Apr China BD Import Volume Grew MoM but Low Exports
Introduction: According to GACC, in April, the butadiene import volume increased MoM, but the export volume decreased MoM. The main trade partners were South Korea, the U.S. and Taiwan of China. In the coming period, the butadiene import volume will probably decline, and the export volume may hardly improve.
In April, the butadiene import volume rallied MoM, which exceeded 40,000mt.
According to GACC, in April 2025, the butadiene import volume gained MoM, and the average import price of butadiene slid MoM. China’s butadiene import volume was 44,690.72mt, up 37.14% MoM and 107.6% YoY. In March, the negotiable deep-sea cargoes were passable, and there were negotiations in Europe, the U.S. and the Middle East. In addition, the tariff policy adjustment in April prompted enterprises to import before the policy took effect, driving up the import volume of butadiene. In April, the average import price of butadiene was RMB 1,339.21/mt, down 4.36% MoM. China’s butadiene price fluctuated frequently, so both buyers and sellers are cautious in their negotiations.
From the perspective of import origins, the butadiene was imported from South Korea, the U.S., Oman, etc. South Korea ranked first. The butadiene that was imported from this country was about 16,828.50mt, up 24.16% MoM and 112.31% YoY, accounting for 38% of the total butadiene imports. Followed by the U.S., importing around 9,523.50mt of butadiene, representing 21% of the total imports.
In April, the butadiene export volume slid MoM.
In April 2025, the export volume of butadiene was 1,956.29mt, down 66.98% MoM and 92.6% YoY. The butadiene export volume remained at a relatively low level. The cumulative export volume from January to April 2025 was roughly 9,862.58mt, down 81.07% YoY.
From the perspective of export destinations, in April, the butadiene was exported to Taiwan of China and Pakistan. Taiwan of China ranked first, with approximately 1,929.29mt of butadiene exported to this region, down 2.99% MoM and 67.6% YoY. Pakistan ranked second. Approximately 27mt of butadiene were exported to Pakistan, accounting for about 1% of the total butadiene imports.
May China butadiene import & export forecast: In May, China’s import volume of butadiene may decrease, and China’s export volume of butadiene may remain low. In terms of imports, affected by the tariff policy in April, China’s commodity market showed a downward trend. The butadiene market price crashed beyond expectations, so there were no import arbitrage opportunities. Negotiations in the butadiene market were limited, denting the butadiene import volume in May. In terms of exports, the downstream demand in South Korea and Taiwan of China is expected to be limited, so China’s export volume of butadiene may hardly improve.
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