Aug 2025 MTBE Market Review via Production Technology
Influenced by production technology, there were differences in MTBE unit operating rates, profits, output, etc.
1 Isomerization MTBE Unit Operation
Profits from isomerization MTBE production in Shandong averaged RMB -272/mt in August 2025, down RMB 109/mt MOM. Prices of high-olefin C4 in Northwest China averaged RMB 5,375/mt, up RMB 66/mt or 1.24% MOM. Prices of high-olefin C4 remained firm in August, backed by the relatively tight supply. Meanwhile, MTBE producers in Shandong gave priority to selling goods, so MTBE prices fluctuated within a narrow range. Profits from MTBE production via isomerization technology remained negative. The average operating rate of isomerization MTBE unit in August 2025 was 43.67%, down 0.65% MOM. Influenced by the decrease in unit operating rate, the MTBE output from isomerization units was 176kt in August 2025, down 0.24% MOM.
2 Dehydrogenation MTBE Unit Operation
Profits from iso-butane dehydrogenation MTBE production in Shandong averaged RMB -600/mt in August 2025, down RMB 43/mt MOM and down RMB 1,122/mt YOY. In August 2025, iso-butane prices in Shandong averaged RMB 5,106/mt, up RMB 46/mt or 0.91% MOM and down 15% YOY. According to SCI’s data, iso-butane prices increased at first and then dropped notably. Meanwhile, MTBE prices in Shandong saw minor fluctuations. Therefore, profits from iso-butane dehydrogenation MTBE production remained negative. The average operating rate of iso-butane dehydrogenation MTBE unit in August 2025 was 85.76%, up 1.11% MOM. However, the MTBE output from iso-butane dehydrogenation units was 599.6kt in August 2025, down 2.13% MOM.
3 PO/MTBE Unit Operation
Profits from PO/MTBE production averaged RMB -299/mt in August 2025, down RMB 36/mt MOM. In August 2025, the MTBE average price in Shandong saw a MOM decline of 0.04%. Meanwhile, propylene prices averaged RMB 6,415/mt, up 0.67% MOM, and the average price of iso-butane rose MOM. Overall, profits from PO/MTBE production further waned in August 2025. The average operating rate of PO/MTBE unit was 60.73% in August 2025, down 3.86% MOM. The MTBE output from PO/MTBE units was 100.8kt in August 2025, down 4.95% MOM.
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