The production of methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) has declined over the past few years. In 2010, it stood at approximately 15.5 million tonnes, but dropped to slightly over 15.3 million tonnes in 2013. The decrease stems from the shift from MTBE to ETBE usage in such developed countries as Japan, the USA and Western European countries. In the meantime, APAC and Eastern Europe ramp up their MTBE capacities.
In 2013, APAC led the market in terms of MTBE production. The region accounted for more than 50% of the overall output, with the Middle East, Africa and Europe lagging behind.
As of 2013, the largest MTBE capacities in APAC belonged to China, South Korea, Taiwan, Malaysia and Singapore, while Russia, the Netherlands, Italy, Germany and Belgium had the largest capacities in Europe.
Country-wise, China was the largest MTBE producer in 2013, with the local output reaching 5.6 million tonnes. Saudi Arabia and the USA were other prominent producers.
MTBE: structure of the global production by country, 2013
In 2013, the global demand for MTBE was just over 15.3 million tonnes, down by 30,000 tonnes from 2012. APAC is the main consumer of MTBE. For instance, the region consumed almost 8.18 million tonnes in 2012 and 8.35 million tonnes in 2013.
Europe is also a prominent consumer; its MTBE consumption amounted to 3.22 million tonnes in 2013.
In the upcoming years, MTBE production is unlikely to improve. In 2018, for instance, it is expected to be just under 15.2 million tonnes. China, the world’s largest producer, is forecast to have a capacity of more than 10 million tonnes by the Q1, 2015.
In 2018, MTBE consumption is forecast to be about 15.2 million tonnes, with APAC remaining the key consumer (appr. 9.22 million tonnes). Europe is expected to consume 2.27 million tonnes of MTBE in the same year.
More information on the MTBE market can be found in the insightful research study “Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether (MTBE): 2014 World Market Outlook and Forecast up to 2018”.