Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK) prices in the USA marke remained unchanged in mid-February 2026, recording a 0.00% week-on-week movement, even as January closed with a 2.56% month-on-month decline. MEK market stayed balanced amid comfortable inventories and subdued downstream demand, with buyers continuing cautious, need-based procurement.
At the start of January, MEK buyers and sellers tested the market as procurement appetite weakened following the holiday period. As the month progressed, activity softened further, with participants focusing strictly on immediate requirements rather than forward stocking. This cautious approach contributed to the overall monthly price decline.
Downstream demand from coatings and adhesives remained muted. Consumption of MEK in paints, surface coatings, and adhesive formulations showed limited improvement due to slowdown in the end user construction sector. Industrial buyers-maintained routine purchasing volumes, but this baseline demand was insufficient to counter broader softness in construction-linked applications.
The U.S. construction sector continued to face pressure. Builder confidence for newly built single-family homes fell two points to 37 in January, reflecting affordability challenges and weak buyer sentiment. High mortgage rates, elevated home prices, and strict lending conditions reduced housing activity, reducing the demand of MEK in the coatings and solvent demand.
To stimulate sales, approximately 40% of homebuilders reported cutting prices, while sales incentives remained elevated. Rising material costs, higher tariffs, and regulatory expenses further strained the residential construction segment. As a result, MEK demand tied to construction applications remained subdued.
Weekly pricing patterns during January reflected steady erosion, with several sessions recording declines of around 0.8% week-on-week. The broader trend marked an extended 12-week bearish cycle. However, prices stabilized entering February as inventories remained sufficient and sellers resisted further discounting.
On the supply side, MEK import flows into the U.S. Gulf Coast remained balanced. MEK exporters in key Asian countries maintained routine operating rates, and vessel arrivals were orderly. There were no significant supply disruptions reported during the period, supporting overall market stability.
Feedstock dynamics were mixed. Domestic input costs remained broadly stable, limiting upward cost pressure on producers. Meanwhile, rising feedstock prices in some Asian markets posed a potential upside risk to landed import values, though the impact remained contained.
Logistics provided some relief mid-month. Ocean freight rates from Asia to North America declined by 8.41% week-on-week and 28.22% month-on-month, easing landed cost pressure and helping maintain flat pricing in mid-February.
As per the Chemanalyst, near-term momentum remains slightly negative, with directional expectations pointing toward a potential 0.9% downside in February. However, seasonal improvement from spring construction activity could provide support. A sustained recovery in the MEK market will depend on stronger downstream orders, tighter inventories, or firmer upstream cost pressures.
