Butyl Acetate Methodology
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 in Europe and Asia-Pacific, and on Tuesdays in the USA.
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)
- FOB N.E.Asia (USD/MT & conversion to US CTS/LB)
- Domestic ex-works price in east China (CNY/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.
CFR S.E. Asia and FOB N.E.Asia (including FOB China, South Korea and Taiwan) spot quotes are typically indicative of prices in Asia. Domestic prices in China, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia are also covered. Drummed butyl acetate prices are covered where applicable. Price assessments are based on information collected from market players through the week and take into consideration upstream (n-butanol and acetic acid) prices and supply situation, plant operating rates and downstream derivative demand. Domestic prices in yuan in east China are also tracked.
Typical cargo size: ICIS covers deals for bulk parcels of 100-500 tonnes.
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.
17 January 2013