n-Butanol Global Market Report 2026

n-Butanol, with the chemical formula C4H9OH, is a colorless liquid alcohol characterized by its distinctive odor. It serves as both an industrial solvent and an intermediate in the production of several chemicals, including butyl acrylate, butyl acetate, and glycol ethers.

The primary grades of n-butanol include pharmaceuticals, industrial, and chemicals. The pharmaceuticals grade is specifically tailored for the production of medicines and pharmaceutical products. Its manufacturing processes involve oxyhydrogenation of propylene, oxidation of butane, and biomass fermentation. These processes yield a range of derivatives used in direct solvents, plasticizers, and various applications across industries such as paints, coatings, chemicals, textiles, agriculture, construction, food and beverages, transportation, and pharmaceuticals.

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 have influenced the n-butanol market by affecting the cost of imported feedstocks such as propylene and specialty catalysts used in oxyhydrogenation and butane oxidation processes. These impacts are most pronounced in chemicals and petrochemical segments across Asia Pacific and Europe, where cross border raw material sourcing is common. Elevated tariffs have increased production costs and pressured margins for downstream users in paints, coatings, and plasticizers. At the same time, tariff pressures have encouraged local manufacturing, accelerated investments in bio based fermentation routes, and strengthened regional supply chains, supporting long term market resilience.

The n-butanol market research report is one of a series of new reports from The Business Research Company that provides n-butanol market statistics, including n-butanol industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with a n-butanol market share, detailed n-butanol market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the n-butanol industry. This n-butanol 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 n-butanol market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $3.72 billion in 2025 to $3.91 billion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.3%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to growth of petrochemical industry, expansion of paints and coatings sector, increased use of solvent based formulations, rising demand for chemical intermediates, availability of propylene based production processes.

The n-butanol market size is expected to see steady growth in the next few years. It will grow to $4.7 billion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.7%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to shift toward bio based butanol production, increasing demand for lightweight automotive coatings, growth in construction activities, rising use in pharmaceutical formulations, advancements in fermentation technologies. Major trends in the forecast period include rising demand for industrial solvents, growing use in acrylic and coating intermediates, increasing adoption in bio based chemical production, expansion of butanol based plasticizer applications, higher consumption in paints and coatings manufacturing.

The growing demand in the construction industry is expected to drive the n-butanol market going forward. The construction industry encompasses all activities related to planning, designing, building, and maintaining infrastructure and buildings. The increasing demand in the construction sector can be attributed to population expansion, urban development, infrastructural advancements, and governmental funding in construction endeavors. n-Butanol plays a significant role in the construction industry by enhancing the performance and sustainability of materials and processes. Its use as a solvent in coatings and adhesives, as an intermediate in chemical synthesis, and as a sustainable fuel for construction equipment makes it a valuable resource for improving construction activities' efficiency and environmental impact. For instance, in May 2024, according to the report published by the Bureau of the Census, a US-based principal agency of the Federal Statistical System, construction spending during March 2024 was estimated at an annual rate of $2,083.9 billion, representing a 9.6% increase compared to March 2023, while during the first three months of 2024, spending amounted to $461.0 billion, showing a 10.6% increase over the same period in 2023. Hence, the growing demand in the construction industry propels the n-butanol market.

Major companies operating in the market are focusing of developing advanced process such as the PO/TBA production processes, to gain a competitive edge. PO/TBA production processes this process is particularly efficient and economically advantageous, as it produces two valuable products that serve a wide array of industrial applications. For instance, in March 2023, Lyondell Basell Industries N.V., a US-based petrochemical company, launched the world's largest propylene oxide (PO) and tertiary butyl alcohol (TBA) unit, which specializes in producing key chemicals used across various industrial and consumer applications. Propylene oxide (PO) is primarily used to manufacture polyurethane foam, found in products like mattresses, car seat cushions, and insulation, which enhances energy efficiency. Tertiary butyl alcohol (TBA) is converted into fuel additives such as methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) and ethyl tertiary butyl ether (ETBE), which improve gasoline combustion, helping reduce vehicle emissions.

In November 2023, BASF-YPC, a China-based producer of oxo-alcohols and intermediates including normal butanol (n-butanol), partnered with SINOPEC to expand their integrated petrochemical Verbund site in Nanjing by increasing the capacity of their C4 chemicals, including n-butanol. Through this collaboration, the companies aim to enhance n-butanol production volume and reinforce supply capabilities in the global n-butanol market. This agreement highlights the chemical industry's continued emphasis on expanding n-butanol production capacity to accommodate growing demand. SINOPEC is a China-based petrochemical company.

Major companies operating in the n-butanol market are BASF SE, Dow Inc., Saudi Basic Industries Corporation, Ineos Group Limited, Sasol Limited, Eastman Chemical Company, Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation, Arkema S.A., PETRONAS Chemicals Group Berhad, OQ Chemicals GmbH, KH Neochem Co. Ltd., China National Petroleum Corporation, Anhui Shuguang Chemical Group, Jiangsu Huachang Chemical Industry Co. Ltd., Andhra Petrochemicals Ltd., Texmark Chemicals Inc., Grupa Azoty, Chang Chun Group, Nanjing Chemical Fiber Co. Ltd., Zibo Qixiang Tengda Chemical Co. Ltd.

Asia-Pacific was the largest region in the n-butanol market in 2025. North America is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in the n-butanol market report are Asia-Pacific, South East Asia, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa

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

The n-butanol market consists of sales of adhesives, sealants, lubricants, printing inks, and cosmetics. 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.

n-Butanol 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 n-butanol 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 n-butanol ? 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 n-butanol 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 Grade: Industrial Grade n-Butanol; Chemical Intermediate Grade n-Butanol; Pharmaceutical Grade n-Butanol; Bio-Based n-Butanol
• 2) By Production Process: Oxo Process; Bio-Fermentation Process; Other Emerging Processes
• 3) By Application: Butyl Acrylate Production; Butyl Acetate Production; Glycol Ether Production; Direct Solvent Applications; Plasticizer Production; Other Chemical Intermediates
• 4) By End-Use Industry: Paints and Coatings; Chemicals and Petrochemicals; Adhesives and Sealants; Plastics and Polymers; Textiles; Pharmaceutical Manufacturing; Agriculture Chemicals
• Subsegments:
• 1) By Industrial Grade n-Butanol: Industrial Grade n-Butanol; Paints and Coatings Solvent Grade; Adhesives and Sealants Solvent Grade; Printing Inks Solvent Grade; Cleaning and Degreasing Solvent Grade; General Industrial Solvent Grade
• 2) By Chemical Intermediate Grade n-Butanol: Chemical Intermediate Grade n-Butanol; Butyl Acrylate Feedstock Grade; Butyl Acetate Feedstock Grade; Glycol Ether Feedstock Grade; Plasticizer Feedstock Grade; Other Chemical Derivative Feedstock Grades
• 3) By Pharmaceutical Grade n-Butanol: Pharmaceutical Grade n-Butanol; Drug Formulation Solvent Grade; Process Solvent for API Manufacturing; Pharmaceutical Cleaning and Processing Grade
• 4) By Bio-Based n-Butanol: Bio-Based n-Butanol; Industrial Bio-Butanol (solvents and coatings); Chemical Intermediate Bio-Butanol (bio-acrylates; bio-esters); Fuel-Blend Bio-Butanol (transportation fuels; niche); Low-Carbon or Sustainable Bio-Butanol
• Companies Mentioned: BASF SE; Dow Inc.; Saudi Basic Industries Corporation; Ineos Group Limited; Sasol Limited; Eastman Chemical Company; Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation; Arkema S.A.; PETRONAS Chemicals Group Berhad; OQ Chemicals GmbH; KH Neochem Co. Ltd.; China National Petroleum Corporation; Anhui Shuguang Chemical Group; Jiangsu Huachang Chemical Industry Co. Ltd.; Andhra Petrochemicals Ltd.; Texmark Chemicals Inc.; Grupa Azoty; Chang Chun Group; Nanjing Chemical Fiber Co. Ltd.; Zibo Qixiang Tengda Chemical Co. Ltd.
• 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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