Direct 2-butanol market data showed Chinese sec-butanol pricing strengthening during June. For buyers, the key indicator is not a single headline price, but the difference between benchmarks, grades, suppliers, and timing.

What Happened?

GuideChem reported a domestic 2-butanol benchmark of RMB 11,700/MT on June 24, 2026, and its market analysis said the June 23 benchmark was 5.41% higher than on June 1. ECHEMI separately listed the China domestic 2-butanol price at RMB 11,000/MT on July 1, 2026.

The market was not uniform by grade or supplier. In June, some Shandong 99.5% material was quoted around RMB 10,850–11,500/MT, while other domestic quotations reached RMB 11,700/MT.

Why This Matters for Secondary Butanol

The key message for procurement teams is not simply that SBA moved higher. Product grade, supplier, region, downstream MEK demand, feedstock pressure, and timing can create meaningful differences between an index and an actual purchase offer. The available data also show why a single China reference price can be misleading without enough information on the specification.

What Buyers Should Watch

1   Product-specific benchmarks. Track Secondary Butanol / sec-Butanol / 2-Butanol references rather than a generic “butanol” figure.

2   Grade and supplier differences. A headline benchmark can mask meaningful quotation differences by specification and supplier.

3   Downstream MEK demand. Changes in MEK operating rates and solvent demand can affect purchasing pressure on SBA.

4   Timing and landed economics. Compare the quoted chemical price with freight, lead time, and the exact origin before making a sourcing decision.

GreenChem Takeaway

The late-June move in Chinese SBA pricing is a good reason to refresh product-specific benchmarks, but not a reason to rely on one index. Buyers should compare specification, supplier, origin, shipment timing, and landed cost together.

Planning your next purchase?

Before making a commitment, compare grade, origin, lead times, logistics, and total landed costs. Engage with GreenChem through the inquiry path to discuss your specific supply requirements.