The curious case of Butadiene Monomer What lies ahead?

摘要

The advent of shale gas has brought with itself huge volatility into Butadiene (C4) monomer market with prices breaking the shackles of long-lasted resistance and reaching levels as high as US$ 4000/MT. The recent shift in feedstock mix to lighter slate such as Natural Gas Liquids (NGLs) in the US and the Middle East, has resulted in tight supply of C4 worldwide as output yield via this method is relatively low. With more crackers using lighter feedstock slate in the US; does it mean that the prices will escalate? What, is in store for Butadiene buyers?