US first-half 2009 butac exports decline 21% year over year

12 August 2009 21:45  [Source: ICIS news]

HOUSTON (ICIS news)--US exports of butyl acetate (butac) totalled 26,575 tonnes in the first six months this year, dropping 21% from 33,507 tonnes in the same period of 2008, according to data the US International Trade Commission (ITC) released on Wednesday.

Mexico, India, Brazil and Canada accounted for 18,519 tonnes or 70% of total butac shipments and increased their take slightly over the same period in 2008.

But all other global destinations reduced their butac shipments from the US by 49% in the first half of 2009, according to the ITC data, amid the global economic downturn that has had a huge impact on the housing and auto industries.

Butac is an ingredient in paints and coatings, including automotive paint.

US butac exports in June totalled 7,435 tonnes, up 40% over 5,318 tonnes in June 2008. June exports also jumped 29% over 5,747 tonnes in May this year, according to the ITC.

US Gulf coast export prices for butac ranged from 60-64 cents/lb ($1,323-1,411/tonne, €939-1,002/tonne) over the past month, according to global chemical market intelligence service ICIS pricing.

Major US butac producers include Dow Chemical, Eastman Chemical and Oxea Group.

($1 = €0.71)

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By: Lane Kelley
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