As the derivative of crude oil and naphtha, Butadiene (BD) is an important raw material for synthetic rubber, ABS and thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). In these years, BD price trends, capacity expansion, industrial development and new applications are more concerned by industrial players.

Global Financial Crisis clouded the whole chemical industry in the second half of 2008, leading to a sharp fall in prices of products along the product chain. Synthetic rubber, synthetic resin and TPE prices depreciated, weighing down on the upstream BD prices. Due to weak demand and lower crude oil prices, BD prices fell to a three-year low. Till the first half of 2009, demand for BD picked up as the government measures including home appliances going to the countryside, automobile promotion and infrastructures construction efficiently enhanced demand for synthetic rubbers and synthetic resins. Besides, operating rates of downstream plants increased, so BD prices enjoyed a recovery in Q1 2009.

However, the ongoing impact of the financial crisis on the market, uncertain downstream demandand expanding BD capacity are affecting the BD industry. What challenges will Chinese BD industry face? Supply shortfall in some regions results in reemergence of imports. What will importers do to find business opportunities and survive the market?

"China Butadiene Industry Chain Study" will give a detailed introduction of Chinese BD supply-demand structure and downstream applications and make specific analysis for rubber, TPE and synthetic resin market status and development to enable market players to have a clear picture of the BD industry and downstream trend.

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