ICIS - chemical podcasts Episode 1366: Europe oxo-alcohols, derivatives fundamentally weak as summer slowdown approaches
Jul 23, 2025
The podcast dives into the sluggish state of Europe's oxo-alcohols and derivatives markets, highlighting the impending summer slowdown. With economic uncertainty at play, demand for key chemicals like butyl acetate is expected to dwindle. The discussion also covers the acrylic esters market, marked by excess supply and weak demand trends. Additionally, challenges in the glycoethers market are explored, including a production fire in Saudi Arabia and geopolitical factors affecting exports. It's a comprehensive look at a struggling sector.
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Structural Weakness Through Summer
- Europe oxo-alcohols and derivatives face structurally weak demand driven by economic and geopolitical challenges.
- Activity is expected to slow further into late July and August as the summer slowdown reduces buying interest.
Mixed Price Movements By Product
- Most sellers maintained stable isobutanol pricing due to fewer spot sellers and steady propylene costs.
- But E4-hexanol and isobutanol prices softened where ample supply outstripped weak demand.
Butyl Acetate Structural Longs
- European butyl acetate supply is structurally long when major producers run normally.
- Chinese imports are available but less frequent due to unattractive arbitrage and long lead times.