ICIS - chemical podcasts Episode 1423: PODCAST: Europe oxo-alcohols and derivatives markets face sluggish start to 2026
Jan 26, 2026
Cameron Birch, glycol ethers editor who analyses supply, imports and weather impacts. Marion Boakye, oxo-alcohols and butyl acetate editor tracking European supply, demand and pricing. They discuss a sluggish start to 2026, sparse spot trading and restocking hopes. Topics include butyl acetate availability, Asian arbitrage closures, feedstock and gas concerns, and maintenance-driven supply effects.
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Oxo-Alcohols Restart Slowly
- European oxo-alcohols saw a slow restart in January with sparse spot trading early in the month.
- IBA firmed slightly amid supply constraints while NBA and 2EH eased on weak fundamentals and lower propylene costs.
Butyl Acetate Faces Oversupply
- Butyl acetate softened as supply outweighed demand despite mid-January restocking interest.
- Chinese butyl acetate firmed, closing arbitrage and limiting imports into Europe.
Monitor Feedstock And Gas Closely
- Monitor feedstock and natural gas movements closely as firming gas could tighten supply.
- Watch upstream costs because they can quickly shift regional arbitrage and pricing dynamics.