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.
Sasol's share price has fallen 21% over 30 days amid weak chemicals demand in Europe and the US and a $3.8 billion debt burden. Free cash flow improved to $882 million, but the company remains highly sensitive to oil prices and currency volatility.
| Product | Region | Incoterm Basis | Price | Last Updated Month |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Methyl Ethyl Ketone | China | FOB | USD 1,163.81/MT | June 2026 |
| Methyl Ethyl Ketone | USA | CIF | USD 1,318.76/MT | June 2026 |
| Methyl Ethyl Ketone | Germany | FOB | USD 1,285.30/MT | June 2026 |
| Methyl Ethyl Ketone | India | CIF | USD 1,251.81/MT | June 2026 |
| Methyl Ethyl Ketone | Japan | CIF | USD 1,196.66/MT | June 2026 |
| 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 |
Stay Updated with the Latest Methyl Ethyl Ketone Prices, Historical Data, and Tailored Regional Analysis
Asia
In Q2’26, MEK prices in China declined from ~USD 1,991.46/MT in April to ~USD 1,164.00/MT in June. The market initially received support from reduced Japanese and European production, stronger export demand and firm operating conditions at major Chinese producers. A key Chinese producer operated its 260,000-tonnes-per-year MEK unit at full load, supporting regional supply availability. Conditions weakened later as Chinese operating rates increased, C4 feedstock support declined and coatings and adhesive manufacturers purchased only for immediate needs. Downstream demand remained mixed, with electronics manufacturing increasing 17.0%, automobile manufacturing rising 8.3% and new-energy vehicle output growing 17.8% year over year in May. However, broader chemical demand remained weak, limiting recovery in solvent consumption.
Europe
MEK prices in Germany declined to ~USD 2,898.00/MT in April and ~USD 1,285.30/MT in June. European markets received early support from reduced regional production and higher operating costs, but weak industrial demand limited sustained strength. Chemical capacity utilisation remained around 74%, while chemical production had declined 3.2% year over year before Q2, reducing solvent demand from coatings, adhesives, printing inks and consumer-product manufacturing. High energy costs continued pressuring European producers, but lower purchasing activity and increased availability from Asian suppliers pushed prices downward.
North America
MEK prices in the United States declined to ~USD 2,078.46/MT in April and ~USD 1,318.80/MT in the last month of the second quarter of 2026. The market entered Q2 with improved chemical orders and stronger demand indicators from coatings, adhesives and industrial users. However, manufacturing activity remained moderate, with capacity utilisation below historical averages and weaker nondurable goods production limiting solvent demand. Construction-related activity provided some support, while industrial coatings demand remained uneven. Improved supply conditions and cautious purchasing prevented sustained price increases.
Analyst Insight
According to Procurement Resource, MEK prices are expected to remain under pressure as supply remains adequate, while recovery will depend on C4 feedstock movements and improvement in coatings, adhesives and industrial demand.
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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.
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.
CH3C(O)CH2CH3 or C4H8O
Solvents, Absorbent, Adhesive, Paints and Coatings, Lube oil dewaxing, Gums and resins, Chemical intermediates, Plastic welding agent
Butanone, Ethylmethylketone, Butan-2-one, Methylpropanone, Methylacetone
ExxonMobil Corporation, Royal Dutch Shell Plc, Arkema Group, Sasol Limited, Tasco Chemical Corporation, Solventis
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.
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.
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