Crude oil fell 15.5% in June, lowering raw material costs for paint makers. ICICI Securities expects companies to keep prices unchanged through the festive season to maximize margins, with reductions likely only after Diwali. Savings may fund dealer incentives.
Methyl Ethyl Ketone Price Trend Analysis 2026: Price Drivers, Latest News, Supply Demand Analysis, Market Insights & Historical Prices
Written ByPragati Agarwal
Methyl Ethyl Ketone Price Trend Q2 2026
| Product | Region | Incoterm Basis | Price | Last Updated Month |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Methyl Ethyl Ketone | China | FOB | USD 1,680.92/MT | May 2026 |
| Methyl Ethyl Ketone | USA | CIF | USD 1,800.11/MT | May 2026 |
| Methyl Ethyl Ketone | Germany | FOB | USD 1,893.56/MT | May 2026 |
| Methyl Ethyl Ketone | India | CIF | USD 1,748.26/MT | May 2026 |
| Methyl Ethyl Ketone | Japan | CIF | USD 1,718.67/MT | May 2026 |
| Methyl Ethyl Ketone | China | FOB | USD 1,991.46/MT | April 2026 |
| Methyl Ethyl Ketone | USA | CIF | USD 2,078.46/MT | April 2026 |
| Methyl Ethyl Ketone | Germany | FOB | USD 2,898.00/MT | April 2026 |
| Methyl Ethyl Ketone | India | CIF | USD 2,041.34/MT | April 2026 |
| Methyl Ethyl Ketone | Japan | CIF | USD 2,033.46/MT | April 2026 |
Stay Updated with the Latest Methyl Ethyl Ketone Prices, Historical Data, and Tailored Regional Analysis
Methyl Ethyl Ketone Price Trend Q1 2026
- Global methyl ethyl ketone trends showed a mixed-to-firm pattern in Q1’26, with early softness from ample supply followed by a sharp rebound in March driven by tightening availability and freight uncertainty linked to geopolitical tensions.
- Feedstock conditions remained stable as butanol availability supported production, though energy and shipping disruptions raised cost pressure across regions.
- Downstream demand remained moderate, with gradual recovery from coatings, adhesives, and printing inks supporting consumption later in the quarter.
Asia
Methyl Ethyl Ketone prices in Asia followed a weak-to-strong trajectory in Q1’26, starting with balanced supply and subdued demand, then strengthening sharply in March due to tightening availability and improved buying interest. In India, the prices were ~111.05 INR/kg (CIF) in January and ~125.16 INR/kg (CIF) in March. Last quarter prices were ~2.19% lower than Q1’26 prices, while prices increased by ~12.71% from January to March. Supply remained supported by stable butanol feedstock, while downstream demand from paints, coatings, and printing inks improved gradually. The Iran war and Strait of Hormuz disruption increased freight and tanker costs, raising landed cost pressure and supporting late-quarter recovery.
Europe
Methyl Ethyl Ketone prices in Europe followed an upward trend toward the end of Q1’26 after a relatively stable start, supported by rising logistics and energy costs. Supply remained adequate through most of the quarter, but higher marine fuel, insurance premiums, and freight rates following the Strait of Hormuz closure increased delivered costs. Demand from coatings, automotive refinishing, and industrial solvents remained moderate but stable, allowing cost-side pressure to pass through into market sentiment.
North America
Methyl Ethyl Ketone prices in North America showed a stable-to-firm trend in Q1’26, strengthening toward the quarter close. Domestic production remained steady due to stable feedstock supply, but rising export-linked freight costs and higher insurance rates following the Iran war supported an upward movement. Downstream demand from paints, coatings, and adhesives remained consistent, while global supply chain disruption influenced replacement costs and supported firmer market conditions.
Analyst Insight
According to Procurement Resource, in the near term, Methyl Ethyl Ketone prices are expected to remain firm as freight and energy risks persist, while any improvement in downstream demand may sustain upward momentum.
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Asia
In Q1 2025, the Asian MEK market remained weak, pressured by post-Lunar New Year production ramp-ups, elevated inventories, and subdued demand from paints, coatings, adhesives, and printing inks. In China, inventory accumulation at key terminals and weak real estate activity weighed on spot negotiations, while cautious procurement across India and Southeast Asia limited trading momentum. Ramadan-related slowdowns further reduced regional commercial activity during the late quarter. Although temporary maintenance shutdowns in Northeast Asia marginally tightened prompt supply, soft butanol feedstock costs and muted export demand kept overall market sentiment bearish-to-stable.
Europe
European MEK prices moved within a narrow and largely soft range during Q1 2025 amid weak downstream consumption and persistent inventory pressure. Demand from construction, automotive, and industrial coatings sectors remained subdued across the Eurozone, restricting purchases to immediate requirements. Competitive Asian imports and softer sec-butanol feedstock costs further pressured regional pricing power, while Rotterdam congestion, labor shortages, and stricter environmental compliance checks disrupted logistics and slowed cargo movement. Elevated energy costs and uncertainty surrounding U.S. tariff measures on EU industrial goods additionally weakened manufacturing sentiment and limited recovery across the MEK market.
North America
In North America, MEK prices remained soft during Q1 2025 due to ample import availability, cautious downstream buying, and weak construction-linked demand. Competitive Asian cargoes, supported by declining freight rates and weaker upstream butanol costs, pressured domestic offers and maintained favorable import parity. Consumption from paints, coatings, adhesives, and resins stayed restrained amid elevated mortgage rates and sluggish residential construction activity, while buyers largely followed need-based procurement strategies due to sufficient inventories and uncertain macroeconomic conditions. Stable producer operating rates and muted industrial coatings demand further prevented any significant upward price movement during the quarter.
About Methyl Ethyl Ketone
Methyl Ethyl Ketone or MEK, which is commonly known as butanone, is an organic compound. This ketone is a colourless liquid having strong, sweet odour, which is similar to that of butterscotch and acetone. It is miscible in water and is typically utilised as a commercial solvent.
Methyl Ethyl Ketone Product Detail
Chemical Formula
CH3C(O)CH2CH3 or C4H8O
Cas Number
78-93-3
Molecular Weight
72.107 g/mol
Industrial Uses
Solvents, Absorbent, Adhesive, Paints and Coatings, Lube oil dewaxing, Gums and resins, Chemical intermediates, Plastic welding agent
Synonyms
Butanone, Ethylmethylketone, Butan-2-one, Methylpropanone, Methylacetone
Supplier Database
ExxonMobil Corporation, Royal Dutch Shell Plc, Arkema Group, Sasol Limited, Tasco Chemical Corporation, Solventis
Regional Coverage
Asia Pacific
China, India, Indonesia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Japan, Philippines, Vietnam, Iran, Thailand, South Korea, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, Nepal, Taiwan, Sri Lanka, UAE, Israel, Hongkong, Singapore, Oman, Kuwait, Qatar, Australia, and New Zealand
Europe
Germany, France, United Kingdom, Italy,Spain, Russia, Turkey, Netherlands, Poland, Sweden, Belgium, Austria, Ireland Switzerland, Norway, Denmark, Romania, Finland, Czech Republic, Portugal and Greece
North America
United States and Canada
Latin America
Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Columbia, Chile, Ecuador, and Peru
Africa
South Africa, Nigeria, Egypt, Algeria, Morocco
CurrencyUS$ (Data can also be provided in local currency)
Supplier Database AvailabilityYes
Customization ScopeThe report can be customized as per the requirements of the customer
Post-Sale Analyst Support360-degree analyst support after report delivery
Note: Our supplier search experts can assist your procurement teams in compiling and validating a list of suppliers indicating they have products, services, and capabilities that meet your company's needs.
Methyl Ethyl Ketone Production Process
- Production of Methyl Ethyl Ketone via Dehydrogenation
In order to produce Methyl Ethyl Ketone via dehydrogenation, 2-butanol is utilised as the starting material. The dehydrogenation of 2-butanol is the presence of a catalyst like copper, zinc, or bronze gives Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK) as the result.
About the Author
Pragati Agarwal
Senior Business Insights Analyst
Delivering price trend analysis and procurement market insights at Procurement Resource, with expertise in identifying commodity patterns, supporting purchasing strategies, and improving cost efficiency through actionable market intelligence.
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