N-butanol market in Russia

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the Russian n-butanol market volume grew from 115.0 thousand tons to 125.1 thousand tons, followed by a decline to 115.5 thousand tons in 2021. Production during this period trended downward, falling from 155.7 thousand tons in 2018 to 132.6 thousand tons in 2021.

Market volume then surged to 138.3 thousand tons in 2022 before dropping to 127.7 thousand tons in 2023 and sharply contracting to 72.6 thousand tons in 2024. This steep decline in 2024 was driven by a 9.6% increase in weighted average prices for lubricants and technical fluids, which raised production costs, coupled with a 3% reduction in diesel fuel output that signaled broader constraints in the oil refining sector supplying key feedstocks.

In 2025, n-butanol production rose to 144.1 thousand tons. The recovery was supported by a ban on gasoline exports, which stabilized domestic feedstock supplies for the chemical industry, and the entry of new players that expanded market capacity.

Production n-butanol in Russia

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

Russia's n-butanol production declined for the third year in a row. In 2021, production stood at 132.6 K t, down 7.5% from 2020. Between 2018 and 2021, production fell by 14.9%, which translates to an average annual decrease of 5.2%.

Annual dynamics of production in Russia in kind, 2018-2021, K t

Exports n-butanol from Russia

Exports in kind, t

Russia's n-butanol exports fell for the third consecutive year. In 2021, exports totaled 17 370 t, an 11.1% drop compared to 2020. From 2018 to 2021, exports decreased by 61.5%, averaging an annual decline of 27.3%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Russia in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, China, the Netherlands, and Poland were the top destinations for Russia's n-butanol exports in volume terms. China accounted for 32.7% of exports, the Netherlands for 14.5%, and Poland for 12.8%. Together, these three countries made up 59.9% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Russia in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, K $ US

The data shows irregular changes, pointing to a volatile market. The highest value was recorded in 2018, while the lowest was in 2020, with a peak-to-trough ratio of 3.2 times. In 2021, Russia exported n-butanol worth 26 489 K $ US, a 128.3% increase from the previous year. The minimum value was 11 603 K $ US in 2020. The largest decline occurred in 2019, at 53.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Russia in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Between 2018 and 2021, China, the Netherlands, and Poland were the main destinations for Russia's n-butanol exports in value terms. China represented 24.5% of exports, the Netherlands 15.7%, and Poland 15.5%. Combined, these three countries accounted for 55.7% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Russia in value, 2018-2021

Imports n-butanol to Russia

Imports in kind, t

The market displayed volatility during the observed period. Imports peaked in 2021 and hit their lowest point in 2020, with a 7.8-fold difference between these years. In 2021, Russia imported 1 075 t of n-butanol, a sharp increase of 677.6% compared to 2020. The minimum volume was 138 t in 2020. The largest decline was also in 2020, at 24.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Russia in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, Belarus and Germany dominated Russia's n-butanol imports in volume terms, together capturing 81.2% of total imports. The remaining flows were distributed across other markets.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Russia in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, K $ US

The market showed an unstable trend over the timeframe. Import values fluctuated, with a 7.5-fold difference between the high in 2021 and the low in 2020. In 2021, Russia's n-butanol imports reached 1 906 K $ US, up 654.9% year-over-year. The minimum value was 252 K $ US in 2020. The largest decline occurred in 2020, at 24.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Russia in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

In the period from 2018 to 2021, Belarus, Germany, and the United States were consistently the main sources for Russia's n-butanol imports in value terms. Belarus accounted for 55.2% of imports, Germany for 24.0%, and the United States for 5.6%. Together, these three countries made up 84.9% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Russia in value, 2018-2021