For the Quarter Ending March 2024
North America
The first quarter of 2024 has been challenging for the Methyl N-Amyl Ketone (MAK) market in North America, with slow market offtakes and weak cost support. The overall trend has been negative, with prices experienced a decline compared to the same quarter last year, which recorded a 46% increase. The decrease in prices can be attributed to several factors, including reduced consumption from downstream industries and limited trading activities within the region.
In the USA, which has seen the maximum price changes, the market sentiment has been bearish. The supply of MAK has been high, with limited demand from the paint and coating industry and other downstream sectors. This has resulted in downward pressure on prices, as suppliers have been cautious about raising domestic prices. Additionally, the weak cost support from the Pentanol feedstock and a slowdown in the crude oil market have further contributed to the decline in prices.
Overall, the pricing environment for MAK in North America during the first quarter of 2024 has been negative, with prices declined compared to the same period last year. The market has been characterized by high supply, low demand, and limited trading activities. However, the stable price at the end of the quarter suggests some level of stability in the market.
APAC
The pricing environment for Methyl N-Amyl Ketone (MAK) in the APAC region during Q1 2024 has been largely negative, with the market experiencing a decline in prices. This can be attributed to several significant factors, including weak cost support from the feedstock Pentanol, which has led to a decrease in the production cost of MAK in the Indian market. Additionally, trading activities have slowed down, with suppliers hesitant to raise prices domestically due to limited demand from downstream enterprises and reduced trades from the USA. In India specifically, the pricing trend for MAK has been bearish, with prices decreasing throughout the quarter. This can be attributed to low demand from downstream sectors, despite growth in the Paint and coating industry and the Adhesive market. The market fundamentals have been sluggish, with sufficient inventory levels and limited trading volume in the region. Looking at the overall trends and seasonality, it is evident that the pricing environment for MAK in Q1 2024 has been negative. The market has experienced a decrease in prices compared to the same quarter last year, and there has been a decline in prices from the previous quarter in 2024. In conclusion, the pricing environment for MAK in Q1 2024 has been negative, with weak cost support, limited demand, and a decline in prices.
Europe
In Q1 2024, the pricing landscape for Methyl N-Amyl Ketone (MAK) in the European region has been negative, marked by a decline in prices. Various factors have influenced this trend throughout the quarter. Firstly, there has been a subdued demand from downstream industries such as Paint and Coating, as well as the Adhesive market, leading to reduced consumption of existing inventories. This subdued demand has fostered a bearish market sentiment, exerting downward pressure on prices. Additionally, the market has seen an ample supply of Methyl N-Amyl Ketone (MAK), with inventory levels proving adequate to meet the subdued demand. This surplus in supply has further contributed to the downward price trend observed during the quarter. In response to the market dynamics, industry participants adjusted by decreasing their ex-quotations squeezed their marginal profits, and provided tempting offers to the buyers. Simultaneously, purchasers opted for bulk procurement to secure sufficient inventory levels, aiming to sustain equilibrium between supply and demand for smooth supply chain operations. Consequently, the pricing landscape for Methyl N-Amyl Ketone (MAK) in the first quarter of 2024 exhibits a negative trajectory, marked by a descending price trend.
For the Quarter Ending December 2023
North America
A combination of the inexpensive support provided by the region's feedstock pentanol costs, MAK exports from the USA to India and other Asian markets remain. A decrease in consumer commerce combined with economic uncertainties caused a dip in MAK demand.
Low netbacks, falling production costs, and gloomy demand are causing significant companies' profit margins and revenue to plummet. Sluggish economies combined with a weak market trend led to a constant decline in operating rates in important downstream industries. Even while MAK producers were able to offset the difficulty of increasing inventory levels, the supply situation is still unstable, particularly given the downstream businesses' sluggish market offtakes. In Dec 2023, the price of MAK declined to USD 3100/ton FOB Louisiana.
Declining profit margins and revenue additionally affect downstream solvent and adhesive sectors. Due to the region's feeble market offtakes, the purchase operations were conducted on an immediate basis. MAK trading decreased in the US market as purchasers plunged relatively with limited offerings. The deals were not concluded well among the suppliers and buyers, prompting bearish market fundamentals.
Asia Pacific
In APAC region, plunging market purchasing activities and high inventory level remain the key factors for the declining price trajectory. Due to a lackluster business and unfavorable market outlook, suppliers were required to meet their intermediate needs, which resulted in a dismal demand. Because of the gloomy trade environment and struggling purchasing appetite, the downstream paint and coating industries continue to have low demand for MAK. Local pricing reductions and a downturn in the market for coatings and industrial applications were the main causes of the Industrial Solutions business's net sales loss from the same time last year. In India, the price of MAK in India declined to USD 3750/ton Ex-Mumbai. The pricing of Methyl N-Amyl Ketone (MAK) in major manufacturing units continues to stay at the lower spectrum, and this reduced cost has stimulated some demand. However, the supply within the region remains abundant. The increased production rates and economical operational expenses within manufacturing units have led to an oversupply of products. Imports of MAK from the USA to India are currently inactive, reflecting a subdued trade volume this quarter, with no additional demand for the product in the region.
Europe
Shrinking netback, plunging Petrochemical liquidity and economic uncertainty in the economy further pressurized the suppliers to conclude their market deals at low offers. On the supply side, product inventories increased sufficient supply of product in the domestic market. Ample exports of MAK from the region earlier resulted in product oversupplies. Profit margins and revenue among the significant manufacturing units shrank with limited demand and lackluster requirement from the end-users. Downstream industries operated their plant moderately with cautiously operating ventures. With rising production rates among the major manufacturing units, the region has suffered from product oversupplies which disrupted the market fundamentals. Inventories among the ventures increased, and traders were waiting for the price to drop further. The feeble market of MAK was driven by the downward pressure of numerous downstream customers due to ample inflows of cargos from the overseas market, and the skeptical economy viewpoint in Germany along with elevated interest rates. Supplies among the production units remain suppressed and lower purchasing activities remain the primary reason for such a slump in price trend
For the Quarter Ending September 2023
North America
When compared with the previous quarter, the market fundamentals for MAK in the North American market remain sluggish and the price trend remain sluggish with successive months. This quarter, the price of MAK in the United States fell because bearish trading activity and sluggish market fundamentals. Market participants were striving to replenish their current stockpiles in anticipation of a seasonal reduction and pause in demand from downstream firms. Energy and utility prices have also dropped as a result of decreased production costs and disturbed supply and demand fundamentals. In Sept 2023, the MAK market in the USA witnessed a price slump with the price trend of USD 3865/ton FOB Louisiana. With the increasing inventory level for MAK, the demand fundamentals for the fresh stocks remain elevated. While some companies displayed resilience with slightly decreased profits for the second quarter of the year, others faced more significant drops in net profit. Trade was also impacted by lower purchasing activities and the slump in market fundamentals.
Asia Pacific
In Q3 2023, the price of MAK in the Asia-Pacific region remains sluggish with adequate inventory level among the significant manufacturing units. Imports of MAK in the Asia Pacific region from the USA restricted due to lack of purchasing activities among the enterprises and weak market fundamentals. MAK prices continued to fall as a result of slow demand and a pessimistic consumer attitude towards purchase. Weak market fundamentals and a drop-in market trading activity prevented the spot market from becoming active for bulk trading. Traders were cautious to buy in adequate amounts or at lower prices due to limited purchasing activities and weak spot prices. The price of MAK stayed steady as supply increased and buying activity reduced. MAK trades from the US to India were lackluster, with stocks stacking up. Buyers demonstrated a lack of purchasing appetite, while sellers decreased their pricing in an effort to obtain new orders, resulting in margin compression. In India, the price of MAK during Sept 2023 declined to USD 3831/ton CFR JNPT.
Europe
Prices cooled down this quarter as the feedstock Acetone market slipped with declining purchasing activities in the region. Regional producers also revised their MAK prices, driven by slow purchasing and declining demand for new stock. Exports of MAK from Germany to the European market also slumped and buyers started purchasing the product on the need-to basis. In Q3 2023, the commodity purchases from the end-user industries also slumped and the market fundamentals remain sluggish with supply exceeding the demand. Spot MAK values fell amid discussion of weaker demand and healthy levels of supply in the market. With the weak market fundamentals of upstream values, the production cost of MAK declined and a higher production rate among the enterprises resulted in stockpiling. Slower-than-expected market recovery and high product inventories hampered and disrupted the demand/supply equilibrium. This quarter, plenty of spot deals were concluded at lower price tempered by tempted buyers back into the market with demand destruction. Regional producers also tried to balance the supply/demand fundamentals by operating their production units at a lower rate to avoid further stockpiles.
For the Quarter Ending June 2023
North America
When compared to the previous quarter, the MAK market in North America showcased a bullish price trend due to high product demand and rapid product consumption by downstream enterprises. The regional prices of MAK remain elevated due to rising product demand and limited product inventories among enterprises. The Amyl Alcohol market has also improved, leading suppliers to raise their offers in order to sustain their profit margin and sales. The broadening forwarding market structure and higher purchasing activities indicate a bullish MAK market, with healthy exports of arbitrage cargoes from the USA to the Indian and European markets. In terms of inventories, they have drastically decreased due to the healthy demand for fresh stocks. In June 2023, the price of MAK in the US surged to USD 4077/ton FOB Louisiana. As paint and coating demand increases and stocks become insufficient to meet consumer needs, the demand for MAK also rises. Traders in the US market are buying larger volumes at elevated prices, anticipating further price increases with their next purchase.
Asia Pacific
In Q2 2023, the market fundamentals for MAK surged, and the trades were spontaneous in bulk with the expectation of a further increase in price trend. Trading of Methyl N-Amyl Ketone in India surged further due to insufficient trade volume and a strong escalation of the market. Producers in the USA have surged their reactor rates prompted by inadequate stocks among the manufacturing units. This month, firm offers and bids were observed, and players saw an opportunity to increase the price trend. Brisk demand, limited supplies, higher feedstock costs, and regional economic uncertainty helped the MAK prices surge further. Exports from the USA to the Asia Pacific region remained strong, and traders had low inventories. In China, there was uncertainty about the MAK prices, with demand exceeding the demand. As per the market indicators in Asia Pacific, there is a sign of a pickup in demand and an uptick in purchasing sentiments from the downstream solvent industries to operate at higher levels. In the Asian market, the MAK market remained on the higher side this quarter, and the trades activities were in bulk.
Europe
The strong product demand and insufficient supply created market disruptions as the traders had sufficient existing stock, and limited new stocks were being utilized. Upstream 2-Heptanone prices also surged due to an improvement in demand fundamentals which are responsible for this price trend. Significant producing units also increased the prices of MAK in the domestic market and increased trade from Germany to other European regions. Project pricing dynamics for Europe were also affected as the major players surged their MAK prices. When compared with the previous quarter, the market fundamentals for MAK improved, and the trades were in bulk with the expectation of a further increase in the price trend. The demands for MAK from the downstream Paint and coating industries remain strong with cautiously operating significant ventures. MAK manufacturers in the USA had a high willingness to ship more orders to maintain controllable inventory to overseas markets and for domestic consumption, resulting in a fluctuating upward market.
For the Quarter Ending March 2023
North America
The market for MAK in the USA has been bearish due to weak demand and high supply in the quarter ending March 2023, leading to declining prices. The lack of trading activity was a result of ample supply and lower offers for non-premium spot cargoes. Providers were forced to base their buying activities on a need-to basis due to the decline in spot trading. The market fundamentals were weak, resulting in no firm bids or offer this quarter. The demand for MAK from the downstream solvent market declined due to slow market offtakes and limited trading activities. Uncertainty prevailed in the U.S. market, leading to hampered trading dynamics in the first Quarter of 2023.
APAC
The price of Methyl N-Amyl Ketone has decreased in the quarter ending March 2023. The price drop was due to lower demand from downstream businesses and lower crude oil costs. Supplies were transported without any disruptions and in normal quantities, while average interest was shown in this product by perfume and food product manufacturers for production purposes. The Indian Rupee depreciated against the U.S. dollar by approximately 1.5% per M.T. from 1st to 24th February 2023, impacting the prices of the product. Moreover, the Fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) manufacturing companies exhibited a modest interest in this product for their production purposes throughout the quarter.
Europe
In the quarter ending March 2023, the price of Methyl N-Amyl Ketone remained stable in Europe. The price stagnation was attributed to constant downstream demand, with no substantial disruptions in supplies. The demand-to-supply ratio remained constant at the start of the year, resulting in only a minor price increase in January. In this quarter of 2023, the bearish market situation was characterized by modest supply and moderate demand. The product was relatively appealing to downstream companies such as perfume and food production segments, and despite recent price concessions, purchasing activity in the European market did not exhibit substantial changes in the first quarter.
For the Quarter Ending December 2022
North America
In the Q4 of 2022, the MAK markets in North America and Europe both showed the same pattern. The average demand for this commodity from partners further downstream limited upstream production. Because this product was readily available in stores, food and perfume companies were able to meet their production requirements. The product's prices were also affected by the moderate demand for it from other businesses downstream. The price of this product decreased significantly as a result of a decline in the cost of upstream crude oil.
APAC
The market for Methyl N-Amyl Ketone (MAK) decreased throughout the entire Asia-Pacific region during the fourth quarter of 2022. The price of this product has decreased in China for various reasons. The primary factors that contributed to the decrease in the price of upstream crude oil were the provincial governments' implementation of Covid-19 curbs and the diminished performance of the crude oil market. Additionally, due to average demand, companies that use MAK to produce food products and perfumes had to reduce their production rates significantly. During this quarter, the commodity market in India was comparable to China's. The product's price was influenced by the average demand from downstream industries for it as well as the product's ample inventory availability, which satisfied the demands of downstream companies for the production of their final products.
Europe
The market for MAK in Europe decreased this quarter. The ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine resulted in significant price increases for energy and natural gas up until the second week of December. Consequently, despite their extreme concern, downstream businesses displayed average interest in this product. The MAK market in Germany and the Netherlands followed similar trends. In the Q4 of 2022, the same factors led to price reductions for this product in Germany and the Netherlands. Europe's upstream companies had been maintaining moderate production rates as a result.
For the Quarter Ending September 2022
North America
The events that took place in the crude oil market had an impact on the markets for this product in North America as well as the markets in Asia. This quarter, the price of Methyl N-Amyl Ketone decreased in the United States. The average demand for this product from downstream businesses was limited due to a lack of labor because of summer vacations and lower acetone prices, which contributed to the product's lower cost this quarter.
APAC
The market of Methyl N-Amyl Ketone was dull in the Asia – Pacific region this quarter. In India, the cost of this product got lowered in these three months. The primary factor behind the cost reduction was the diminished demand for this product from food processing and perfume companies for downstream processing. In addition, the events that took place in the upstream crude oil market also had an impact on the cost of this product. Hence, MAK closed its market in India this quarter at USD 4,069 per MT on CFR – JNPT basis. When it comes to China, both upstream and downstream companies were showing modest interest in this product because of acute power shortages, owing to which they had to halt or lower their production rates completely. Hence, MAK prices dropped in China as well in this quarter.
Europe
In this quarter, MAK's markets in Europe were identical to its Asian and European markets. MAK saw significant cost reductions during these three months (from July to September). The tight natural gas and crude oil supply caused by the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine significantly increased production and energy costs. Consequently, downstream businesses displayed only a passing interest in this product despite their extreme concern. Additionally, the price of acetone decreased, which contributed to the decrease in the price of MAK in Europe this quarter.
For the Quarter Ending June 2022
North America
The Methyl N-Amyl Ketone factories turned losses into profits during the first half of the second quarter of 2022 in the North American region with the help of prohibitive costs and the company's billing prices which increased several times. Furthermore, stockholders were not pressured to ship at the beginning of the month. The mentality of the stockholders was improving, and the offers were also increasing. After a round of upward movement, the downstream sentiment was not high. Most followed up only in need, with little intention to replenish goods at unreasonable prices. There were mixed fluctuations in downstream products, but the changes were insignificant, and the overall situation was stable. In addition, start-up and sales were steady, but demand stimulation was insufficient, and the propylene market was challenging to improve.
Asia
The prices of Methyl N-Amyl Ketone surged in the Asian market during the second quarter of 2022 with a quarterly escalation of 3.4%, as recorded by Chem Analyst pricing team data. Demand for the product from downstream solvent, automotive and chemical cleaners for electronics and flavouring agents supported the upward escalation of the prices in the regional market. Escalating prices of upstream feedstock Acetone and Butyraldehyde put cost pressure on the product's merits. The inventories were observed to fall with the traders and the suppliers during the period, and fewer products were being stockpiled.
Europe
In another uninspiring trading week, upstream feedstock Propylene closed a few transactions for prompt delivery. Methyl N-Amyl Ketone's price trend fluctuated in the first half of the second quarter of 2022, and it was honored to decline. Buying volume of the product in Europe was a popular topic at the beginning of the quarter. The operating rates decreased for phenol-acetone, and lower rates were considered by the end of the quarter. This suggested a fluctuating outlook for the market sentiments. Some sentiment pointed to a flat bearish market due to escalating imports and weaker Propylene.
For the Quarter Ending March 2022
North America
North America showcased an inclining pricing trend of Methyl n-Amyl Ketone (MAK), which shot up to USD 3535/MT FOB in the first quarter of 2022. The steep rise was observed due to the firm demand fundamentals from downstream food enterprises and the paints and coatings industry. Tight supplies, depleting inventory levels, high manufacturing costs, and strong feedstock Acetone and Butyraldehyde prices altogether contributed to the increase in the prices of MAK in the North American region. United States, the major exporter of Methyl n-Amyl Ketone (MAK), experienced disrupted supply chains following the Russia-Ukraine crisis since February, which further affected the value chains of North America throughout this timeframe and caused soaring energy prices.
Asia Pacific
Methyl N-Amyl Ketone prices traced uphill throughout this quarter with an increment of 8% in India owing to the strong feedstock Acetone and Butyraldehyde markets. Being an imported commodity from China, the prices were driven primarily by the suspended import volumes during the Chinese New Year holiday break, which affected the downstream solvent sector across the region during February. Rising freight charges with increasing petroleum feedstock later impacted the overall pricing dynamics for Methyl n-Amyl Ketone towards the end of the quarter. Major players revealed that demand fundamentals for the solvent increased due to firm offtakes from the downstream paints and coatings and construction industry in the regional market, which encouraged the price hike in Asia. Thus, the MAK prices rose effectively and hovered around USD 4048/MT CFR JNPT in India by the end of the first quarter.
Europe
During the first quarter of 2022, prices of Methyl n-Amyl Ketone (MAK) soared in the European region on the back of firm feedstock Butyraldehyde values and stable Acetone market. The prices hovered around USD 3246/MT-3389/MT FOB Hamburg by the end of the first quarter in Germany. The European market was primarily affected by the Russia-Ukrainian conflict, as numerous disruptions were observed during Q1 as a result of the unexpected escalation of the war situation. The volatility in upstream crude oil prices impacted the cost of its derivative Propylene and feedstock Butyraldehyde, taking hold of the cost of downstream Methyl n-Amyl Ketone across the region.
