Butyl Acetate

A colourless flammable liquid with a fruity odour, butyl acetate is produced by the esterification of acetic acid using butanol in the presence of a catalyst such as sulphuric acid. Its main uses are in paint manufacturing, automobiles, glue in wood coatings, nail care, cosmetics and perfumes, extraction solvent for pharmaceuticals, cleaning fluids and for low-end applications like paint thinner. BAC can be substituted with methyl isobutyl ketone (MIBK).

In recent years, the BAC has seen rising demand for uses as an oxygenated solvent substitute for hazardous air pollutants ( HAP), such as aromatics and ketones. Long term demand may be threatened in Asia, as policies favouring progressive reduction of volatile organic compounds (VOC) into the atmosphere come into force.

BAC is flammable as both a liquid and a vapour. It is harmful if swallowed or inhaled and irritates the eyes, skin and respiratory tract.

ICIS pricing quotes BAC in Europe, Asia-Pacific and the USA.

Frequency:

Published weekly on Fridays.

Butyl Acetate (EUROPE)

Spot prices

    * FD NWE (EUR/MT & conversion to US CTS/LB)

Iso Butyl Acetate spot prices

    * FD NWE (EUR/MT & conversion to US CTS/LB)

Butyl Acetate (ASIA-PACIFIC)

Butyl Acetate spot prices

    * CFR S.E.Asia (USD/MT & conversion to US CTS/LB)

    * CFR China Main Port (USD/MT & conversion to US CTS/LB)

Butyl Acetate (USA)

Contract price

    * Delivered consumer monthly (US CTS/LB & conversion to USD/MT)

Distributor price

    * Delivered, northeast and midwest (US CTS/LB & conversion to USD/MT)

Spot price

    * FOB USG (EXP) (US CTS/LB & conversion to USD/MT)

General Information:

Assessment window: Assessments are based on information supplied by market participants up to the close of business on Fridays at 1800 hours in London, Singapore and Houston.

Specifications: ICIS pricing assesses butyl acetate with a minimum purity of 98%, maximum water content of 0.05% and maximum alcohol content of 0.5%.

Timing: Parcels are delivered 4-6 weeks from date of publication.

Terms: 30-60 days after bill of lading date

Standard cargo size: In Europe, a standard parcel represents a full truck load of 20-25 tonnes. In Asia-Pacific, usual parcel size ranges from 100-500 tonnes. In the US, a full truckload represents 20-25 tonnes, while the standard spot cargo parcel size is 40,000-44,000 lbs per iso-container, or 72-76 drums.

Assessment Basis: In Europe, the FD assessments reflect business done for the current month in the Benelux countries, France and Germany.

In the US, the report tracks feedstock and downstream information related to butyl acetate. Distributor prices are  for delivered material prior to discount. Contract prices are negotiated quarterly. USG exports are mainly sent to Latin America. The report also includes US trade data on butyl acetate.

The report also includes US trade data on butyl acetate.

CFR S.E. Asia and CFR China Main Port(CMP) spot quotes are typically indicative of prices in Asia. Korean domestic prices are also covered as the country has a few large producers supplying BAC into Asia. Price assessments are based on information collected from market players through the week and take into consideration upstream (butanol and acetic acid) prices and supply situation, plant operating rates and downstream derivative demand. 

All regional reports offer market commentary that includes details of traced transactions, news on the supply/demand balance, export/import information, contract price negotiations and general sentiment for price direction. Where applicable there is product information, comments on upstream (butanol and acetic acid) and downstream derivative developments and general market intelligence.

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