HS Code:
Butadiene (HS Code: 2901.24) is a key industrial chemical used primarily in the production of synthetic rubber, such as styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) and polybutadiene rubber (BR), which are essential for manufacturing tires, footwear, and various industrial products. It is also used in the production of plastics like acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS). Butadiene is typically derived from petroleum refining processes or as a by-product of ethylene production. Due to its critical role in the automotive and manufacturing sectors, global trade in butadiene is influenced by industrial demand, feedstock availability, and regional production capacities.
Total Trade Volume
Approximately 12 million metric tons
Data from 2022
Source
International Trade Centre (ITC) and industry reports
2.5 million metric tons
20.8% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
2.0 million metric tons
16.7% of total trade of total trade
Stable
1.8 million metric tons
15.0% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
1.2 million metric tons
10.0% of total trade of total trade
Stable
1.0 million metric tons
8.3% of total trade of total trade
Decreasing
Average Rate
5.2% ad valorem
Highest Rate
10% (applied by certain developing countries to protect domestic industries)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements like USMCA and EU-Japan EPA)
Rising demand for synthetic rubber in automotive sector
Increased trade volumes in butadiene, particularly in Asia-Pacific due to growing tire manufacturing
2021-2023
Shift towards bio-based butadiene
Emerging technologies for sustainable production are gaining traction, potentially reducing reliance on petroleum-based butadiene
2022-2023
Volatility in crude oil prices
Fluctuations in feedstock costs are affecting butadiene production costs and trade margins
2020-2022
The European Union imposed provisional anti-dumping duties on butadiene imports from certain Asian countries to protect domestic producers from unfairly priced imports.
June 2023
Potential increase in butadiene prices in the EU market and redirection of trade flows to other regions
A major petrochemical company in China inaugurated a new butadiene production plant with a capacity of 200,000 metric tons per year, boosting regional supply.
March 2023
Expected to reduce China's import dependency and influence global trade dynamics
Sanctions imposed by the US and allies on Russian petrochemical exports, including butadiene precursors, have disrupted supply chains.
February 2022
Increased demand for butadiene from alternative suppliers, driving up prices in North America and Europe