China and India are the leading exporters of 4-tert-Butylcatechol (CAS 98-29-3), collectively accounting for over 60% of global export value in 2023–2024, while the United States, Germany, and South Korea represent the largest importing markets. Import volumes into the U.S. and EU have remained relatively stable since 2022, with modest growth observed in Southeast Asia, coinciding with steady upward pressure on 4-tert-Butylcatechol prices amid tightening supply from key Asian producers.
p-tert-Butylcatechol Market Intelligence Report (April 8, 2026)
I. Recent Price Dynamics (March 30 – April 7, 2026)
| Date | Region/Brand | Specification | Price (CNY/ton) | Price Type |
|------------|----------------------|---------------|------------------|------------|
| 2026-04-02 | Shandong Hongyang Chemical | Domestic 99% | 32,700 | Market Price |
| 2026-04-02 | Shandong Layaa Chemical | Industrial Grade | 29,400 | Ex-Factory Price |
| 2026-04-02 | Shandong Qiangsen Chemical | Purity 99.9% | 30,000 | Ex-Factory Price |
| 2026-03-30 | Suzhou City, Jiangsu Province | Domestic 99% | 31,000 | Ex-Factory Price |
| 2026-03-30 | Zibo City, Shandong Province | Purity 99.9% | 29,500 | Ex-Factory Price |
| 2026-03-30 | Zibo City, Shandong Province | Industrial Grade | 29,400 | Ex-Factory Price |
| 2026-03-30 | Shandong Province | Domestic 99% | 32,700 | Market Price |
II. Price Fluctuation Analysis
1. Regional Price Spread
– Significant intra-provincial price spread in Shandong: Industrial-grade product in Zibo City (CNY 29,400/ton) vs. provincial market price (CNY 32,700/ton), a difference of CNY 3,300/ton—reflecting regional logistics costs and brand premium differentials.
– Ex-factory price in Suzhou City, Jiangsu Province (CNY 31,000/ton) is lower than the Shandong market price, likely attributable to logistical advantages or differences in local competitive dynamics.
2. Specification-Based Price Spread
– The observed higher price for industrial-grade material (CNY 29,400/ton) compared to high-purity product (99.9%, CNY 30,000/ton) is anomalous; this may stem from short-term supply-demand mismatches or inconsistencies in data collection methodology, warranting continued monitoring and verification.
3. Historical Trend
– Prices exhibited a “V-shaped” pattern from December 2025 to March 2026: average price stood at CNY 30,600/ton in December 2025, declined to CNY 30,000/ton in January 2026, rebounded to CNY 30,400/ton in March, and remained elevated into early April.
III. Driving Factor Analysis
1. Cost Side
– Raw material catechol prices are influenced by the petrochemical industry chain; recent crude oil price volatility may eventually transmit downstream, though such impact has not yet manifested directly in current quotations.
2. Supply-Demand Side
– Demand Growth: Steady growth in demand for antioxidants from food and pharmaceutical sectors is driving p-tert-butylcatechol consumption. The global tert-butylhydroquinone (TBHQ) market reached USD 780 million in 2024, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.5%, exerting direct upward pressure on demand for p-tert-butylcatechol.
– Stable Supply: Major domestic suppliers—including Shandong Hongyang and Shandong Layaa Chemical—maintain high capacity utilization rates, with no major maintenance shutdowns or production halts announced recently.
3. Policy Environment
– Stricter environmental regulations may constrain smaller-scale producers, but have not yet significantly disrupted overall market supply in the short term.
IV. Outlook (April–June 2026)
1. Price Forecast
– Short Term (within 1 month): Prices expected to remain range-bound at elevated levels, with projected trading range of CNY 29,000–33,000/ton; regional price spreads may narrow as logistics operations normalize.
– Medium Term (within 3 months): Should downstream demand sustain strength, prices may exceed CNY 33,000/ton; conversely, a decline in raw material costs or increased supply could pull prices back toward CNY 30,000/ton.
2. Key Risks
– Demand Shortfall: Potential export constraints or domestic consumption weakness in food/pharmaceutical sectors could weigh on pricing.
– Raw Material Volatility: Substantial fluctuations in catechol or other key input prices will directly affect cost support levels.
V. Recommendations
1. For Buyers:
– Procure on an as-needed basis in the near term, while capitalizing on intra-provincial industrial-grade price arbitrage opportunities in Shandong;
– Consider entering into floating-price contracts with suppliers over the medium-to-long term to hedge against cost volatility.
2. For Suppliers:
– Optimize logistics networks to reduce regional distribution costs;
– Expand market presence for high-purity products to enhance value-added offerings.
3. For Investors:
– Monitor capacity expansion plans of industry leaders and developments in downstream application diversification;
– Remain vigilant regarding short-term risks arising from raw material price swings and intensifying environmental compliance requirements.
4-tert-Butylcatechol is a white to off-white crystalline solid at room temperature, with a faint phenolic odor and moderate volatility; it has a melting point of approximately 58–60 °C and decomposes before boiling. It is an aromatic organic compound classified as a substituted catechol (1,2-dihydroxybenzene) and functions primarily as a chemical intermediate. Its principal industrial use is as a polymerization inhibitor—especially for vinyl monomers such as styrene, butadiene, and acrylonitrile—where it prevents premature thermal or oxidative polymerization during storage and transport. It is also employed in the synthesis of antioxidants, agrochemical intermediates, and specialty dyes. Typical application areas include polymer manufacturing, petrochemical refining, and the production of high-purity monomers for synthetic rubber and plastics.
antioxidant in polyester resins; polymerization inhibitor in PVC; antioxidant in oil.
white to cream flakes
This chemical is included in Basic Chemicals - Intermediates. See more about what is 4-tert-Butylcatechol and 4-tert-Butylcatechol SDS information.
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