Feb 8, 2026
IndexBox has just published a new report: United Kingdom – Propan-1-Ol (Propyl Alcohol) And Propan-2-Ol (Isopropyl Alcohol) – Market Analysis, Forecast, Size, Trends And Insights.
The UK propyl and isopropyl alcohol market experienced a sharp decline in consumption volume to 3.3K tons in 2024, though market value rose to $44M. Driven by rising demand, the market is forecast for a decade-long recovery, with volume projected to reach 4K tons (CAGR +1.7%) and value $62M (CAGR +3.2%) by 2035. Domestic production remained stable at 4.8K tons, while imports collapsed by 87% to 2.6K tons, accompanied by an 887% surge in average import price to $16,578/ton, led by high-value supplies from South Africa. Exports grew 26% to 4K tons, with France, Ireland, and the Netherlands being key value destinations.
Key Findings
UK market volume forecast for a slow recovery, projected to grow at a +1.7% CAGR to 4K tons by 2035Market value is expected to increase more robustly at a +3.2% CAGR, reaching $62M by 20352024 saw a drastic -84.4% drop in consumption volume, but a 15% rise in market value to $44MImport volume plummeted -87% while the average import price skyrocketed 887% to $16,578 per tonExports increased by 26% in volume, with France being the highest-value destination at $11,613 per tonMarket Forecast
Driven by rising demand for propyl and isopropyl alcohol in the UK, the market is expected to start an upward consumption trend over the next decade. The performance of the market is forecast to increase slightly, with an anticipated CAGR of +1.7% for the period from 2024 to 2035, which is projected to bring the market volume to 4K tons by the end of 2035.
In value terms, the market is forecast to increase with an anticipated CAGR of +3.2% for the period from 2024 to 2035, which is projected to bring the market value to $62M (in nominal wholesale prices) by the end of 2035.
ConsumptionUnited Kingdom’s Consumption of Propan-1-Ol (Propyl Alcohol) And Propan-2-Ol (Isopropyl Alcohol)
In 2024, the amount of propan-1-ol (propyl alcohol) and propan-2-ol (isopropyl alcohol) consumed in the UK declined sharply to 3.3K tons, which is down by -84.4% against the previous year’s figure. In general, consumption recorded a deep slump. As a result, consumption attained the peak volume of 37K tons. From 2021 to 2024, the growth of the consumption remained at a lower figure.
The revenue of the propyl and isopropyl alcohol market in the UK skyrocketed to $44M in 2024, jumping by 15% against the previous year. This figure reflects the total revenues of producers and importers (excluding logistics costs, retail marketing costs, and retailers’ margins, which will be included in the final consumer price). Overall, the total consumption indicated a perceptible increase from 2013 to 2024: its value increased at an average annual rate of +2.8% over the last eleven-year period. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2024 figures, consumption decreased by -15.8% against 2020 indices. Propyl and isopropyl alcohol consumption peaked at $52M in 2020; however, from 2021 to 2024, consumption failed to regain momentum.
ProductionUnited Kingdom’s Production of Propan-1-Ol (Propyl Alcohol) And Propan-2-Ol (Isopropyl Alcohol)
In 2024, approx. 4.8K tons of propan-1-ol (propyl alcohol) and propan-2-ol (isopropyl alcohol) were produced in the UK; almost unchanged from the year before. In general, production continues to indicate a prominent expansion. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 when the production volume increased by 246%. Propyl and isopropyl alcohol production peaked at 4.8K tons in 2022; afterwards, it flattened through to 2024.
In value terms, propyl and isopropyl alcohol production stood at $20M in 2024 estimated in export price. Over the period under review, production continues to indicate buoyant growth. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2017 with an increase of 310%. Over the period under review, production reached the maximum level at $20M in 2022; however, from 2023 to 2024, production stood at a somewhat lower figure.
ImportsUnited Kingdom’s Imports of Propan-1-Ol (Propyl Alcohol) And Propan-2-Ol (Isopropyl Alcohol)
Propyl and isopropyl alcohol imports into the UK fell remarkably to 2.6K tons in 2024, with a decrease of -87% compared with 2023 figures. Overall, imports recorded a precipitous slump. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2020 when imports increased by 49%. As a result, imports attained the peak of 38K tons. From 2021 to 2024, the growth of imports remained at a lower figure.
In value terms, propyl and isopropyl alcohol imports skyrocketed to $43M in 2024. In general, imports, however, showed a relatively flat trend pattern. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2020 with an increase of 99% against the previous year. As a result, imports attained the peak of $55M. From 2021 to 2024, the growth of imports remained at a somewhat lower figure.
Imports By Country
Ireland (666 tons), the Netherlands (610 tons) and Germany (587 tons) were the main suppliers of propyl and isopropyl alcohol imports to the UK, together comprising 72% of total imports. The United States, France, South Africa and Belgium lagged somewhat behind, together comprising a further 26%.
From 2013 to 2024, the most notable rate of growth in terms of purchases, amongst the main suppliers, was attained by South Africa (with a CAGR of +29.8%), while imports for the other leaders experienced mixed trend patterns.
In value terms, Germany ($12M), the Netherlands ($9.9M) and the United States ($8.1M) were the largest propyl and isopropyl alcohol suppliers to the UK, together accounting for 72% of total imports. Ireland, South Africa, France and Belgium lagged somewhat behind, together comprising a further 25%.
In terms of the main suppliers, South Africa, with a CAGR of +163.3%, saw the highest growth rate of the value of imports, over the period under review, while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.
Import Prices By Country
The average propyl and isopropyl alcohol import price stood at $16,578 per ton in 2024, increasing by 887% against the previous year. Overall, the import price enjoyed a significant increase. As a result, import price attained the peak level and is likely to continue growth in the immediate term.
Prices varied noticeably by country of origin: amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was South Africa ($51,640 per ton), while the price for Ireland ($8,080 per ton) was amongst the lowest.
From 2013 to 2024, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by South Africa (+102.9%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced more modest paces of growth.
ExportsUnited Kingdom’s Exports of Propan-1-Ol (Propyl Alcohol) And Propan-2-Ol (Isopropyl Alcohol)
In 2024, shipments abroad of propan-1-ol (propyl alcohol) and propan-2-ol (isopropyl alcohol) increased by 26% to 4K tons, rising for the second year in a row after two years of decline. In general, exports recorded a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2016 with an increase of 37%. Over the period under review, the exports hit record highs at 5.4K tons in 2020; however, from 2021 to 2024, the exports failed to regain momentum.
In value terms, propyl and isopropyl alcohol exports surged to $19M in 2024. Overall, exports saw moderate growth. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2020 with an increase of 53% against the previous year. The exports peaked in 2024 and are likely to see steady growth in the immediate term.
Exports By Country
Belgium (727 tons), Ireland (614 tons) and Italy (357 tons) were the main destinations of propyl and isopropyl alcohol exports from the UK, together accounting for 42% of total exports. The Netherlands, France, Germany, Spain, Algeria, Turkey, Latvia, Hong Kong SAR and Bangladesh lagged somewhat behind, together accounting for a further 38%.
From 2013 to 2024, the biggest increases were recorded for Latvia (with a CAGR of +40.3%), while shipments for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.
In value terms, the largest markets for propyl and isopropyl alcohol exported from the UK were France ($2.9M), Ireland ($2.2M) and the Netherlands ($1.9M), with a combined 37% share of total exports. Germany, Italy, Belgium, Spain, Algeria, Bangladesh, Turkey, Hong Kong SAR and Latvia lagged somewhat behind, together comprising a further 38%.
Algeria, with a CAGR of +28.2%, recorded the highest growth rate of the value of exports, among the main countries of destination over the period under review, while shipments for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.
Export Prices By Country
In 2024, the average propyl and isopropyl alcohol export price amounted to $4,650 per ton, reducing by -1.9% against the previous year. In general, the export price, however, enjoyed a mild increase. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2017 when the average export price increased by 43%. Over the period under review, the average export prices reached the maximum at $4,742 per ton in 2023, and then fell in the following year.
Prices varied noticeably by country of destination: amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was France ($11,613 per ton), while the average price for exports to Latvia ($1,395 per ton) was amongst the lowest.
From 2013 to 2024, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to France (+11.0%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.
Source: IndexBox Market Intelligence Platform
This report provides a comprehensive view of the propyl and isopropyl alcohol industry in the United Kingdom, tracking demand, supply, and trade flows across the national value chain. It explains how demand across key channels and end-use segments shapes consumption patterns, while also mapping the role of input availability, production efficiency, and regulatory standards on supply.
Beyond headline metrics, the study benchmarks prices, margins, and trade routes so you can see where value is created and how it moves between domestic suppliers and international partners. The analysis is designed to support strategic planning, market entry, portfolio prioritization, and risk management in the propyl and isopropyl alcohol landscape in the United Kingdom.
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Key findings
Domestic demand is shaped by both household and industrial usage, with trade flows linking local supply to imports and exports.
Pricing dynamics reflect unit values, freight costs, exchange rates, and regulatory shifts that affect sourcing decisions.
Supply depends on input availability and production efficiency, creating a distinct national cost curve.
Market concentration varies by segment, creating different competitive landscapes and entry barriers.
The 2035 outlook highlights where capacity investment and demand growth are most aligned within the country.
Report scope
The report combines market sizing with trade intelligence and price analytics for the United Kingdom. It covers both historical performance and the forward outlook to 2035, allowing you to compare cycles, structural shifts, and policy impacts.
Market size and growth in value and volume terms
Consumption structure by end-use segments
Production capacity, output, and cost dynamics
Trade flows, exporters, importers, and balances
Price benchmarks, unit values, and margin signals
Competitive context and market entry conditions
Product coverageProdcom 20142220 – Propan-1-ol (propyl alcohol) and propan-2-ol (isopropyl alcohol)Country coverageCountry profile and benchmarks
This report provides a consistent view of market size, trade balance, prices, and per-capita indicators for the United Kingdom. The profile highlights demand structure and trade position, enabling benchmarking against regional and global peers.
Methodology
The analysis is built on a multi-source framework that combines official statistics, trade records, company disclosures, and expert validation. Data are standardized, reconciled, and cross-checked to ensure consistency across time series.
International trade data (exports, imports, and mirror statistics)
National production and consumption statistics
Company-level information from financial filings and public releases
Price series and unit value benchmarks
Analyst review, outlier checks, and time-series validation
All data are normalized to a common product definition and mapped to a consistent set of codes. This ensures that comparisons across time are aligned and actionable.
Forecasts to 2035
The forecast horizon extends to 2035 and is based on a structured model that links propyl and isopropyl alcohol demand and supply to macroeconomic indicators, trade patterns, and sector-specific drivers. The model captures both cyclical and structural factors and reflects known policy and technology shifts in the United Kingdom.
Historical baseline: 2012-2025
Forecast horizon: 2026-2035
Scenario-based sensitivity to income growth, substitution, and regulation
Capacity and investment outlook for major producing companies
Each projection is built from national historical patterns and the broader regional context, allowing the report to show where growth is concentrated and where risks are elevated.
Price analysis and trade dynamics
Prices are analyzed in detail, including export and import unit values, regional spreads, and changes in trade costs. The report highlights how seasonality, freight rates, exchange rates, and supply disruptions influence pricing and margins.
Price benchmarks by country and sub-region
Export and import unit value trends
Seasonality and calendar effects in trade flows
Price outlook to 2035 under baseline assumptions
Profiles of market participants
Key producers, exporters, and distributors are profiled with a focus on their operational scale, geographic footprint, product mix, and market positioning. This helps identify competitive pressure points, partnership opportunities, and routes to differentiation.
Business focus and production capabilities
Geographic reach and distribution networks
Cost structure and pricing strategy indicators
Compliance, certification, and sustainability context
How to use this report
Quantify domestic demand and identify the most attractive segments
Evaluate export opportunities and prioritize target destinations
Track price dynamics and protect margins
Benchmark performance against leading competitors
Build evidence-based forecasts for investment decisions
This report is designed for manufacturers, distributors, importers, wholesalers, investors, and advisors who need a clear, data-driven picture of propyl and isopropyl alcohol dynamics in the United Kingdom.
FAQ
What is included in the propyl and isopropyl alcohol market in the United Kingdom?
The market size aggregates consumption and trade data, presented in both value and volume terms.
How are the forecasts to 2035 built?
The projections combine historical trends with macroeconomic indicators, trade dynamics, and sector-specific drivers.
Does the report cover prices and margins?
Yes, it includes export and import unit values, regional spreads, and a pricing outlook to 2035.
Which benchmarks are included?
The report benchmarks market size, trade balance, prices, and per-capita indicators for the United Kingdom.
Can this report support market entry decisions?
Yes, it highlights demand hotspots, trade routes, pricing trends, and competitive context.