News Release: April 28, 2025
Press Release: HFO-1234ze (Trans-1,3,3,3-Tetrafluoroprop-1-ene) Price, Production, Latest News and Developments in 2025
In 2025, the market for HFO-1234ze (Trans-1,3,3,3-Tetrafluoroprop-1-ene) continues to evolve with significant developments across price trends, production, and trade dynamics. This press release provides an in-depth look into the pricing trends, production advancements, and global business landscape for HFO-1234ze, alongside its projected outlook for the coming years. For more detailed insights, refer to the HFO-1234ze price trend and production news.
HFO-1234ze Price Trend in the Past Five Years and Factors Impacting Price Movements
The price of HFO-1234ze (Trans-1,3,3,3-Tetrafluoroprop-1-ene) has experienced considerable fluctuations over the past five years, reflecting the various economic, regulatory, and supply-demand dynamics in the global market. In 2020, the average price of HFO-1234ze stood at approximately $15,000 per metric ton, driven largely by its growing demand in applications like refrigeration, air conditioning, and foam blowing. By 2021, a slight dip in prices was observed, reaching around $14,500 per metric ton, influenced by supply chain disruptions and price corrections.
However, in 2022, the price of HFO-1234ze saw a notable recovery, rising to approximately $16,500 per metric ton. This increase was largely attributed to tighter environmental regulations and the phasing out of older refrigerants, creating a surge in demand for more eco-friendly alternatives like HFO-1234ze. Additionally, the rising global focus on climate change and the adoption of low Global Warming Potential (GWP) refrigerants has significantly impacted the price trends of HFO-1234ze. By the end of 2023, prices stabilized at around $16,200 per metric ton, with slight seasonal variations due to raw material costs and fluctuations in transportation expenses.
In 2024, the price of HFO-1234ze slightly decreased to $15,800 per metric ton as the production of HFO-1234ze ramped up, especially from regions such as the United States and China, where manufacturers have increased capacity. This move helped meet the growing demand from the HVACR (heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration) industry. Currently, in 2025, the average price of HFO-1234ze stands at approximately $16,000 per metric ton, driven by strong demand in both developed and emerging markets.
Factors Impacting Price Movements:
- Regulatory Influences: The increasing imposition of strict environmental regulations, including the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol, which focuses on phasing down high-GWP refrigerants, has driven the demand for low-GWP products like HFO-1234ze.
- Supply Chain Disruptions: Issues like logistical challenges, fluctuations in the availability of raw materials, and the global semiconductor shortage have contributed to periodic price fluctuations.
- Geopolitical Factors: Trade policies and tariffs, especially between major markets such as the U.S., China, and the EU, have had direct impacts on HFO-1234ze pricing.
- Technological Advancements: The increasing efficiency of HFO-1234ze production processes, particularly in China, has led to a reduction in manufacturing costs, further influencing price trends.
HFO-1234ze Price Trend Quarterly Update in $/MT
As the market for HFO-1234ze stabilizes in 2025, quarterly price updates reflect both seasonal trends and shifts in market demand. The projected prices for HFO-1234ze for the next four quarters are as follows:
- Q2 2025: $16,000/MT
- Q3 2025: $15,800/MT
- Q4 2025: $16,200/MT
- Q1 2026: $16,500/MT
These quarterly variations are influenced by multiple factors, including the cyclic nature of the HVACR industry, increased demand during peak cooling seasons, and shifts in global supply and demand for refrigerants.
Global HFO-1234ze Import-Export Business Overview
The global HFO-1234ze import-export business has witnessed considerable growth in the past few years, spurred by the rising demand for eco-friendly refrigerants and foaming agents. As of 2025, HFO-1234ze is predominantly produced in North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific (APAC) regions, with China and the U.S. being the largest producers and exporters.
Export Trends:
- United States: The U.S. has emerged as a key player in the global export market for HFO-1234ze, supplying significant volumes to Latin America, the Middle East, and Europe. With robust manufacturing capacity and a favorable regulatory environment, the U.S. is expected to maintain its position as a leading exporter.
- China: China is also a major exporter of HFO-1234ze, with several domestic manufacturers increasing production capacity to meet both domestic and international demand. Exports from China primarily target the ASEAN region, Europe, and Africa.
Import Trends:
- Europe: Europe remains a key import market for HFO-1234ze due to its stringent environmental regulations and strong demand from the HVACR sector. Countries like Germany, France, and the U.K. are leading importers of HFO-1234ze, particularly from the U.S. and China.
- Latin America: In Latin America, Brazil and Mexico have been witnessing increasing imports of HFO-1234ze as industries transition toward more environmentally friendly alternatives. These countries are expected to see higher demand for HFO-1234ze in refrigeration and air conditioning applications.
Trade Dynamics:
The global HFO-1234ze market is influenced by changing trade dynamics, such as evolving international regulations and fluctuating tariffs on refrigerants. The U.S. and European markets remain crucial for both production and consumption, while APAC continues to expand in both manufacturing and consumption. The steady growth in emerging economies, particularly in Asia and Latin America, is expected to drive the demand for HFO-1234ze over the next few years.
With increasing production capacities and technological advancements, the HFO-1234ze market is expected to remain competitive, with suppliers seeking to establish a strong foothold in key regions.
For more insights and updates on the HFO-1234ze market, including price trends, production analysis, and import-export business overview, refer to the full report at HFO-1234ze price trend and production news.
HFO-1234ze (Trans-1,3,3,3-Tetrafluoroprop-1-ene) Production Trends by Geography
The production of HFO-1234ze (Trans-1,3,3,3-Tetrafluoroprop-1-ene) has been significantly influenced by regional regulatory standards, technological advancements, and increasing market demand for environmentally friendly refrigerants. In 2025, key production hubs have evolved in specific geographies, such as North America, Europe, and the Asia-Pacific region, driven by the demand for low-global warming potential (GWP) refrigerants in a variety of industrial and commercial applications.
North America
North America remains a dominant player in the production of HFO-1234ze. The United States, with its leading chemical manufacturing companies, is home to several large-scale production facilities focused on the manufacturing of environmentally safe refrigerants. The region’s production has been boosted by stringent environmental policies such as the Kigali Amendment, which mandates the reduction of high-GWP substances and promotes the use of alternatives like HFO-1234ze. With significant investments in R&D and the adoption of advanced production technologies, U.S. manufacturers have maintained a strong competitive edge in producing HFO-1234ze, supplying both domestic and international markets.
In addition to the domestic demand for refrigeration and air conditioning applications, U.S. producers also export HFO-1234ze to Latin America, Europe, and other parts of Asia. Key manufacturers in the region have worked to optimize production techniques, lowering costs and increasing production output. The rising use of HFO-1234ze in automotive, refrigeration, and commercial HVAC systems ensures consistent demand for production in the region.
Europe
Europe has also witnessed considerable growth in HFO-1234ze production, primarily driven by its stringent environmental regulations aimed at reducing the carbon footprint of the refrigerants used in the region. As part of the EU’s ongoing efforts to phase out high-GWP substances under the F-gas regulation, HFO-1234ze has become a preferred solution in various cooling applications, especially in automotive air conditioning and refrigeration.
Several European countries, including Germany, France, and the Netherlands, host key production plants for HFO-1234ze. These nations benefit from advanced chemical engineering expertise and significant investments in sustainable production processes. Additionally, Europe’s well-established infrastructure and its focus on sustainability drive the adoption of HFO-1234ze across diverse sectors, further boosting its production in the region.
The demand in Europe is primarily driven by the automotive and commercial refrigeration industries, where HFO-1234ze has replaced older refrigerants such as HFC-134a. Manufacturers in Europe have capitalized on these opportunities by ramping up production to meet both regional and export demands.
Asia-Pacific
The Asia-Pacific region, led by China and Japan, is one of the fastest-growing areas in terms of HFO-1234ze production. China, in particular, has made significant strides in the production of low-GWP refrigerants, with substantial investments being made in the chemical and manufacturing sectors. As a result, China has become a major producer and exporter of HFO-1234ze, not only catering to domestic needs but also exporting to regions like Southeast Asia, Europe, and Latin America.
Japan, while a smaller player compared to China, has also invested heavily in the production of HFO-1234ze due to its commitment to reducing carbon emissions and improving energy efficiency. Japanese manufacturers supply both domestic markets and international buyers, focusing heavily on innovation and technology-driven production methods.
In the broader Asia-Pacific region, demand for HFO-1234ze is growing rapidly in industries such as air conditioning, refrigeration, and automotive. The shift toward more environmentally friendly refrigerants in countries like India, South Korea, and Australia further bolsters production capacity in the region.
Latin America
In Latin America, countries such as Brazil and Mexico are emerging as important players in the demand for HFO-1234ze production. The growing adoption of HFO-1234ze is driven by the automotive and refrigeration sectors, where regulatory requirements and environmental awareness are beginning to push the transition toward greener alternatives.
While local production is still in its early stages, demand for imported HFO-1234ze has surged, prompting some regional manufacturers to scale up their production capabilities to meet this growing need. As the region continues to urbanize and modernize its infrastructure, it is expected that HFO-1234ze production in Latin America will expand to cater to these needs.
Middle East & Africa
The Middle East and Africa represent a small but growing market for HFO-1234ze, with increasing interest from the HVACR and refrigeration industries. While the region does not have the same production capabilities as other areas, it is becoming an important market for imported HFO-1234ze. With rising concerns about environmental sustainability and the need to reduce emissions, demand for HFO-1234ze is expected to grow, leading to greater investment in production facilities in the future.
HFO-1234ze (Trans-1,3,3,3-Tetrafluoroprop-1-ene) Market Segmentation
HFO-1234ze serves a broad range of industries and applications, creating multiple market segments that continue to evolve. The key market segments for HFO-1234ze are as follows:
- Refrigeration and HVACR
- Segment Overview: Refrigeration and HVACR are the largest application sectors for HFO-1234ze. The transition from high-GWP refrigerants to eco-friendly alternatives has been a significant driving force for the adoption of HFO-1234ze.
- Growth Drivers: Increasing environmental regulations, especially in Europe and North America, have mandated the reduction of HFC refrigerants. HFO-1234ze, with its low GWP, offers an effective solution for this transition. Furthermore, the growing demand for energy-efficient refrigeration systems in commercial and industrial applications fuels its usage.
- Key Applications: Commercial refrigeration, residential air conditioning, and automotive air conditioning systems are the primary users of HFO-1234ze in this segment.
- Automotive Air Conditioning
- Segment Overview: The automotive sector is a significant user of HFO-1234ze, primarily due to regulatory pressures to reduce the environmental impact of automotive air conditioning systems.
- Growth Drivers: Environmental policies such as the European Union’s F-gas regulation, which limits the use of refrigerants with high GWPs in vehicles, have accelerated the shift toward HFO-1234ze. Additionally, the automotive industry’s growing focus on sustainability and reducing the carbon footprint has further bolstered demand.
- Key Applications: HFO-1234ze is primarily used in vehicle air conditioning systems, replacing older refrigerants like HFC-134a.
- Foam Blowing Agents
- Segment Overview: HFO-1234ze is also widely used as a blowing agent in the production of rigid and flexible foams. This segment has been growing due to the increased use of low-GWP alternatives in foam applications.
- Growth Drivers: As industries move away from high-GWP blowing agents like HFC-134a, HFO-1234ze offers an effective alternative, particularly in insulation materials and consumer goods.
- Key Applications: Rigid insulation foams in construction, refrigerators, and packaging materials.
- Other Industrial Applications
- Segment Overview: This includes the use of HFO-1234ze in various niche applications, including aerosol propellants and solvent use.
- Growth Drivers: While the segment remains relatively small compared to refrigeration and HVACR, the adoption of HFO-1234ze in industrial applications is expected to increase as more industries look for sustainable alternatives to conventional solvents and propellants.
- Key Applications: Aerosol products, cleaning agents, and certain chemical processes.
- Geographical Segmentation
- North America: The U.S. is the largest consumer of HFO-1234ze in refrigeration and automotive applications, with high regulatory standards pushing for greater adoption of low-GWP refrigerants.
- Europe: The European market is driven by stringent environmental regulations that mandate the use of eco-friendly refrigerants in both HVACR and automotive applications.
- Asia-Pacific: China, Japan, and India are major consumers and producers of HFO-1234ze, particularly in the automotive and refrigeration sectors, as the region’s regulatory standards for refrigerants tighten.
- Rest of the World: Latin America and the Middle East are emerging markets where demand for HFO-1234ze is rising, primarily due to the growth in refrigeration and HVAC applications.
As the demand for low-GWP refrigerants like HFO-1234ze continues to grow, these market segments are expected to expand, with increasing production capacities and innovation in manufacturing processes. The overall market for HFO-1234ze is poised for significant growth as industries around the world continue their shift toward sustainable alternatives.