For the Quarter Ending June 2025
North America
• The Methyl Isobutyl Ketone (MIBK) Price Index in North America rose by 5.2% quarter-over-quarter, driven by improved domestic demand.
• Manufacturing and supply levels remained consistent throughout the quarter, with no major operational disruptions. Producers aligned output with downstream demand, maintaining manageable inventory levels.
• The MIBK Demand Outlook remained balanced. Pharmaceutical and industrial coatings provided a steady base of consumption, while the paint and adhesive sectors showed varied performance. Some export demand, particularly from Latin America, helped sustain flow.
• Despite cost relief from falling feedstock acetone prices, many producers chose to hold prices steady, supported by robust local demand and sufficient stockpiles. Market sentiment stayed cautious amid ongoing regulatory and macroeconomic uncertainties.
• Overall, Q2 saw a stable-to-firm trend in the MIBK Price Index, reflecting solid demand, steady output, and cautious but consistent market behavior.
Why did the Methyl Isobutyl Ketone (MIBK) Price change in July 2025 in North America?
• Prices in North America remained largely stable in July 2025.
• Adequate inventory and balanced supply-demand dynamics prevented sharp movements.
• Downstream consumption remained steady, particularly in pharmaceuticals and coatings.
• Manufacturers continued offering stable pricing amid cautious buying and limited restocking, helping maintain equilibrium.
Europe
• The Methyl Isobutyl Ketone (MIBK) Price Index in Europe declined modestly during Q2 2025, primarily due to softer demand and easing feedstock costs.
• Production operations remained consistent across major European facilities. No major shutdowns or raw material shortages were reported, keeping supply conditions stable.
• The MIBK Demand Outlook was subdued, with weak activity from the automotive and industrial coating sectors. The construction sector also underperformed due to economic stagnation in key regions.
• Falling feedstock acetone prices and a well-supplied market placed downward pressure on MIBK prices. Buyers adopted a conservative approach, purchasing only as needed due to uncertain economic conditions.
• The overall Q2 trend for the MIBK Price Index in Europe was downward, driven by soft end-use demand and muted sentiment.
Why did the Methyl Isobutyl Ketone (MIBK) Price change in July 2025 in Europe?
• MIBK prices in Europe declined in July 2025 due to various reasons.
• Continued weakness in key downstream sectors like automotive and construction.
• Sufficient availability of feedstock acetone, reducing production costs.
• A cautious purchasing environment among European buyers.
• Overall muted demand and macroeconomic headwinds pressuring price levels.
Asia Pacific (APAC)
• The Methyl Isobutyl Ketone (MIBK) Price Index in Japan increased by 1.9% quarter-over-quarter, driven by seasonal demand and stable supply fundamentals.
• Domestic production in Japan remained steady, supported by consistent imports and firm acetone feedstock availability. No major production disruptions occurred.
• The MIBK Demand Outlook in APAC was supported by firm off-take from the pharmaceutical, coatings, and rubber chemical sectors. Export demand from neighboring Asian countries also remained consistent.
• Cost pressures fluctuated mildly with changes in the yen and acetone pricing, but steady inventory and disciplined procurement helped maintain the market balance.
• Overall, the MIBK Price Index in APAC trended upward in Q2, supported by firm demand and stable production across the region.
Why did the Methyl Isobutyl Ketone (MIBK) Price change in July 2025 in APAC?
MIBK prices in APAC, particularly Japan, remained stable in July 2025 due to:
• Steady feedstock acetone costs and no supply disruptions.
• Balanced procurement behavior among buyers.
• Stable demand from coatings and pharmaceutical sectors.
• Weak external triggers for any significant price fluctuation.
For the Quarter Ending March 2025
North America
During Q1 2025, the Methyl Isobutyl Ketone (MIBK) market in North America exhibited marginal volatility, closing the quarter with a slight decrease of 0.4% compared to Q4 2024. January opened with balanced supply and demand dynamics, supported by steady feedstock acetone availability and consistent offtake from the polyurethane and automotive sectors. Despite concerns over port labor agreements and elevated freight rates, market sentiment remained neutral.
February witnessed limited market activity due to subdued demand from paints and coatings, compounded by winter-related production challenges. However, preemptive stockpiling by traders helped maintain supply continuity, keeping the market largely steady.
In March, the market witnessed a notable shift, driven by tightening inventories and an uptick in downstream demand, particularly from the pharmaceutical and solvent sectors. Rising input costs, ongoing logistical constraints, and robust overseas inquiries further fueled upward momentum. While the quarter began with muted movement, the latter half experienced stronger market activity and a more bullish tone, reflecting growing pressure on supply chains and gradual demand recovery across key end-use industries.
APAC
During the first quarter of 2025, the MIBK market in China witnessed a 12.4% decline compared to the previous quarter, reflecting a mix of stable supply and fluctuating demand. In January, prices trended downward due to weak demand from the automotive sector and elevated inventory levels, despite steady feedstock acetone prices. February saw a brief rebound post-Lunar New Year, driven by increased industrial activity and strong demand from the paints and coatings sector. Port congestion and tight spot availability supported short-term bullish sentiment. However, the momentum slowed in March as downstream procurement remained cautious, and market sentiment weakened. Although manufacturing activities remained steady, ample supply and subdued trading activity added pressure. The paints and coatings industry continued to support MIBK consumption, while other sectors such as automotive and rubber remained soft. Overall, despite intermittent increases, the quarter was marked by a consistent downtrend influenced by bearish fundamentals, cautious buying behavior, and steady feedstock costs, keeping the market sentiment largely restrained.
Europe
During Q1 2025, the European MIBK market exhibited a largely stable to slightly bearish price trend, influenced by a balanced interplay of supply-demand fundamentals and broader macroeconomic factors. In early January, prices remained steady due to consistent feedstock acetone costs and moderate downstream demand. However, subdued activity in the automotive and rubber sectors, compounded by sluggish economic growth across parts of Europe, led to weakened buying interest. February saw brief optimism driven by seasonal upticks in the paints and coatings industry, especially ahead of spring maintenance and renovation cycles. Nonetheless, steady imports and sufficient domestic inventories kept any upward pressure in check. By March, increased production activity and stable raw material prices ensured ample supply, but demand from industrial solvents and adhesives remained tepid. Geopolitical uncertainties and cautious procurement behavior further weighed on sentiment. Overall, the quarter ended with MIBK prices showing slight downward adjustments, underpinned by steady supply conditions and restrained market confidence amid mixed sectoral demand across the region.
For the Quarter Ending December 2024
North America
Methyl Isobutyl Ketone (MIBK) prices in the U.S. exhibited a mixed trend during Q4 2024, characterized by stability in the earlier months and a steady decline by December. In October, prices remained stable due to consistent feedstock costs, particularly Acetone, and limited demand from downstream industries such as paints and coatings. This stability in raw material costs helped maintain steady production expenses, ensuring price consistency in the market.
By November, the market displayed cautious optimism, with a slight uptick in domestic demand from the paints and coatings sector exerting minor upward pressure. However, external influences, including political developments like the U.S. election, tempered trading activity, leading to a measured approach among market participants.
In December, MIBK prices experienced a marginal decline, driven by subdued demand and stable feedstock costs, which allowed producers to adjust prices downward. Economic uncertainties further encouraged aggressive price negotiations by buyers, contributing to the downturn. Overall, the quarter’s pricing trends reflected the interplay of supply stability, fluctuating demand, and external market conditions.
APAC
Methyl Isobutyl Ketone (MIBK) prices in the Asia-Pacific region declined throughout Q4 2024, reflecting weak market fundamentals and limited demand. In October, MIBK prices in the Chinese market decreased due to stable feedstock costs, particularly Acetone, and subdued demand from downstream industries such as pharmaceuticals, resins, and paints and coatings. The steady cost of raw materials, coupled with a lack of significant demand drivers, maintained stable production costs but failed to stimulate market activity. By late November, further price drops were observed as demand from key sectors, including paints and coatings, weakened. High domestic inventories and sluggish trading activity exacerbated the situation, with buyers adopting a cautious approach amid ongoing economic uncertainties. In December, the market remained under pressure, with stable feedstock costs allowing manufacturers to lower prices to encourage purchasing. Subdued demand and aggressive buyer negotiations added to the downward trend. These combined factors contributed to a consistent decline in MIBK prices across the region, emphasizing the challenges posed by oversupply and weak downstream performance.
Europe
Methyl Isobutyl Ketone (MIBK) prices in the European market exhibited mixed sentiments during Q4 2024, influenced by fluctuations in the feedstock Acetone market. In October, MIBK prices experienced an upward trend, supported by increased Acetone costs and a seasonal uptick in demand from downstream industries such as paints and coatings. This period saw heightened activity in the manufacturing and automotive sectors, which bolstered the consumption of MIBK. However, as November began, market dynamics shifted, with Acetone prices stabilizing and subsequently declining due to improved production rates and easing supply constraints. This trend carried over to MIBK, as stable feedstock costs and reduced buying interest from downstream industries, particularly paints and coatings, pressured prices downward. By December, subdued demand and higher inventories in the region contributed to a consistent price decline, as manufacturers adjusted prices to align with market conditions. The overall pricing trend in Q4 reflected the close correlation between MIBK and its primary feedstock, Acetone, alongside evolving demand dynamics in Europe.
For the Quarter Ending September 2024
North America
The third quarter of 2024 for Methyl Isobutyl Ketone (MIBK) in North America was characterized by a notable uptrend in prices, reflecting a substantial increase from the same period last year. This surge was primarily influenced by robust demand from various sectors like coatings, adhesives, and chemical manufacturing.
The market saw a 22% increase from the previous quarter, driven by consistent demand and supply dynamics. In the USA, which experienced the most significant price changes, the price of MIBK showed a 19% increase between the first and second half of the quarter. This upward trajectory was fuelled by strong demand from downstream industries, despite challenges in the broader economic landscape.
The latest quarter-ending price of USD 2510/MT FOB Texas in the USA signifies a stable and positive pricing environment, with market conditions supporting the price hike. Overall, the MIBK pricing trend in North America during Q3 2024 has been characterized by a bullish sentiment, driven by sustained demand and supply dynamics.
Asia-Pacific
The third quarter of 2024 has been a challenging period for Methyl Isobutyl Ketone (MIBK) pricing in the APAC region, characterized by a consistent downward trend in market prices. Several significant factors have contributed to this decline. Weak demand from key industries such as paints, coatings, and adhesives, coupled with falling Acetone prices globally, has exerted pressure on MIBK prices. The sluggish offtake in downstream sectors has led to manufacturers adjusting output levels, further impacting pricing. Additionally, the broader downward trend in Acetone prices has added to the bearish sentiment in the market.
China, experiencing the most significant price changes, has seen a substantial decrease in MIBK prices. The quarter recorded a substantial decline from the same period last year, indicating a significant shift in market dynamics. Compared to the previous quarter in 2024, the price change stood at decline of 14%, reflecting the ongoing negative trend. The second half of the quarter witnessed a notable decrease compared to the first half, highlighting the continued downward trajectory. The quarter-ending price of USD 1540/MT FOB Qingdao in China reaffirms the prevailing negative sentiment in the MIBK pricing environment.
Europe
In the third quarter of 2024, the European Methyl Isobutyl Ketone (MIBK) market experienced several notable trends. Weak purchasing sentiment and a declining demand outlook led to a drop in MIBK prices. The feedstock market for Acetone also saw a downturn, further affecting purchasing activity. MIBK, a medium-evaporating solvent, is essential in high solids coatings, particularly in the automotive sector, where it is used to manufacture protective paints and coatings for exterior vehicle parts.
Due to the decline in PMI form past 3 months, the European market is facing danger or recession. Though, the market participants trying to improve the market for MIBK and is more interested in wait and see approach which might stabilize the market for the coming months.
These coatings are vital for shielding against UV radiation, acid rain, and other environmental factors. Despite these challenges, the MIBK market is expected to exhibit growth. Overall, the European MIBK market dealt with price fluctuations while maintaining its significance in automotive coatings during Q3 2024.
FAQs
Q1: What is the current price of Methyl Isobutyl Ketone (MIBK)?
As of July 2025:
• North America: USD 2600/MT FOB Texas
• Japan: USD 2130/MT Ex-Nagoya
Q2: Who are the top Methyl Isobutyl Ketone (MIBK) producers in the United States?
Major producers include Dow Chemical Company, Eastman Chemical, and Shell Chemical, which dominate the U.S. MIBK production landscape.
Q3: What is the Methyl Isobutyl Ketone (MIBK) Production Cost Trend in Q2 2025?
The MIBK Production Cost Trend showed a slight downward movement, led by reduced acetone feedstock prices. However, prices were maintained as producers leveraged inventory and demand strength.
Q4: What is the Methyl Isobutyl Ketone (MIBK) Price Forecast for Q3 2025?
The MIBK Price Forecast indicates stable-to-firm trends in North America and APAC, while Europe may continue to experience price softness unless downstream demand rebounds.
