Providers
- Distribution Channels
- End-Users and Applications
- Regulators
- Investors, Traders, and R&D Institutes
Regulatory Landscape
6. Market Size Outlook to 2032
Global n-Butanol Market Size Forecast, USD Million, 2018- 2032
- Historic Market Size, 2018- 2023
- Forecast Market Size, 2024- 2032
Scenario Analysis
- Low Growth Scenario: Definition and Outlook to 2032
- Reference Case: Definition and Outlook to 2032
- High Growth Scenario: Definition and Outlook to 2032
Pricing Analysis and Outlook
- n-Butanol Average Price Forecast, 2021- 2032
- Key Factors Shaping the Pricing Patterns
7. Historical n-Butanol Market Size by Segments, 2018- 2023
Key Statistics, 2024
n-Butanol Market Size Outlook by Type, USD Million, 2018-2023
Growth Comparison (y-o-y) across n-Butanol Types, 2018-2023
n-Butanol Market Size Outlook by Application, USD Million, 2018-2023
Growth Comparison (y-o-y) across n-Butanol Applications, 2018-2023
8. n-Butanol Market Size Outlook by Segments, 2024- 2032
n-Butanol Market Size Outlook by Type, USD Million, 2024-2032
Growth Comparison (y-o-y) across n-Butanol Types, 2024-2032
- Conventional
- Bio-based
n-Butanol Market Size Outlook by Grade, USD Million, 2024-2032
Growth Comparison (y-o-y) across n-Butanol Grade, 2024-2032
- Pharmaceutical Grade
- Industrial Grade
- Chemical Grade
n-Butanol Market Size Outlook by End-Users, USD Million, 2024-2032
Growth Comparison (y-o-y) across n-Butanol End-Users, 2024-2032
- Butyl Acrylate
- Butyl Acetate
- Glycol Ethers
- Direct Solvent
- Plasticizers
- Others
9. n-Butanol Market Size Outlook by Region
North America
Key Market Dynamics
North America n-Butanol Market Size Outlook by Type, USD Million, 2021-2032
North America n-Butanol Market Size Outlook by Application, USD Million, 2021-2032
North America n-Butanol Market Size Outlook by Sales Channel, USD Million, 2021-2032
North America n-Butanol Market Size Outlook by Country, USD Million, 2021-2032
Europe
Key Market Dynamics
Europe n-Butanol Market Size Outlook by Type, USD Million, 2021-2032
Europe n-Butanol Market Size Outlook by Application, USD Million, 2021-2032
Europe n-Butanol Market Size Outlook by Sales Channel, USD Million, 2021-2032
Europe n-Butanol Market Size Outlook by Country, USD Million, 2021-2032
Asia Pacific
Key Market Dynamics
Asia Pacific n-Butanol Market Size Outlook by Type, USD Million, 2021-2032
Asia Pacific n-Butanol Market Size Outlook by Application, USD Million, 2021-2032
Asia Pacific n-Butanol Market Size Outlook by Sales Channel, USD Million, 2021-2032
Asia Pacific n-Butanol Market Size Outlook by Country, USD Million, 2021-2032
South America
Key Market Dynamics
South America n-Butanol Market Size Outlook by Type, USD Million, 2021-2032
South America n-Butanol Market Size Outlook by Application, USD Million, 2021-2032
South America n-Butanol Market Size Outlook by Sales Channel, USD Million, 2021-2032
South America n-Butanol Market Size Outlook by Country, USD Million, 2021-2032
Middle East and Africa
Key Market Dynamics
Middle East and Africa n-Butanol Market Size Outlook by Type, USD Million, 2021-2032
Middle East and Africa n-Butanol Market Size Outlook by Application, USD Million, 2021-2032
Middle East and Africa n-Butanol Market Size Outlook by Sales Channel, USD Million, 2021-2032
Middle East and Africa n-Butanol Market Size Outlook by Country, USD Million, 2021-2032
10. United States n-Butanol Market Analysis and Outlook, 2021- 2032
Key Statistics
United States n-Butanol Market Size Outlook by Type, 2021- 2032
United States n-Butanol Market Size Outlook by Application, 2021- 2032
United States n-Butanol Market Size Outlook by End-User, 2021- 2032
11. Canada n-Butanol Market Analysis and Outlook, 2021- 2032
Key Statistics
Canada n-Butanol Market Size Outlook by Type, 2021- 2032
Canada n-Butanol Market Size Outlook by Application, 2021- 2032
Canada n-Butanol Market Size Outlook by End-User, 2021- 2032
12. Mexico n-Butanol Market Analysis and Outlook, 2021- 2032
Key Statistics
Mexico n-Butanol Market Size Outlook by Type, 2021- 2032
Mexico n-Butanol Market Size Outlook by Application, 2021- 2032
Mexico n-Butanol Market Size Outlook by End-User, 2021- 2032
13. Germany n-Butanol Market Analysis and Outlook, 2021- 2032
Key Statistics
Germany n-Butanol Market Size Outlook by Type, 2021- 2032
Germany n-Butanol Market Size Outlook by Application, 2021- 2032
Germany n-Butanol Market Size Outlook by End-User, 2021- 2032
14. France n-Butanol Market Analysis and Outlook, 2021- 2032
Key Statistics
France n-Butanol Market Size Outlook by Type, 2021- 2032
France n-Butanol Market Size Outlook by Application, 2021- 2032
France n-Butanol Market Size Outlook by End-User, 2021- 2032
15. United Kingdom n-Butanol Market Analysis and Outlook, 2021- 2032
Key Statistics
United Kingdom n-Butanol Market Size Outlook by Type, 2021- 2032
United Kingdom n-Butanol Market Size Outlook by Application, 2021- 2032
United Kingdom n-Butanol Market Size Outlook by End-User, 2021- 2032
10. Spain n-Butanol Market Analysis and Outlook, 2021- 2032
Key Statistics
Spain n-Butanol Market Size Outlook by Type, 2021- 2032
Spain n-Butanol Market Size Outlook by Application, 2021- 2032
Spain n-Butanol Market Size Outlook by End-User, 2021- 2032
16. Italy n-Butanol Market Analysis and Outlook, 2021- 2032
Key Statistics
Italy n-Butanol Market Size Outlook by Type, 2021- 2032
Italy n-Butanol Market Size Outlook by Application, 2021- 2032
Italy n-Butanol Market Size Outlook by End-User, 2021- 2032
17. Benelux n-Butanol Market Analysis and Outlook, 2021- 2032
Key Statistics
Benelux n-Butanol Market Size Outlook by Type, 2021- 2032
Benelux n-Butanol Market Size Outlook by Application, 2021- 2032
Benelux n-Butanol Market Size Outlook by End-User, 2021- 2032
18. Nordic n-Butanol Market Analysis and Outlook, 2021- 2032
Key Statistics
Nordic n-Butanol Market Size Outlook by Type, 2021- 2032
Nordic n-Butanol Market Size Outlook by Application, 2021- 2032
Nordic n-Butanol Market Size Outlook by End-User, 2021- 2032
19. Rest of Europe n-Butanol Market Analysis and Outlook, 2021- 2032
Key Statistics
Rest of Europe n-Butanol Market Size Outlook by Type, 2021- 2032
Rest of Europe n-Butanol Market Size Outlook by Application, 2021- 2032
Rest of Europe n-Butanol Market Size Outlook by End-User, 2021- 2032
20. China n-Butanol Market Analysis and Outlook, 2021- 2032
Key Statistics
China n-Butanol Market Size Outlook by Type, 2021- 2032
China n-Butanol Market Size Outlook by Application, 2021- 2032
China n-Butanol Market Size Outlook by End-User, 2021- 2032
21. India n-Butanol Market Analysis and Outlook, 2021- 2032
Key Statistics
India n-Butanol Market Size Outlook by Type, 2021- 2032
India n-Butanol Market Size Outlook by Application, 2021- 2032
India n-Butanol Market Size Outlook by End-User, 2021- 2032
22. Japan n-Butanol Market Analysis and Outlook, 2021- 2032
Key Statistics
Japan n-Butanol Market Size Outlook by Type, 2021- 2032
Japan n-Butanol Market Size Outlook by Application, 2021- 2032
Japan n-Butanol Market Size Outlook by End-User, 2021- 2032
23. South Korea n-Butanol Market Analysis and Outlook, 2021- 2032
Key Statistics
South Korea n-Butanol Market Size Outlook by Type, 2021- 2032
South Korea n-Butanol Market Size Outlook by Application, 2021- 2032
South Korea n-Butanol Market Size Outlook by End-User, 2021- 2032
24. Australia n-Butanol Market Analysis and Outlook, 2021- 2032
Key Statistics
Australia n-Butanol Market Size Outlook by Type, 2021- 2032
Australia n-Butanol Market Size Outlook by Application, 2021- 2032
Australia n-Butanol Market Size Outlook by End-User, 2021- 2032
25. South East Asia n-Butanol Market Analysis and Outlook, 2021- 2032
Key Statistics
South East Asia n-Butanol Market Size Outlook by Type, 2021- 2032
South East Asia n-Butanol Market Size Outlook by Application, 2021- 2032
South East Asia n-Butanol Market Size Outlook by End-User, 2021- 2032
26. Rest of Asia Pacific n-Butanol Market Analysis and Outlook, 2021- 2032
Key Statistics
Rest of Asia Pacific n-Butanol Market Size Outlook by Type, 2021- 2032
Rest of Asia Pacific n-Butanol Market Size Outlook by Application, 2021- 2032
Rest of Asia Pacific n-Butanol Market Size Outlook by End-User, 2021- 2032
27. Brazil n-Butanol Market Analysis and Outlook, 2021- 2032
Key Statistics
Brazil n-Butanol Market Size Outlook by Type, 2021- 2032
Brazil n-Butanol Market Size Outlook by Application, 2021- 2032
Brazil n-Butanol Market Size Outlook by End-User, 2021- 2032
28. Argentina n-Butanol Market Analysis and Outlook, 2021- 2032
Key Statistics
Argentina n-Butanol Market Size Outlook by Type, 2021- 2032
Argentina n-Butanol Market Size Outlook by Application, 2021- 2032
Argentina n-Butanol Market Size Outlook by End-User, 2021- 2032
29. Rest of South America n-Butanol Market Analysis and Outlook, 2021- 2032
Key Statistics
Rest of South America n-Butanol Market Size Outlook by Type, 2021- 2032
Rest of South America n-Butanol Market Size Outlook by Application, 2021- 2032
Rest of South America n-Butanol Market Size Outlook by End-User, 2021- 2032
30. United Arab Emirates n-Butanol Market Analysis and Outlook, 2021- 2032
Key Statistics
United Arab Emirates n-Butanol Market Size Outlook by Type, 2021- 2032
United Arab Emirates n-Butanol Market Size Outlook by Application, 2021- 2032
United Arab Emirates n-Butanol Market Size Outlook by End-User, 2021- 2032
31. Saudi Arabia n-Butanol Market Analysis and Outlook, 2021- 2032
Key Statistics
Saudi Arabia n-Butanol Market Size Outlook by Type, 2021- 2032
Saudi Arabia n-Butanol Market Size Outlook by Application, 2021- 2032
Saudi Arabia n-Butanol Market Size Outlook by End-User, 2021- 2032
32. Rest of Middle East n-Butanol Market Analysis and Outlook, 2021- 2032
Key Statistics
Rest of Middle East n-Butanol Market Size Outlook by Type, 2021- 2032
Rest of Middle East n-Butanol Market Size Outlook by Application, 2021- 2032
Rest of Middle East n-Butanol Market Size Outlook by End-User, 2021- 2032
33. South Africa n-Butanol Market Analysis and Outlook, 2021- 2032
Key Statistics
South Africa n-Butanol Market Size Outlook by Type, 2021- 2032
South Africa n-Butanol Market Size Outlook by Application, 2021- 2032
South Africa n-Butanol Market Size Outlook by End-User, 2021- 2032
34. Rest of Africa n-Butanol Market Analysis and Outlook, 2021- 2032
Key Statistics
Rest of Africa n-Butanol Market Size Outlook by Type, 2021- 2032
Rest of Africa n-Butanol Market Size Outlook by Application, 2021- 2032
Rest of Africa n-Butanol Market Size Outlook by End-User, 2021- 2032
35. Key Companies
Market Share Analysis
BASF SE
Dow Chemical
OQ Chemicals
Sasol Ltd
Petrochina
Sinopec
Mitsubishi Chemical
KH Neochem
Company Benchmarking
Financial Analysis
36. Recent Market Developments
37. Appendix
Looking Ahead
Research Methodology
Legal Disclaimer
Type
Grade
Application
Countries Analyzed
Bio-based Butanol gaining market penetration, increasing demand from transportation sector, Widening applications of n-Butanol for aesthetic appearance, Policy initiatives to promote the use of clean energy sources, Robust growth prospects in Asian countries, and others
USD Analytics forecasts the global n-Butanol market size to increase from $4.6 Billion in 2024 to $7.0 Billion in 2032
CAGR of 5.3% during the forecast period
BASF SE, Dow Chemical, OQ Chemicals, Sasol Ltd, Petrochina, Sinopec, Mitsubishi Chemical, KH Neochem
Naturally sourced n-Butanol products gaining wide consumer interest across application verticals