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.
For the Quarter Ending June 2024
North America
In Q2 2024, the Methyl Isobutyl Ketone (MIBK) market in North America experienced a notable upsurge in prices, propelled by several critical factors that amplified market volatility. The primary drivers included increased spot purchasing, heightened upstream Acetone costs, and robust demand from downstream paint and coating industries. The market saw constrained supply chains exacerbated by geopolitical tensions and logistical challenges, including elevated ocean freight rates and port congestion. These dynamics collectively fostered a bullish pricing environment, with traders elevating their offers in response to tight supplies and escalating production costs.
Focusing on the USA, the region witnessed the most pronounced price changes. The overall trend in MIBK pricing throughout the quarter was marked by consistent increases, reflecting strong market fundamentals. Seasonality played a significant role, with demand spikes aligning with peak production periods in downstream industries. The correlation between rising feedstock prices and MIBK was evident, further driving the upward price trajectory. Compared to the same quarter last year, MIBK prices surged by 12%, while the quarter-over-quarter increase stood at a substantial 23%, underscoring the intensified demand and constrained supply.
Examining price dynamics within the quarter, the first half saw a 12% lower price than the latter, indicating progressive tightening of supply and escalating costs. Concluding the quarter, MIBK prices in the USA stabilized at USD 2000/MT FOB Texas, reflecting the overall positive pricing environment driven by robust demand and supply chain constraints. This quarter's performance underscores a resilient, albeit pressured, market landscape for MIBK, characterized by a consistent bullish sentiment.
APAC
During Q2 2024, Methyl Isobutyl Ketone (MIBK) pricing in the APAC region experienced a pronounced decline, driven by multiple market dynamics. Key factors influencing this downward trajectory included sluggish demand from downstream sectors such as paints, coatings, and adhesives, exacerbated by supply chain disruptions and elevated production costs. The overall sentiment in the MIBK market remained negative as persistent supply gluts and subdued purchasing activity further pressured prices. High inventories and logistical bottlenecks compounded the issue, with suppliers finding it challenging to clear stockpiles, leading to aggressive price cuts. China, in particular, witnessed significant price changes during this quarter. The MIBK market in China was marked by a consistent downward trend due to oversupply and weak market fundamentals. Seasonally, the demand for MIBK remained low, further contributing to the bearish market mood. Compared to the same quarter last year, prices dropped by 14%, indicating a significant year-over-year decline. From the previous quarter in 2024, prices fell by 3%, reflecting a steady decrease throughout the year. The price comparison between the first and second half of the quarter showed a marginal decline of 1%, underscoring the persistence of negative market forces. The quarter concluded with MIBK prices at USD 2110/MT FOB Qingdao, highlighting the sustained pressure on the market. The overall pricing environment has been notably negative, driven by lacklustre demand, abundant supply, and ongoing economic challenges. The consistent decrease in prices throughout Q2 2024 underscores the need for strategic adjustments by industry players to navigate this challenging period effectively.
Europe
The European MIBK market witnessed the following dynamics. A weak purchasing sentiment and deteriorating demand outlook contributed to a downward trend in MIBK prices. The market for feedstock Acetone also experienced a slump, impacting purchasing activity. MIBK is a medium evaporating solvent used in high solids coatings. In the automotive sector, it plays a crucial role in manufacturing protective paints and coatings for exterior vehicle parts. These coatings shield against UV radiation, acid rain, and other environmental effects.Despite challenges, the MIBK market is projected to grow. In summary, the European MIBK market faced pricing fluctuations, while its application in automotive coatings remained significant during Q2 2024.
