For the Quarter Ending June 2025
North America
• The MEK Price Index in the U.S. trended sideways-to-slightly higher through Q2 2025, with prices fluctuating within a narrow band as weak downstream paint and coatings demand offset intermittent cost and supply-driven support.
• April prices softened as ample imports from Asia and weak feedstock butanol fundamentals kept markets oversupplied, despite scheduled maintenance at select plants. The slowdown in U.S. residential construction—marked by an 11.4% drop in housing starts—kept consumption restrained even as automotive sales offered modest demand stability.
• May saw pricing stabilize, supported by mid-month sentiment improvements following temporary U.S.–China tariff reductions, which spurred a short-lived uptick in cargo bookings and inquiries. However, demand from decorative and industrial coatings remained muted, and most buyers-maintained spot-based, need-only procurement.
• By June, prices gained slightly as rising butanol and crude oil costs in Asia, driven by Middle East tensions, firmed export offers. Still, elevated mortgage rates, sluggish home completions, and cautious procurement across paints and coatings kept U.S. market sentiment muted, preventing stronger upward momentum despite cost-side pressures.
Why did the price of MEK change in July 2025 in North America?
• In July, the MEK Price Index in the North America stayed stable as balanced inventories and sharply lower Asia–U.S. freight rates offset constrained Asian plant output and weak downstream demand from paints, coatings, and adhesives.
• The MEK Production Cost Trend remained soft, with butanol prices in exporting nations subdued, allowing import offers to remain flexible despite upstream supply disruptions.
• The MEK Price Forecast signals continued stability into August, with steady domestic inventories and limited construction-driven demand expected to keep prices flat despite tightness in Asian-origin supply.
Asia
• The MEK Price Index in the China trended lower across Q2 2025, weighed by ample regional supply, weak feedstock butanol fundamentals, and persistently soft demand from the construction-driven paints and coatings sector.
• April declines were driven by sluggish domestic consumption, rising inventory pressure at terminals like Jiangsu and Dongguan, and faltering real estate activity. Attempts to lift prices failed as traders resorted to discounting, while congestion at Qingdao and subdued overseas orders—particularly during Ramadan—kept export flows weak.
• Prices remained broadly flat through May, as public holidays across Northeast Asia and continued maintenance at select plants tightened supply slightly but failed to spur any meaningful recovery. Weak crude oil benchmarks further pressured feedstock costs, while construction-related demand stayed muted, and export momentum toward India and Europe remained soft.
• By June, sentiment weakened further as operating rates fell modestly and Anhui Zhonghuifa’s large unit shutdown briefly trimmed output, yet overall capacity growth and high inventories sustained downward pressure. Real estate sector weakness, muted overseas buying, and cautious procurement across paints, coatings, and adhesives ensured market activity stayed subdued despite supply-side adjustments.
Why did the price of MEK change in July 2025 in Asia?
• In July, the MEK Price Index in Asia rose as multiple plant shutdowns sharply reduced domestic availability, driving prices upward despite softer feedstock butanol costs and weak construction-related demand.
• The MEK Production Cost Trend remained moderate, with butanol easing slightly after elevated levels in prior months, but supply constraints from offline units and falling inventories outweighed cost relief and bolstered offers.
• The MEK Price Forecast points to further upside into August, as prolonged outages at major facilities, coupled with firm automotive-driven coatings demand, are expected to sustain upward pressure even as construction-linked procurement remains muted.
Europe
• The MEK Price Index in Germany moved within a narrow range through Q2 2025, with persistent downstream weakness in paints, coatings, and adhesives preventing any significant price recovery despite cost-driven pressures.
• April saw mild declines as demand from the Eurozone construction sector remained deeply subdued, with housing, commercial, and civil engineering segments contracting further. Weak buyer sentiment and elevated inventories kept procurement largely confined to short-term volumes, while rising U.S. tariffs on EU imports further weighed on export-oriented industries like automotive.
• Prices steadied in May, supported by firm offers despite muted demand, as Shell’s permanent shutdown of its Pernis MEK unit tightened regional capacity marginally. However, high energy costs, uncompetitive gas prices, and continued congestion at Rotterdam—driven by labor shortages, yard delays, and stricter green compliance checks—kept supply chains inefficient, while downstream offtake stayed sluggish across core end-use sectors.
• By June, quotations inched higher as rising global natural gas prices amid Middle East tensions pressured production costs. Still, subdued demand from paints and coatings, muted export interest, and ongoing port and inland transport challenges capped momentum, leaving sentiment fragile despite cost-side firming.
Why did the price of MEK change in July 2025 in Europe?
• In July, the MEK Price Index in Europe moved lower as subdued demand from paints, coatings, and adhesives, combined with weak feedstock butanol costs and seasonal trading slowdowns, kept sellers under pressure.
• The MEK Production Cost Trend remained soft, with butanol tracking weaker crude benchmarks, while Rotterdam congestion restricted exports, leading to inventory buildup despite steady production rates.
• The MEK Price Forecast signals continued bearish sentiment into August, as eurozone construction weakness, summer holiday-driven slowdowns, and cautious procurement are expected to limit spot activity and keep prices under pressure.
For the Quarter Ending March 2025
North America
Throughout Q1 2025, the Methyl ethyl Ketone (MEK) market in North America displayed a mixed trend. January witnessed price declines due to weak downstream demand, high inventories, and weather-related disruptions in construction, which reduced consumption of coatings and adhesives. Competitive import prices from Asia and minimal feedstock cost support further weakened the market, keeping sentiment bearish.
In February, prices began to recover marginally as cold weather abated and new construction inquiries improved slightly. While overall demand remained subdued, lower freight costs and gradually depleting inventories supported a moderate price uptick. High interest rates and supply chain constraints continued to challenge broader procurement sentiment.
March saw further improvement in MEK pricing, bolstered by stable domestic supply, slightly stronger construction data, and increased housing starts. However, weaker forward indicators like falling building permits and completions, alongside global oversupply and intensified export competition, limited the extent of gains. Buyers remained cautious, prioritizing short-term procurement amid ongoing tariff uncertainties and balanced supply. MEK prices in the U.S. ended the quarter at USD 1,400/MT CFR Texas.
APAC
Throughout Q1 2025, the MEK market in China exhibited a mixed trend. In January, prices rose on the back of strong export demand, high operating rates, and tight domestic supply. Robust activity in the automotive and industrial coatings sectors, coupled with pre-Lunar New Year stocking, supported this upward momentum. However, by February, the market turned bearish. Weak demand from downstream coatings and adhesives, combined with the return of previously paused production post-holiday, increased supply pressures. Oversupply from new capacities and reduced procurement led to a sharp 4.5% price drop by month-end. In March, the downtrend persisted as construction sector slowdown and increased export competition from Japan pushed prices lower. Capacity expansions, including Huizhou Yuxin and Anhui Zhonghuifa’s facilities, deepened oversupply. Ramadan-related slowdowns in Asian markets and weaker export performance further hindered recovery. With weak demand and mounting inventory levels, Chinese MEK prices faced consistent downward pressure following January’s high. MEK prices in China ended the quarter at USD 1,035/MT FOB Qingdao.
Europe
Throughout Q1 2025, the MEK market in Europe exhibited a mixed trend. January began with price declines, driven by weak downstream demand from coatings and adhesives, low feedstock butanol prices, and seasonally reduced industrial activity. Amid heightened competition from Asian imports and persistent energy cost pressures, domestic producers cut production and focused on exports. However, market dynamics shifted in February as prices rose steadily, supported by higher energy expenses, stronger cost support from butanol, and gradual recovery in sectors like office real estate. Rising new orders in coatings and adhesives offered moderate support, although trade uncertainties—particularly a proposed 25% U.S. tariff on European chemicals—kept sentiment cautious. In March, prices rose slightly again, supported by tight domestic supply and firmer cost conditions, but broader eurozone construction and manufacturing weakness capped gains. While the Dutch office sector recorded strong growth, weak automotive sales, civil construction decline, and tariff threats kept bulk procurement low. MEK prices in the Netherlands closed the quarter at USD 1,480/MT FD Rotterdam.
For the Quarter Ending December 2024
North America
In Q4 2024, the North American MEK market experienced a consistent decline. October saw prices continue downward due to weak demand and increased Asian competition. Improving supply and decreasing import prices, influenced by lower freight costs, further pressured prices. Reduced new orders contributed to subdued market conditions.
September's U.S. manufacturing downturn, with falling production, exacerbated the situation. Weak MEK demand persisted due to reduced consumption in downstream sectors, including paints, coatings, adhesives, and construction. By late October, prices had declined due to reduced import costs. In November, prices continued to fall, influenced by weak cost support, import pressure, and lackluster downstream demand. Increased global MEK supply following Golden Week in China furthered the supply-demand imbalance.
In December, prices continued to decline due to import pressure and weak domestic demand. While seasonal shipping activity increased, high inventories and cautious procurement suppressed market sentiment. Economic challenges, including high mortgage rates and housing market disruptions, hindered recovery. In Q4 2024, the North American MEK market witnessed a significant declining trend, culminating in a quarter-ending price of USD 1370/MT CFR Texas, reflecting weak demand, ample supply, and decreasing production costs.
APAC
Throughout Q4 2024, the Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK) market in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region experienced mixed price trends. Prices stabilized in October as the market attempted to recover from months of declines, but weak demand and oversupply persisted. In November, prices declined further due to subdued downstream activity in paints, coatings, and adhesives, as well as sluggish construction activities. However, in December, prices rebounded, driven by strong export demand, and tightening supply. By November, the market saw a price drop, as post-Golden Week restocking faded, and supply increased while demand stayed weak. High inventory levels and conservative purchasing strategies among end-users further contributed to the decline.
December marked a significant improvement in MEK prices. Strong export activity to key trading partners such as South Korea, India and Indonesia bolstered market sentiment. Increased pre-Lunar New Year stocking and competitive pricing in China attracted international buyers, absorbing domestic output and tightening local supply. By the end of the quarter, MEK prices in China settled at USD 1,073/MT FOB Qingdao, reflecting a bullish sentiment driven by robust exports and gradual downstream recovery.
Europe
In Q4 2024, the European Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK) market experienced a pronounced downward price trend. This decline stemmed from a combination of weakening demand, increased supply, and falling feedstock costs, further compounded by a slowdown in the construction sector. October began with some price stability due to demand from the Dutch paint and coatings industry, but prices soon began to fall as supply improved and demand softened. This downward momentum continued into November, exacerbated by high inventory levels and reduced demand from key importing regions. Feedstock price drops further lowered MEK production costs, adding to the downward pressure. December saw a brief price stabilization before further declines, driven by persistent weak demand, limited feedstock support, and competition from Asian imports. The eurozone’s economic contraction and reduced construction output further dampened MEK demand. As the year concluded, producers offered discounts to manage excess inventories. In Q4 2024, MEK pricing landscape in Europe witnessed a significant downward trend, culminating in a quarter-ending price of USD 1415/MT FD Rotterdam, reflecting weak demand, ample supply, and decreasing production costs.
For the Quarter Ending September 2024
North America
In Q3 2024, the Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK) market in North America witnessed a substantial increase in prices, with notable factors driving this upward trend. Various elements contributed to this surge, including robust demand from downstream industries, limited supply availability, and escalating production costs. The heightened procurement activities ahead of the upcoming holiday season bolstered market dynamics, while lower inventory levels exerted upward pressure on prices.
Additionally, high feedstock prices and energy costs further pushed MEK prices upwards. In the USA specifically, the market experienced the most significant price changes, with a 26% increase from the same quarter last year. The quarter-on-quarter increase of 5.8% underscored the consistent upward trajectory of prices. Moreover, the price comparison between the first and second half of the quarter also saw a significant rise, reflecting the strengthening pricing environment.
Ending the quarter, the price for MEK in the USA was recorded at USD 1569/MT CFR Texas, exhibited a consistent positive sentiment characterized by robust demand, supply constraints, and production challenges.
APAC
In Q3 2024, the methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) market displayed a mixed trend. Compared to the same quarter in 2023, prices saw a 9.7% decline, reflecting weak demand and reduced cost support from feedstock butanol, which lowered production costs. However, compared to Q2 2024, there was a modest recovery, with prices increasing by 3.9%, indicating some stabilization in the market. Despite this, overall demand remained sluggish, particularly from the paints and coatings sectors, which impacted MEK consumption. Factors influencing these price declines included weak demand from downstream sectors, such as paint and coating, and high inventory levels, exerting downward pressure on prices. Seasonal factors, like heavy rainfall impacting construction activities, further dampened demand, contributing to the negative sentiment in the market. Japan, experiencing the most significant price changes, saw a significant shift between the first and second half of the quarter, emphasizing the deteriorating pricing environment. Ending the quarter, the price for MEK in the Japan was recorded at USD 1068/MT FOB Osaka.
Europe
In Q3 2024, the Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK) pricing landscape in Europe witnessed a notable uptrend, driven by a confluence of factors that shaped market dynamics. Tightening supply conditions across the region, compounded by logistical challenges and recent flooding in central and eastern Europe, exerted upward pressure on prices. As the market transitioned from the holiday season, procurement activities surged, fueling anticipation for heightened market activity post-summer. Low stock levels added to the price momentum, while disruptions in the distribution network due to flooding kept energy firms on alert, further impacting supply chains. Netherlands, experiencing the most significant price changes, reflected the overall trend in Europe. The quarter showcased a 31.8% increase from the same period last year, underlining the substantial price escalation. Moreover, the 1% increase from the previous quarter. Culminating in the latest quarter-ending price of USD 1693/MT of MEK FD Rotterdam, the pricing environment in the region exhibited a consistent positive sentiment characterized by robust demand, supply constraints, and production challenges.
FAQs
1. What is the current price of MEK?
Prices vary by region: Asia is experiencing firmer offers due to supply shortages, Europe is under pressure from weak demand and inventory buildup, while North America remains steady as ample stocks offset tight Asian output.
2. Who are the top MEK producers globally?
Key producers include ExxonMobil, Shell Chemicals, Tasco Chemical, Qixiang Tengda, and Huizhou Yuxin, which dominate production across Asia, North America, and Europe.
3. What is the MEK Price Forecast for August 2025?
Prices are expected to trend slightly higher in Asia as plant shutdowns continue, remain stable in North America due to balanced inventories, and stay subdued in Europe amid sluggish paints, coatings, and adhesives demand.
4. How is the MEK Production Cost Trend impacting global prices?
Persistently soft butanol prices—tied to weak crude benchmarks and stable upstream operations—are keeping production costs low, allowing sellers to maintain competitive offers despite differing supply conditions across regions.
