Abstract
Global production and consumption of butylenes in 2007 was approximately 22 million metric tons. Global capacity utilization was 78% in 2007, an increase from 2006. Global butylenes consumption is estimated to have increased by almost 6% in 2007, and is expected to increase by 4.3% per year from 2007 to 2012, declining to 1.6% per year from 2012 to 2017. Average global utilization rates are expected to remain in the upper 70s range, increasing to over 80% in 2012.
Isobutylenes and n-butenes accounted for almost 97% of global butylenes consumption in 2007. Isobutylenes are used mostly for methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) production, as well as iso-octane, C4 gasoline alkylate, and ethyl tert-butyl ether (ETBE). N-butenes are used for propylene, polyethylene, and secondary butyl alcohols. The average annual consumption growth rates for n-butenes will be much higher in the forecast period than those for isobutylenes; this is largely due to the considerable decline of MTBE demand.
