Global 1,4-Butanediol (BDO) Market
Industry Status, Competitive Landscape & Long-Term Outlook (2026–2036)
Market Overview
1,4-Butanediol (BDO) is a core industrial chemical and a strategic building block in the global chemicals value chain. Chemically defined as HO–(CH₂)₄–OH, it is a colorless, viscous liquid with excellent reactivity, making it indispensable for the production of engineering plastics, polyurethanes, solvents, and specialty chemicals.
BDO serves as a critical precursor for tetrahydrofuran (THF), polytetramethylene ether glycol (PTMEG), gamma-butyrolactone (GBL), and polybutylene terephthalate (PBT). Demand trends are therefore closely linked to downstream industries such as textiles (spandex), automotive, electronics, construction, footwear, and consumer goods.
Asia-Pacific dominates both production and consumption due to its large manufacturing base, vertically integrated chemical complexes, and rapid industrialization, with China and India acting as primary demand engines. While the market is mature in North America and Europe, these regions remain critical for high-value derivatives, specialty grades, and bio-based BDO development.
The global 1,4-Butanediol market was valued at xx million USD in 2017 and is projected to reach xx million USD by 2025, growing at xx% CAGR during 2018–2025. Over 2026–2036, the market is expected to expand steadily, driven by PTMEG/spandex growth, polyurethane demand, and sustainable chemical pathways.
Market Segmentation
By Production Route
-
Reppe process (acetylene-based)
-
Davy process
-
Butane-based process
-
Bio-based fermentation route
-
Hybrid and integrated processes
By Derivative / Application
-
Tetrahydrofuran (THF)
-
Polytetramethylene ether glycol (PTMEG)
-
Gamma-butyrolactone (GBL)
-
Polybutylene terephthalate (PBT)
-
Polyurethanes (PU)
-
Solvents & specialty chemicals
By End-Use Industry
-
Textiles & spandex
-
Automotive & transportation
-
Electrical & electronics
-
Construction & infrastructure
-
Footwear
-
Consumer & industrial goods
By Grade
-
Industrial grade
-
High-purity / specialty grade
-
Bio-based BDO
Key Market Players
The BDO market is moderately to highly consolidated, with global chemical majors and large Asian producers dominating through scale, technology ownership, and backward integration.
Key players include:
-
BASF
-
DSM
-
Mitsubishi Chemical
-
Dairen Chemical
-
Shanxi Sanwei Group
-
LyondellBasell
-
Ashland
-
Yantai Wanhua
-
Shenma Group
-
Markor Chemical
-
BioAmber (bio-route focus)
Regional Analysis
Asia-Pacific
-
Largest and fastest-growing region
-
China leads global BDO capacity and downstream integration
-
Strong demand from PTMEG, spandex, and PU industries
-
Increasing investments in bio-based BDO
North America
-
Stable demand from engineering plastics and PU
-
Focus on high-value derivatives and sustainable chemistry
-
Limited capacity expansion but strong technology base
Europe
-
Demand driven by automotive, electronics, and specialty polymers
-
Strong regulatory push for bio-based and low-carbon chemicals
Central & South America
-
Moderate growth
-
Demand linked to footwear, automotive, and consumer goods
Middle East & Africa
-
Emerging demand
-
Consumption driven by imported downstream products
Porter’s Five Forces Analysis
-
Threat of New Entrants – Low
High capital costs, process complexity, and licensing requirements create strong entry barriers. -
Bargaining Power of Suppliers – Moderate
Feedstock prices (butane, acetylene, sugars for bio-routes) influence margins. -
Bargaining Power of Buyers – High
Large polymer and fiber producers negotiate aggressively on price and contracts. -
Threat of Substitutes – Low to Moderate
Alternative diols exist but lack BDO’s versatility and integration benefits. -
Competitive Rivalry – High
Competition driven by capacity scale, cost leadership, and downstream integration.
SWOT Analysis
Strengths
-
Essential platform chemical
-
Broad downstream application base
-
Strong integration with high-growth markets (spandex, PU)
Weaknesses
-
Capital-intensive production
-
Exposure to feedstock price volatility
Opportunities
-
Expansion of PTMEG and spandex markets
-
Growth of bio-based BDO
-
Rising demand for engineering plastics (PBT)
Threats
-
Overcapacity risks in China
-
Environmental and regulatory pressures
-
Cyclicality of downstream industries
Market Trends
-
Increasing vertical integration from BDO to PTMEG and spandex
-
Shift toward bio-based and low-carbon BDO
-
Capacity expansion concentrated in Asia-Pacific
-
Rising importance of high-purity grades
-
Integration with TPU and specialty polymer value chains
Drivers & Challenges
Key Drivers
-
Growth in spandex and performance textiles
-
Expanding polyurethane applications
-
Rising demand for lightweight engineering plastics
Key Challenges
-
Environmental compliance costs
-
Supply-demand imbalances
-
Technology licensing constraints
Value Chain Analysis
-
Feedstock sourcing (butane, acetylene, biomass sugars)
-
BDO synthesis
-
Derivative production (THF, PTMEG, GBL, PBT)
-
Polymer and fiber manufacturing
-
Distribution & logistics
-
End-use industrial and consumer applications
Highest value addition occurs at derivative integration (PTMEG, spandex, PBT) rather than merchant BDO sales.
Strategic Recommendations for Stakeholders
Manufacturers
-
Strengthen vertical integration into PTMEG and PU
-
Invest in bio-based and low-carbon BDO routes
-
Optimize capacity utilization to manage cyclicality
Downstream Producers
-
Secure long-term BDO supply contracts
-
Diversify sourcing across regions
Investors
-
Focus on integrated producers with PTMEG/spandex exposure
-
Monitor bio-BDO commercialization timelines
Policy Makers & Industry Bodies
-
Support sustainable chemical manufacturing
-
Encourage adoption of bio-based intermediates
Table of Contents
Global 1, 4-Butanediol Market Professional Survey Report
1 Industry Overview of 1, 4-Butanediol
1.1 Definition and Specifications of 1, 4-Butanediol
1.1.1 Definition of 1, 4-Butanediol
1.1.2 Specifications of 1, 4-Butanediol
1.2 Classification of 1, 4-Butanediol
1.2.1 Industrial Cleaners
1.2.2 Glue Removers
1.3 Applications of 1, 4-Butanediol
1.3.1 Polybutylene Terephthalate
1.3.2 Polyurethane
1.3.3 Tetrahydrofuran
1.3.4 Gamma Butyrolactone
1.4 Market Segment by Regions
1.4.1 North America
1.4.2 Europe
1.4.3 China
1.4.4 Japan
1.4.5 Southeast Asia
1.4.6 India
2 Manufacturing Cost Structure Analysis of 1, 4-Butanediol
2.1 Raw Material and Suppliers
2.2 Manufacturing Cost Structure Analysis of 1, 4-Butanediol
2.3 Manufacturing Process Analysis of 1, 4-Butanediol
2.4 Industry Chain Structure of 1, 4-Butanediol
3 Technical Data and Manufacturing Plants Analysis of 1, 4-Butanediol
3.1 Capacity and Commercial Production Date of Global 1, 4-Butanediol Major Manufacturers in
3.2 Manufacturing Plants Distribution of Global 1, 4-Butanediol Major Manufacturers in
3.3 R&D Status and Technology Source of Global 1, 4-Butanediol Major Manufacturers in
3.4 Raw Materials Sources Analysis of Global 1, 4-Butanediol Major Manufacturers in
4 Global 1, 4-Butanediol Overall Market Overview
4.1 -E Overall Market Analysis
4.2 Capacity Analysis
4.2.1 -E Global 1, 4-Butanediol Capacity and Growth Rate Analysis
4.2.2 1, 4-Butanediol Capacity Analysis (Company Segment)
4.3 Sales Analysis
4.3.1 -E Global 1, 4-Butanediol Sales and Growth Rate Analysis
4.3.2 1, 4-Butanediol Sales Analysis (Company Segment)
4.4 Sales Price Analysis
4.4.1 -E Global 1, 4-Butanediol Sales Price
4.4.2 1, 4-Butanediol Sales Price Analysis (Company Segment)
5 1, 4-Butanediol Regional Market Analysis
5.1 North America 1, 4-Butanediol Market Analysis
5.1.1 North America 1, 4-Butanediol Market Overview
5.1.2 North America -E 1, 4-Butanediol Local Supply, Import, Export, Local Consumption Analysis
5.1.3 North America -E 1, 4-Butanediol Sales Price Analysis
5.1.4 North America 1, 4-Butanediol Market Share Analysis
5.2 Europe 1, 4-Butanediol Market Analysis
5.2.1 Europe 1, 4-Butanediol Market Overview
5.2.2 Europe -E 1, 4-Butanediol Local Supply, Import, Export, Local Consumption Analysis
5.2.3 Europe -E 1, 4-Butanediol Sales Price Analysis
5.2.4 Europe 1, 4-Butanediol Market Share Analysis
5.3 China 1, 4-Butanediol Market Analysis
5.3.1 China 1, 4-Butanediol Market Overview
5.3.2 China -E 1, 4-Butanediol Local Supply, Import, Export, Local Consumption Analysis
5.3.3 China -E 1, 4-Butanediol Sales Price Analysis
5.3.4 China 1, 4-Butanediol Market Share Analysis
5.4 Japan 1, 4-Butanediol Market Analysis
5.4.1 Japan 1, 4-Butanediol Market Overview
5.4.2 Japan -E 1, 4-Butanediol Local Supply, Import, Export, Local Consumption Analysis
5.4.3 Japan -E 1, 4-Butanediol Sales Price Analysis
5.4.4 Japan 1, 4-Butanediol Market Share Analysis
5.5 Southeast Asia 1, 4-Butanediol Market Analysis
5.5.1 Southeast Asia 1, 4-Butanediol Market Overview
5.5.2 Southeast Asia -E 1, 4-Butanediol Local Supply, Import, Export, Local Consumption Analysis
5.5.3 Southeast Asia -E 1, 4-Butanediol Sales Price Analysis
5.5.4 Southeast Asia 1, 4-Butanediol Market Share Analysis
5.6 India 1, 4-Butanediol Market Analysis
5.6.1 India 1, 4-Butanediol Market Overview
5.6.2 India -E 1, 4-Butanediol Local Supply, Import, Export, Local Consumption Analysis
5.6.3 India -E 1, 4-Butanediol Sales Price Analysis
5.6.4 India 1, 4-Butanediol Market Share Analysis
6 Global -E 1, 4-Butanediol Segment Market Analysis (by Type)
6.1 Global -E 1, 4-Butanediol Sales by Type
6.2 Different Types of 1, 4-Butanediol Product Interview Price Analysis
6.3 Different Types of 1, 4-Butanediol Product Driving Factors Analysis
6.3.1 Industrial Cleaners Growth Driving Factor Analysis
6.3.2 Glue Removers Growth Driving Factor Analysis
7 Global -E 1, 4-Butanediol Segment Market Analysis (by Application)
7.1 Global -E 1, 4-Butanediol Consumption by Application
7.2 Different Application of 1, 4-Butanediol Product Interview Price Analysis
7.3 Different Application of 1, 4-Butanediol Product Driving Factors Analysis
7.3.1 Polybutylene Terephthalate of 1, 4-Butanediol Growth Driving Factor Analysis
7.3.2 Polyurethane of 1, 4-Butanediol Growth Driving Factor Analysis
7.3.3 Tetrahydrofuran of 1, 4-Butanediol Growth Driving Factor Analysis
7.3.4 Gamma Butyrolactone of 1, 4-Butanediol Growth Driving Factor Analysis
8 Major Manufacturers Analysis of 1, 4-Butanediol
8.1 Basf
8.1.1 Company Profile
8.1.2 Product Picture and Specifications
8.1.2.1 Product A
8.1.2.2 Product B
8.1.3 Basf 1, 4-Butanediol Sales, Ex-factory Price, Revenue, Gross Margin Analysis
8.1.4 Basf 1, 4-Butanediol Business Region Distribution Analysis
8.2 Myriant
8.2.1 Company Profile
8.2.2 Product Picture and Specifications
8.2.2.1 Product A
8.2.2.2 Product B
8.2.3 Myriant 1, 4-Butanediol Sales, Ex-factory Price, Revenue, Gross Margin Analysis
8.2.4 Myriant 1, 4-Butanediol Business Region Distribution Analysis
8.3 Dsm
8.3.1 Company Profile
8.3.2 Product Picture and Specifications
8.3.2.1 Product A
8.3.2.2 Product B
8.3.3 Dsm 1, 4-Butanediol Sales, Ex-factory Price, Revenue, Gross Margin Analysis
8.3.4 Dsm 1, 4-Butanediol Business Region Distribution Analysis
8.4 Mitsubishi Chemicals
8.4.1 Company Profile
8.4.2 Product Picture and Specifications
8.4.2.1 Product A
8.4.2.2 Product B
8.4.3 Mitsubishi Chemicals 1, 4-Butanediol Sales, Ex-factory Price, Revenue, Gross Margin Analysis
8.4.4 Mitsubishi Chemicals 1, 4-Butanediol Business Region Distribution Analysis
8.5 Dairen Chemicals
8.5.1 Company Profile
8.5.2 Product Picture and Specifications
8.5.2.1 Product A
8.5.2.2 Product B
8.5.3 Dairen Chemicals 1, 4-Butanediol Sales, Ex-factory Price, Revenue, Gross Margin Analysis
8.5.4 Dairen Chemicals 1, 4-Butanediol Business Region Distribution Analysis
8.6 Shanxi Sanwei Group
8.6.1 Company Profile
8.6.2 Product Picture and Specifications
8.6.2.1 Product A
8.6.2.2 Product B
8.6.3 Shanxi Sanwei Group 1, 4-Butanediol Sales, Ex-factory Price, Revenue, Gross Margin Analysis
8.6.4 Shanxi Sanwei Group 1, 4-Butanediol Business Region Distribution Analysis
8.7 Lyondell Chemicals
8.7.1 Company Profile
8.7.2 Product Picture and Specifications
8.7.2.1 Product A
8.7.2.2 Product B
8.7.3 Lyondell Chemicals 1, 4-Butanediol Sales, Ex-factory Price, Revenue, Gross Margin Analysis
8.7.4 Lyondell Chemicals 1, 4-Butanediol Business Region Distribution Analysis
9 Development Trend of Analysis of 1, 4-Butanediol Market
9.1 Global 1, 4-Butanediol Market Trend Analysis
9.1.1 Global 1, 4-Butanediol Market Size (Volume and Value) Forecast
9.1.2 Global 1, 4-Butanediol Sales Price Forecast
9.2 1, 4-Butanediol Regional Market Trend
9.2.1 North America 1, 4-Butanediol Consumption Forecast
9.2.2 Europe 1, 4-Butanediol Consumption Forecast
9.2.3 China 1, 4-Butanediol Consumption Forecast
9.2.4 Japan 1, 4-Butanediol Consumption Forecast
9.2.5 Southeast Asia 1, 4-Butanediol Consumption Forecast
9.2.6 India 1, 4-Butanediol Consumption Forecast
9.3 1, 4-Butanediol Market Trend (Product Type)
9.4 1, 4-Butanediol Market Trend (Application)
10 1, 4-Butanediol Marketing Type Analysis
10.1 1, 4-Butanediol Regional Marketing Type Analysis
10.2 1, 4-Butanediol International Trade Type Analysis
10.3 Traders or Distributors with Contact Information of 1, 4-Butanediol by Region
10.4 1, 4-Butanediol Supply Chain Analysis
11 Consumers Analysis of 1, 4-Butanediol
11.1 Consumer 1 Analysis
11.2 Consumer 2 Analysis
11.3 Consumer 3 Analysis
11.4 Consumer 4 Analysis
12 Conclusion of the Global 1, 4-Butanediol Market Professional Survey Report
Methodology
Analyst Introduction
Data Source
List of Tables and Figures
Figure Picture of 1, 4-Butanediol
Table Product Specifications of 1, 4-Butanediol
Table Classification of 1, 4-Butanediol
Figure Global Production Market Share of 1, 4-Butanediol by Type in
Figure Industrial Cleaners Picture
Table Major Manufacturers of Industrial Cleaners
Figure Glue Removers Picture
Table Major Manufacturers of Glue Removers
Table Applications of 1, 4-Butanediol
Figure Global Consumption Volume Market Share of 1, 4-Butanediol by Application in
Figure Polybutylene Terephthalate Examples
Table Major Consumers in Polybutylene Terephthalate
Figure Polyurethane Examples
Table Major Consumers in Polyurethane
Figure Tetrahydrofuran Examples
Table Major Consumers in Tetrahydrofuran
Figure Gamma Butyrolactone Examples
Table Major Consumers in Gamma Butyrolactone
Figure Market Share of 1, 4-Butanediol by Regions
Figure North America 1, 4-Butanediol Market Size (Million USD) (-2025)
Figure Europe 1, 4-Butanediol Market Size (Million USD) (-2025)
Figure China 1, 4-Butanediol Market Size (Million USD) (-2025)
Figure Japan 1, 4-Butanediol Market Size (Million USD) (-2025)
Figure Southeast Asia 1, 4-Butanediol Market Size (Million USD) (-2025)
Figure India 1, 4-Butanediol Market Size (Million USD) (-2025)
Table 1, 4-Butanediol Raw Material and Suppliers
Table Manufacturing Cost Structure Analysis of 1, 4-Butanediol in
Figure Manufacturing Process Analysis of 1, 4-Butanediol
Figure Industry Chain Structure of 1, 4-Butanediol
Table Capacity and Commercial Production Date of Global 1, 4-Butanediol Major Manufacturers in
Table Manufacturing Plants Distribution of Global 1, 4-Butanediol Major Manufacturers in
Table R&D Status and Technology Source of Global 1, 4-Butanediol Major Manufacturers in
Table Raw Materials Sources Analysis of Global 1, 4-Butanediol Major Manufacturers in
Table Global Capacity, Sales , Price, Cost, Sales Revenue (M USD) and Gross Margin of 1, 4-Butanediol -E
Figure Global -E 1, 4-Butanediol Market Size (Volume) and Growth Rate
Figure Global -E 1, 4-Butanediol Market Size (Value) and Growth Rate
Table -E Global 1, 4-Butanediol Capacity and Growth Rate
Table Global 1, 4-Butanediol Capacity (K MT) List (Company Segment)
Table -E Global 1, 4-Butanediol Sales (K MT) and Growth Rate
Table Global 1, 4-Butanediol Sales (K MT) List (Company Segment)
Table -E Global 1, 4-Butanediol Sales Price (USD/MT)
Table Global 1, 4-Butanediol Sales Price (USD/MT) List (Company Segment)
Figure North America Capacity Overview
Table North America Supply, Import, Export and Consumption (K MT) of 1, 4-Butanediol -E
Figure North America -E 1, 4-Butanediol Sales Price (USD/MT)
Figure North America 1, 4-Butanediol Sales Market Share
Figure Europe Capacity Overview
Table Europe Supply, Import, Export and Consumption (K MT) of 1, 4-Butanediol -E
Figure Europe -E 1, 4-Butanediol Sales Price (USD/MT)
Figure Europe 1, 4-Butanediol Sales Market Share
Figure China Capacity Overview
Table China Supply, Import, Export and Consumption (K MT) of 1, 4-Butanediol -E
Figure China -E 1, 4-Butanediol Sales Price (USD/MT)
Figure China 1, 4-Butanediol Sales Market Share
Figure Japan Capacity Overview
Table Japan Supply, Import, Export and Consumption (K MT) of 1, 4-Butanediol -E
Figure Japan -E 1, 4-Butanediol Sales Price (USD/MT)
Figure Japan 1, 4-Butanediol Sales Market Share
Figure Southeast Asia Capacity Overview
Table Southeast Asia Supply, Import, Export and Consumption (K MT) of 1, 4-Butanediol -E
Figure Southeast Asia -E 1, 4-Butanediol Sales Price (USD/MT)
Figure Southeast Asia 1, 4-Butanediol Sales Market Share
Figure India Capacity Overview
Table India Supply, Import, Export and Consumption (K MT) of 1, 4-Butanediol -E
Figure India -E 1, 4-Butanediol Sales Price (USD/MT)
Figure India 1, 4-Butanediol Sales Market Share
Table Global -E 1, 4-Butanediol Sales (K MT) by Type
Table Different Types 1, 4-Butanediol Product Interview Price
Table Global -E 1, 4-Butanediol Sales (K MT) by Application
Table Different Application 1, 4-Butanediol Product Interview Price
Table Basf Information List
Table Product Overview
Table Basf 1, 4-Butanediol Revenue (Million USD), Sales (K MT), Ex-factory Price (USD/MT)
Figure Basf 1, 4-Butanediol Business Region Distribution
Table Myriant Information List
Table Product Overview
Table Myriant 1, 4-Butanediol Revenue (Million USD), Sales (K MT), Ex-factory Price (USD/MT)
Figure Myriant 1, 4-Butanediol Business Region Distribution
Table Dsm Information List
Table Product Overview
Table Dsm 1, 4-Butanediol Revenue (Million USD), Sales (K MT), Ex-factory Price (USD/MT)
Figure Dsm 1, 4-Butanediol Business Region Distribution
Table Mitsubishi Chemicals Information List
Table Product Overview
Table Mitsubishi Chemicals 1, 4-Butanediol Revenue (Million USD), Sales (K MT), Ex-factory Price (USD/MT)
Figure Mitsubishi Chemicals 1, 4-Butanediol Business Region Distribution
Table Dairen Chemicals Information List
Table Product Overview
Table Dairen Chemicals 1, 4-Butanediol Revenue (Million USD), Sales (K MT), Ex-factory Price (USD/MT)
Figure Dairen Chemicals 1, 4-Butanediol Business Region Distribution
Table Shanxi Sanwei Group Information List
Table Product Overview
Table Shanxi Sanwei Group 1, 4-Butanediol Revenue (Million USD), Sales (K MT), Ex-factory Price (USD/MT)
Figure Shanxi Sanwei Group 1, 4-Butanediol Business Region Distribution
Table Lyondell Chemicals Information List
Table Product Overview
Table Lyondell Chemicals 1, 4-Butanediol Revenue (Million USD), Sales (K MT), Ex-factory Price (USD/MT)
Figure Lyondell Chemicals 1, 4-Butanediol Business Region Distribution
Figure Global 1, 4-Butanediol Market Size (K MT) and Growth Rate Forecast
Figure Global 1, 4-Butanediol Market Size (Million USD) and Growth Rate Forecast
Figure Global 1, 4-Butanediol Sales Price (USD/MT) Forecast
Figure North America 1, 4-Butanediol Consumption Volume (K MT) and Growth Rate Forecast
Figure China 1, 4-Butanediol Consumption Volume (K MT) and Growth Rate Forecast
Figure Europe 1, 4-Butanediol Consumption Volume (K MT) and Growth Rate Forecast
Figure Southeast Asia 1, 4-Butanediol Consumption Volume (K MT) and Growth Rate Forecast
Figure Japan 1, 4-Butanediol Consumption Volume (K MT) and Growth Rate Forecast
Figure India 1, 4-Butanediol Consumption Volume (K MT) and Growth Rate Forecast
Table Global Sales Volume (K MT) of 1, 4-Butanediol by Type
Table Global Consumption Volume (K MT) of 1, 4-Butanediol by Application
Table Traders or Distributors with Contact Information of 1, 4-Butanediol by Region
Market Segmentation
By Production Route
-
Reppe process (acetylene-based)
-
Davy process
-
Butane-based process
-
Bio-based fermentation route
-
Hybrid and integrated processes
By Derivative / Application
-
Tetrahydrofuran (THF)
-
Polytetramethylene ether glycol (PTMEG)
-
Gamma-butyrolactone (GBL)
-
Polybutylene terephthalate (PBT)
-
Polyurethanes (PU)
-
Solvents & specialty chemicals
By End-Use Industry
-
Textiles & spandex
-
Automotive & transportation
-
Electrical & electronics
-
Construction & infrastructure
-
Footwear
-
Consumer & industrial goods
By Grade
-
Industrial grade
-
High-purity / specialty grade
-
Bio-based BDO
Key Market Players
The BDO market is moderately to highly consolidated, with global chemical majors and large Asian producers dominating through scale, technology ownership, and backward integration.
Key players include:
-
BASF
-
DSM
-
Mitsubishi Chemical
-
Dairen Chemical
-
Shanxi Sanwei Group
-
LyondellBasell
-
Ashland
-
Yantai Wanhua
-
Shenma Group
-
Markor Chemical
-
BioAmber (bio-route focus)
