1, 4 Butanediol Global Market Report 2026

1,4-butanediol is a transparent and water-soluble viscous liquid, possessing a high boiling point (230°C) at room temperature. It serves as a precursor for gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB), a recreational substance known for its euphoric and sedative effects. Additionally, it plays a crucial role in the synthesis of various organic compounds, with oxolane (also identified as tetrahydrofuran or THF) being a notable example. Functioning as a protic solvent, prodrug, and neurotoxin, 1,4-Butanediol holds diverse applications.

There are two primary types of 1,4-butanediol such as synthetic and bio-based. The term 'synthetic' pertains to substances crafted by humans rather than derived from natural sources. The synthetic variant finds applications in tetrahydrofuran (THF), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), gamma-butyrolactone (GBL), polyurethane (PU), and other industries, spanning chemical, sports, automotive, electronic, footwear, and more.

Note that the outlook for this market is being affected by rapid changes in trade relations and tariffs globally. The report will be updated prior to delivery to reflect the latest status, including revised forecasts and quantified impact analysis. The report's Recommendations and Conclusions sections will be updated to give strategies for entities dealing with the fast-moving international environment.

Tariffs are impacting the 1,4-butanediol market by increasing costs of imported feedstocks, catalysts, processing equipment, and chemical intermediates. Asia-Pacific and North America are most affected due to dependence on cross-border chemical trade, while Europe faces higher costs for specialty applications. These tariffs are elevating production expenses and affecting downstream polymer pricing. However, they are also accelerating local production capacity expansion, bio-based manufacturing initiatives, and supply chain diversification.

The 1, 4 butanediol market research report is one of a series of new reports from The Business Research Company that provides 1, 4 butanediol market statistics, including 1, 4 butanediol industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with a 1, 4 butanediol market share, detailed 1, 4 butanediol market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the 1, 4 butanediol industry. This 1, 4 butanediol market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenario of the industry.

The 1, 4 butanediol market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $10.22 billion in 2025 to $11.06 billion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.3%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to expansion of chemical manufacturing capacity, growth of polymer and resin industries, increasing use of synthetic solvents, availability of petrochemical feedstocks, rising industrial chemical demand.

The 1, 4 butanediol market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $14.76 billion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.5%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to increasing investments in bio-refinery technologies, rising demand for lightweight automotive materials, expansion of sustainable polymer production, growing adoption of eco-friendly solvents, increasing focus on circular chemical processes. Major trends in the forecast period include increasing adoption of bio-based butanediol production, rising demand for thf and pbt applications, growing use in high-performance polymers, expansion of sustainable chemical synthesis, enhanced focus on process efficiency.

The growing automotive sector is expected to drive the growth of the 1,4-butanediol market in the coming years. The automotive sector includes businesses involved in the design, production, distribution, sale, and maintenance of automobiles. In this sector, the manufacture of vehicle components such as bumpers, fenders, spoilers, and front and rear fascia requires urethane elastomers made from 1,4-butanediol. Consequently, rising demand from the automotive industry is supporting the expansion of the 1,4-butanediol market. For example, in August 2024, according to the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association, a Belgium-based organization, new car registrations increased by 3.9% over the first seven months of 2024, exceeding 6.5 million units. Key markets in the region showed positive growth, with Spain (+5.6%), Italy (+5.2%), Germany (+4.3%), and France (+2.2%) all reporting increases. Therefore, the expanding automotive sector is driving the 1,4-butanediol market.

Major companies in the 1,4-butanediol market are focusing on developing sustainable solutions, such as bio-based feedstock, to reduce carbon emissions and enhance environmental performance without compromising product quality. Bio-based feedstock, produced from plant-derived sugars through fermentation, delivers the same performance as conventional fossil-based BDO while significantly lowering greenhouse gas emissions. For instance, in September 2023, BASF, a Germany-based chemical company, secured long-term access to QIRA bio-based 1,4-butanediol from Qore LLC, a joint venture between Cargill and HELM AG. The first commercial batches of QIRA are expected in Q1 2025 and will allow BASF to expand its range of BDO derivatives, including polytetrahydrofuran (PolyTHF) and tetrahydrofuran (THF), with substantially reduced carbon footprints while maintaining identical physical and technical properties compared to fossil-based alternatives. QIRA supports applications across textiles, automotive, electronics, and pharmaceuticals. Key features include corn-based fermentation, compatibility with existing production processes, up to 86% carbon footprint reduction, and scalability for PolyTHF and THF production. Through this initiative, BASF aims to strengthen its sustainable solutions portfolio and provide renewable-based chemical options to its global customers.

In March 2023, Maire Tecnimont S.p.A., an Italy-based technology and engineering group, acquired Conser for an undisclosed amount. This strategic move enables Maire Tecnimont to enter the bio-based technologies and products market. Following the completion of the transaction, NextChem Holding will hold 83.5% of Conser's shares, with an option to purchase the remaining 16.5% over the next three years, as outlined in the agreement. Conser, based in Italy, specializes in providing technologies for the production of butanediol (BDO).

Major companies operating in the 1, 4 butanediol market are BASF SE, Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation, SK Global Chemical Co. Ltd., Dairen Chemical Corporation, LyondellBasell Industries N.V., Dow Inc., Genomatica Inc., Xinjiang Tianye Co. Ltd., Koch Industries, PTT Global Chemical Public Company Limited, Saudi International Petrochemical Company, Chongqing Jianfeng Chemical Co. Ltd., Nan Ya Plastics Corporation, Sinopec Yizheng Chemical Fibre Company Limited, Shanxi Sanwei Group Co. Ltd., INVISTA S.a r.l., Nanjing Bluestar Co. Ltd., Oxea GmbH, TCC Group, Formosa Plastics Corporation, Huntsman Corporation, Myriant Corporation

Asia-Pacific was the largest region in the 1,4 butanediol market in 2025. The regions covered in the 1, 4 butanediol market report are Asia-Pacific, South East Asia, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa

The countries covered in the 1, 4 butanediol market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Taiwan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain

The 1,4-butanediol market consists of sales of synthetic 1,4-butanediol and biobased 1,4-butanediol. Values in this market are 'factory gate' values, that is the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.

1, 4 Butanediol Market Global Report 2026 from The Business Research Company provides strategists, marketers and senior management with the critical information they need to assess the market.

This report focuses 1, 4 butanediol market which is experiencing strong growth. The report gives a guide to the trends which will be shaping the market over the next ten years and beyond.

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Where is the largest and fastest growing market for 1, 4 butanediol ? How does the market relate to the overall economy, demography and other similar markets? What forces will shape the market going forward, including technological disruption, regulatory shifts, and changing consumer preferences? The 1, 4 butanediol market global report from the Business Research Company answers all these questions and many more.

The report covers market characteristics, size and growth, segmentation, regional and country breakdowns, total addressable market (TAM), market attractiveness score (MAS), competitive landscape, market shares, company scoring matrix, trends and strategies for this market. It traces the market's historic and forecast market growth by geography.

• The market characteristics section of the report defines and explains the market. This section also examines key products and services offered in the market, evaluates brand-level differentiation, compares product features, and highlights major innovation and product development trends.
• The supply chain analysis section provides an overview of the entire value chain, including key raw materials, resources, and supplier analysis. It also provides a list competitor at each level of the supply chain.
• The updated trends and strategies section analyses the shape of the market as it evolves and highlights emerging technology trends such as digital transformation, automation, sustainability initiatives, and AI-driven innovation. It suggests how companies can leverage these advancements to strengthen their market position and achieve competitive differentiation.
• The regulatory and investment landscape section provides an overview of the key regulatory frameworks, regularity bodies, associations, and government policies influencing the market. It also examines major investment flows, incentives, and funding trends shaping industry growth and innovation.
• The market size section gives the market size ($b) covering both the historic growth of the market, and forecasting its development.
• The forecasts are made after considering the major factors currently impacting the market. These include the technological advancements such as AI and automation, Russia-Ukraine war, trade tariffs (government-imposed import/export duties), elevated inflation and interest rates.
• The total addressable market (TAM) analysis section defines and estimates the market potential compares it with the current market size, and provides strategic insights and growth opportunities based on this evaluation.
• The market attractiveness scoring section evaluates the market based on a quantitative scoring framework that considers growth potential, competitive dynamics, strategic fit, and risk profile. It also provides interpretive insights and strategic implications for decision-makers.
• Market segmentations break down the market into sub markets.
• The regional and country breakdowns section gives an analysis of the market in each geography and the size of the market by geography and compares their historic and forecast growth.
• Expanded geographical coverage includes Taiwan and Southeast Asia, reflecting recent supply chain realignments and manufacturing shifts in the region. This section analyzes how these markets are becoming increasingly important hubs in the global value chain.
• The competitive landscape chapter gives a description of the competitive nature of the market, market shares, and a description of the leading companies. Key financial deals which have shaped the market in recent years are identified.
• The company scoring matrix section evaluates and ranks leading companies based on a multi-parameter framework that includes market share or revenues, product innovation, and brand recognition.

Scope

• Markets Covered:1) By Type: Synthetic; Bio-Based
• 2) By Application: Tetrahydrofuran (THF); Polybutylene Terephthalate (PBT); Gamma Butyrolactone (GBL); Polyurethane (PU); Other Applications
• 3) By End-Use: Chemical; Automotive; Electronic; Footwear; Other End-Uses
• Subsegments:
• 1) By Synthetic: Reppe Process (Acetylene-Formaldehyde Route); Maleic Anhydride Hydrogenation Route; Butadiene-Based Process
• 2) By Bio-Based: Fermentation-Based 1,4-Butanediol; Sugar-Derived Or Biomass-Based 1,4-Butanediol
• Companies Mentioned: BASF SE; Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation; SK Global Chemical Co. Ltd.; Dairen Chemical Corporation; LyondellBasell Industries N.V.; Dow Inc.; Genomatica Inc.; Xinjiang Tianye Co. Ltd.; Koch Industries; PTT Global Chemical Public Company Limited; Saudi International Petrochemical Company; Chongqing Jianfeng Chemical Co. Ltd.; Nan Ya Plastics Corporation; Sinopec Yizheng Chemical Fibre Company Limited; Shanxi Sanwei Group Co. Ltd.; INVISTA S.a r.l.; Nanjing Bluestar Co. Ltd.; Oxea GmbH; TCC Group; Formosa Plastics Corporation; Huntsman Corporation; Myriant Corporation
• Countries: Australia; Brazil; China; France; Germany; India; Indonesia; Japan; Taiwan; Russia; South Korea; UK; USA; Canada; Italy; Spain
• Regions: Asia-Pacific; South East Asia; Western Europe; Eastern Europe; North America; South America; Middle East; Africa
• Time Series: Five years historic and ten years forecast.
• Data: Ratios of market size and growth to related markets, GDP proportions, expenditure per capita,
• Data Segmentations: country and regional historic and forecast data, market share of competitors, market segments.
• Sourcing and Referencing: Data and analysis throughout the report is sourced using end notes.
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