Methyl Tert-Butyl Ether (MTBE) Price Trend

Methyl Tert-Butyl Ether (MTBE) Prices December 2023

In the fourth quarter of 2023, the price trend in the USA for methyl tert-butyl ether was 924 USD/MT. There was a negative price movement in the USA because of the trading fundamentals and adequate MTBE supply in the market. The slow market offtakes and buyers resorting to cheaper materials dragged down the overall market levels. Also, the increase in the stock of gasoline and the availability of a large quantity of MTBE also put a bearish pressure on the prices. Failure to strengthen output cuts by OPEC+ and the possibility of loose oil supply added to the problem, thus enhancing competitiveness in the regional marketplace.

The price trend in China for Q4 2023 in December was 963 USD/MT. Chinese MTBE market faced weak buying interest and poor upstream cost, which led to a weak price trend. Purchasers resorted to procuring cheaper articles, which raised the competitive edge and lowered the market rates. Chinese materials were preferred as they were cheaper and international crude oil future pointed to a slight decrease in gasoline consumption. Refineries lowered the price to sell, and big orders were hard to fill. Some manufacturers cut the operating loads, and many plants did not reopen, which added pressure to supplies and prices.

Methyl Tert-Butyl Ether (MTBE) Price Trend, Market Analysis, and News

IMARC’s newly published report, titled “Methyl Tert-Butyl Ether (MTBE) Pricing Report 2024: Price Trend, Chart, Market Analysis, News, Demand, Historical and Forecast Data,” offers an in-depth analysis of methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) pricing, covering an analysis of global and regional market trends and the critical factors driving these price movements.

It encompasses an in-depth review of spot prices at major ports, a breakdown of prices including Ex Works, FOB, and CIF, alongside a region-wise dissection of methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) price trend across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, the Middle East and Africa.

The report examines the elements influencing methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) price fluctuations, such as changes in raw material costs, supply-demand dynamics, geopolitical factors, and industry-specific developments. Additionally, it integrates the latest market news, providing stakeholders with up-to-date information on market shifts, regulatory changes, and technological advancements, thereby offering a comprehensive overview that aids in strategic decision-making and forecasting.

Methyl Tert-Butyl Ether (MTBE) Market Analysis

The global methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) market size reached US$ 17.13 Billion in 2023. By 2032, IMARC Group expects the market to reach US$ 27.27 Billion, at a projected CAGR of 5.30% during 2023-2032.

The rising demand for high octane fuels to enhance engine performance and decrease emissions are fueling the growth of methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) market. Due to the current and future regulation of fuel quality in the international market, the role of MTBE as an effective octane booster is indeed valuable. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), the current global fuel standards are being enhanced, demanding cleaner fuels in a bid to increase fuel quality standards, reduce emissions, and enhance air quality. This pressure has resulted in the use of fuel additives, such as MTBE, to improve the octane rating. The growing automotive sector, especially in emerging markets, is catalyzing the need for MTBE. As the number of vehicles produced and being used is increasing, the need for good and environmentally friendly fuel additives, such as MTBE, is essential, which, in turn, is boosting the market growth. Based on the data provided by the International Organization of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers (OICA), the vehicle production in India and China has been on the rise. For instance, the car production in China alone was 26 million units in the year 2022, thus pointing to the fast growth of the automotive sector in developing regions. The World Bank report indicates that there is a progressive rise in car use in developing countries. The global trends indicate that countries like India and Brazil have significantly increased the vehicle ownership per capita, thus increasing the demand of automotive fuels and additives like MTBE. The MTBE market is also driven by the governmental measures that encourage the use of cleaner fuels and additives to reduce the negative impact on the environment. Since many countries are enforcing strict environmental protection measures, the consumption of MTBE for reducing toxic emissions is increasing.

Methyl Tert-Butyl Ether (MTBE) News

The report covers the latest developments, updates, and trends impacting the global methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) market, providing stakeholders with timely and relevant information. This segment covers a wide array of news items, including the inauguration of new production facilities, advancements in methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) production technologies, strategic market expansions by key industry players, and significant mergers and acquisitions that impact the methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) price trend.

Latest developments in the methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) industry:

• In May 2024, SABIC, a global leader in the chemicals industry, announced the availability of VALOX HX325HP resin, a new high-performance, medical-grade, injection molding polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) resin. Developed especially for high-precision parts, such as components of insulin delivery pens, insulin pumps, auto-injectors, and continuous glucose monitors, this new resin combines outstanding processability with high chemical resistance and validated biocompatibility.
• In April 2024, PETRONAS Lubricants International, one of the top global lubricants players with presence in 100 countries, and Mercedes-Benz Global Customer Service & Parts will be collaborating to develop technical solutions that optimize vehicle performance and efficiency, aimed at driving advancements within the automotive After-Sales sector.

Product Description

Methyl Tert-Butyl Ether (MTBE) is an organic compound that finds major application as a fuel oxygenate to raise the octane levels and enhance fuel burning quality. This ether has a chemical formula of C5H12O and is an odoriferous and highly inflammable liquid with no color. Additionally, MTBE is an oxygenate, which raises the octane rating of gasoline, reduces knocking, enhances automobile performance, improves fuel combustion, and decreases hazardous emissions. However, since it is highly soluble in water and does not easily break down in the environment, it can cause an environmental problem if not well managed. MTBE is still in use since it is effective and cheap to enable fuel quality standards to be met even with the looming complications of groundwater contamination.

Regional Coverage

The report provides a detailed analysis of the methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) market across different regions, each with unique pricing dynamics influenced by localized market conditions, supply chain intricacies, and geopolitical factors. This includes price trends and supply and demand trends for each region, along with spot prices by major ports. The report also provides coverage of ex-works, FOB, and CIF prices, as well as the key factors influencing the methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) price trend. 

Global Methyl Tert-Butyl Ether (MTBE) Price

The report offers a holistic view of the global methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) pricing trends, reflecting the worldwide interplay of supply-demand balances, international trade policies, and overarching economic factors that shape the market on a macro level.

Europe Methyl Tert-Butyl Ether (MTBE) Price

The European market for MTBE witnessed the price going down because of lack of trading activities and absence of firm bids as well as offers. Weak costs, spillover effects of European markets, high stock pressure on the import sellers also put downward pressure on prices. The bearish factors include local producers’ further price cuts, weakening of economic activity, and more forceful destocking phases

North America Methyl Tert-Butyl Ether (MTBE) Price

North American MTBE market remained under pressure due to bearish trading conditions and sufficient supply levels. Weak market consumption and lack of business activities affected the income and profitability of primary producers. Moreover, those buyers who chose the low-end products heightened competition in the market. The large inventory and the higher-than-expected finished oil and gasoline inventories also added to the bearish sentiments about fuel demand, thus, keeping the pressure on prices.

Specific data on methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) prices within the United States and Canada can also be provided.

Middle East and Africa Methyl Tert-Butyl Ether (MTBE) Price

The market condition of MTBE was bearish in MEA region owing to limited upstream crude oil cost support and a weakening of refined oil market. To boost up their sales, some refining companies lowered their prices, and some downstream marketers did Demand Side Management to control their inventory. In turn, the prices were also affected by the supply and demand imbalance and weak demand at the end of the year. Availability of more products in the region and falling export prices put downward pressure on prices.

In addition to region-wise data, information on methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) prices for countries can also be provided.

Asia Pacific Methyl Tert-Butyl Ether (MTBE) Price

The Asia Pacific market for MTBE showed declining prices landscape due to weak cost inflation from the upstream market and low demand from the buyers. Low priced substitutes and weak international crude oil futures price also put a downward pressure on the prices. Some refineries had cut down their prices to promote sales while downstream marketers maintained on-demand purchase which consequently affected the capacity utilization and production of several manufacturers, consequently worsening the general price drop.

Latin America Methyl Tert-Butyl Ether (MTBE) Price

The analysis of methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) prices in Latin America provides a detailed overview, reflecting the unique market dynamics in the region influenced by economic policies, industrial growth, and trade frameworks.

This comprehensive review can be extended to include specific countries within the region.

Report Coverage

Key Benefits for Stakeholders:

• IMARC’s report presents a detailed analysis of methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) pricing, covering global and regional trends, spot prices at key ports, and a breakdown of Ex Works, FOB, and CIF prices.
• The study examines factors affecting methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) price trend, including raw material costs, supply-demand shifts, geopolitical impacts, and industry developments, offering insights for informed decision-making.
• The competitive landscape review equips stakeholders with crucial insights into the latest market news, regulatory changes, and technological advancements, ensuring a well-rounded, strategic overview for forecasting and planning.
• IMARC offers various subscription options, including monthly, quarterly, and biannual updates, allowing clients to stay informed with the latest market trends, ongoing developments, and comprehensive market insights, ensuring they remain at the forefront of the methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) industry.