In Q1 2025, MAK prices began to show a slightly upward trend, with a 0.56% increase, moving from USD3,530 in January to USD3,550 in March. This growth was attributed to a moderate increase in demand from industries such as paints and coatings, particularly as market activity ramped up following the winter months.
The slight upward movement in prices was driven by steady demand from end-users, coupled with stable feedstock availability and favourable market conditions. The relatively consistent market dynamics allowed for this gradual increase, which reflected a return to normal levels of consumption after the slower winter period.Â
Q1 2025 marked a modest upward trend in MAK prices, growing 1.17% over the quarter. This reflects improved demand as industrial activity picked up post-winter, mirroring previous seasonal recovery patterns. The paints and coatings sector played a key role, supported by stable raw material supply and favourable market sentiment. The market showed resilience, transitioning smoothly into the spring season with prices nearing pre-Q2 2024 peaksÂ
According to PriceWatch, the price trend for MEK (Methyl Ethyl Ketone) on an FOB Shanghai basis in Q2 2025 was largely characterized by a gradual decline during most of the quarter, driven by sluggish demand, stable production levels, and steady export availability. The MEK price index reflected this weakening momentum, with prices remaining under pressure due to subdued activity in downstream sectors such as paints, coatings, and adhesives.
However, in a sharp reversal of the earlier trend, the last two weeks of June witnessed a sudden and notable price spike. This was primarily triggered by heightened geopolitical tensions stemming from the Israel and Iran conflict, which caused significant volatility in global crude oil prices.
Since crude oil is a key upstream feedstock for MEK production, the resulting uncertainty led to increased cost pressure and speculative buying activity in the Asian chemical markets. As a consequence, MEK prices on an FOB Shanghai basis surged rapidly during this short window.
Despite the earlier downward trajectory, this late-quarter rally pushed the price index up, and by the end of June, MEK prices had climbed to USD 1047 per ton. This abrupt shift highlights the sensitivity of the MEK market to global energy developments and underscores how geopolitical disruptions can override existing supply and demand fundamentals, at least in the short term.
According to Price-Watch, the price trend for MEK (Methyl Ethyl Ketone) on an FOB Rotterdam basis in Q2 2025 showed a slight decline, reflecting modest downward pressure amid balanced supply-demand dynamics in the European market.
Throughout the quarter, demand from downstream industries such as paints, coatings, and adhesives remained steady but unremarkable, while supply levels were sufficient to meet market requirements without significant disruptions.
This resulted in a relatively stable pricing environment, though mild bearish sentiment led to a gradual softening in the MEK price index over the three-month period.
Unlike more volatile regions, the European MEK market maintained a comparatively calm pricing pattern, with no major geopolitical or upstream cost shocks during the quarter. By the end of Q2, the FOB Rotterdam price settled at USD 1,307 per ton, marking a slight decrease from earlier levels and reinforcing the overall subdued yet stable price trend observed across the region during this period.
According to Price-Watch, the price trend for MEK (Methyl Ethyl Ketone) of FOB Durban, South Africa, during Q2 2025 remained almost stable, with minor fluctuations throughout the quarter.
The MEK price index in the South African market reflected a balanced supply-demand environment, where steady import volumes and consistent consumption from key downstream sectors such as paints, coatings, and adhesives helped maintain price stability.
While there were brief periods of modest price movement driven by shifts in freight costs and currency exchange rates overall volatility was limited compared to other global regions. The South African MEK market was relatively insulated from the sharper price swings observed in Asia and Europe, particularly during late June when geopolitical tensions elsewhere spiked energy related costs.
As a result, despite some mid-quarter adjustments, MEK prices in Durban showed resilience and held firm. By the end of Q2 2025, the FOB Durban price stood at USD 1,045 per ton, reinforcing the overall trend of a stable yet slightly fluctuating market throughout the quarter.
According to Pricewatch, the price trend for MEK (Methyl Ethyl Ketone) on a CIF basis at Nhava Sheva, India, showed a consistent decline throughout Q2 2025. The MEK price index reflected weakening market fundamentals, driven by sluggish demand from key downstream sectors such as paints, coatings, and adhesives, along with sustained import volumes that contributed to excess supply. This imbalance between supply and demand maintained downward pressure on prices across the quarter.
As a result, the price trend remained negative, and by the end of Q2, the CIF price stood at 96250 INR per ton. The falling price index highlights the overall bearish sentiment in the Indian MEK market during this period.Â
In Q3 2025, the overall Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK) price trend showed a clear decline across global markets, driven by weak downstream demand and sufficient supply levels. The price softened as industries such as paints, coatings, and adhesives continued to operate below capacity, reducing procurement volumes.
Additionally, stable production in key manufacturing hubs, coupled with easing feedstock prices like butylene, contributed to the bearish sentiment. By September, Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK) prices in most regions had adjusted downward, reflecting subdued buying interest and competitive export offers, with no immediate signs of recovery heading into Q4.
USA: Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK) Import prices CIF Houston, USA, Grade- Industrial Grade (99% min).
In the third quarter of 2025, prices for Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK) in the United States fell by 6.00% when compared to the second quarter of 2025. The Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK) price trend in the United States has been primarily driven by weaker demand from key sectors, particularly automotive and chemicals, which showed some slow deliveries. In a softer demand environment, rising freight costs facilitated downward pressure on Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK) prices.
As of September 2025, Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK) prices in the United States remained on a downward trend and exhibited a rather soft market. The outlook for the fourth quarter of 2025, as indicated, continues the focus on major sector demand as critical for MEK price direction and whether it remains downward or stabilizes, depending on sector improvement.
Germany: Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK) Import prices CIF Hamburg, Germany, Grade- Industrial Grade (99% min).
In Q3 2025, prices for Methyl Ethyl Ketone in Germany fell 5% compared to the previous quarter, Q2 2025. The Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK) price trend in Germany has been subject to tapering demand from the major consuming sectors of automotive and coatings, which also saw production slow. The decline in prices has occurred against an oversupply of Methyl Ethyl Ketone while freight costs rose.
In September 2025, Methyl Ethyl Ketone prices in Germany remained lower based on weaker downstream demand and oversupply. The outlook for Q4 2025 remains uncertain and could change as demand from downstream sectors varies.
Netherlands: Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK) Export prices FOB Rotterdam, Netherlands, Grade- Industrial Grade (99% min).
In Q3 2025, Methyl Ethyl Ketone prices in the Netherlands decreased by 5% compared to Q2 2025. Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK) price trend in the Netherlands has primarily been impacted by weaker demand from key sectors like coatings and automotive, which saw slower production. The oversupply of Methyl Ethyl Ketone, combined with rising freight costs, placed downward pressure on prices.
In September 2025, Methyl Ethyl Ketone prices in the Netherlands remained lower, reflecting weaker market conditions. The outlook for Q4 2025 remains cautious, with prices expected to stay subdued unless there is a rebound in demand from downstream industries.
South Africa: Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK) Export prices FOB Durban, South Africa, Grade- Industrial Grade (99% min).
In Q3 2025, Methyl Ethyl Ketone prices in South Africa decreased by 3.0% compared to Q2 2025. Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK) price trend in South Africa was influenced by slower demand from the automotive and chemicals sectors, which faced production slowdowns. Despite stable feedstock costs, the reduction in demand from key downstream industries and rising freight costs contributed to the price decline.
In September 2025, Methyl Ethyl Ketone prices in South Africa continued to show a downward trend, reflecting the weaker market environment. Moving forward, the outlook for Q4 2025 suggests continued price pressure unless demand from major sectors recovers.
China: Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK) Export prices FOB Shanghai, China, Grade- Industrial Grade (99% min).
According to Price-Watch, the price of Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK) in China experienced a drop of about 8% in Q3 2025 compared to Q2 2025. The downward Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK) price trend in China has largely stemmed from reduced demand from both the coatings and chemical sector as some downstream producers reduced operation rates due to the slower influx of orders.
In addition, lower feedstock prices (particularly for propylene and butadiene) and declining freight costs, added downward pressure for MEK prices in China. In September 2025, the price of Methyl Ethyl Ketone in China continued to decrease, due to adequate supply levels and weak activity in the market.
Japan: Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK) Export prices FOB Tokyo, Japan, Grade- Industrial Grade (99% min).
According to Price-Watch, in the third quarter of 2025, the price of Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK) in Japan decreased by almost 8% when compared to the preceding quarter. Decreased demand from the coatings and adhesive classifications drove the Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK) price trend in Japan as end-users reduced production and downstream consumption remained weak in general.
Since domestic consumption has mostly been stagnant with low export activity, cheap feedstocks availability and supply have been steady, further reinforcing price declines in Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK). Price for Methyl Ethyl Ketone in Japan continued to fall in September of 2025, consistent with the market’s stronger supply and hesitancy to purchase.
South Korea: Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK) Import prices CIF Busan, South Korea, Grade- Industrial Grade (99% min).
The price of Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK) in South Korea has decreased by a margin of 8 to 10% in Q3 2025 compared with Q2 2025. The Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK) price trend in South Korea has reflected a drop in the FOB prices of major exporting countries which impacted valuations in the domestic market.
Demand from the coatings and chemicals markets has decreased, with a stable supply also contributing to the downward pressure on prices. The price of Methyl Ethyl Ketone in South Korea continued to fall in September 2025 as a result of lower import prices and moderate consumption from downstream users.
Vietnam: Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK) Import prices CIF Haiphong, Vietnam, Grade- Industrial Grade (99% min).
The price of Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK) in Vietnam fell by approximately 8-10% in the third quarter of 2025 compared to the second quarter of 2025. The Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK) price trend in Vietnam has been impacted by a decline in the free-on-board (FOB) price of MEK in major exporting countries, causing lower entry costs to the Vietnamese marketplace for importers.
Coupled with modest demand in the coatings and adhesive markets, and adequate supply across the market contributed to the decrease in price. For September 2025, the price of Methyl Ethyl Ketone in Vietnam continued to decline following the slow procurement and poor end-user consumption in August 2025.
Indonesia: Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK) Import prices CIF Jakarta, Indonesia, Grade- Industrial Grade (99% min).
Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK) price in Indonesia dropped around 8-10% during the third quarter of 2025 compared to the second quarter of 2025. The Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK) price trend in Indonesia has been affected predominantly by a downward trend in the FOB price offered by the major exporting countries that tampered with the local buyer’s costs for imports to the region.
Softer demand from the coatings and adhesive industries along with overall supply levels in the domestic market being adequate, have contributed to a decline in the Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK) price. In September 2025, Methyl Ethyl Ketone prices in Indonesia continued to decrease, signalling buyers’ cautiousness in following through with purchases and overall downstream purchases have not strong for MEK.
India: Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK) Domestic traded price Ex-Mumbai, India, Grade- Industrial Grade (99% min).
According to Price-Watch, Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK) prices in India (Ex-Mumbai) declined by 5–6% in Q3 2025 compared to Q2, reflecting a broad correction in the regional solvent market.
The Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK) price trend in India weakened as lower import prices from China, driven by reduced FOB offers and high inventories, eased landed costs for Indian importers.
Downstream demand from coatings, adhesives, and resins remained sluggish, prompting manufacturers to limit procurement and maintain lean inventories amid volatile feedstock values.
Though propylene and butadiene prices fluctuated moderately, regional supply softness shaped overall sentiment. By September 2025, MEK prices in India extended their downward trajectory, pressured by weak Chinese export offers, muted domestic consumption, and cautious buyer behavior ahead of the festive and construction demand cycle.
MEK prices witnessed significant downward movements during Q4 2025, mainly driven by sluggish demand from downstream industries such as coatings, adhesives, and other industries, coupled with ample supply. Participants exhibited caution in their buying activities, purchasing only when stock levels are satisfactory.
Prices witnessed some further declines in December as operating costs became less of an issue, and logistics are steady, maintaining the bearish tone. Supply-demand conditions in the quarter are largely balanced, although prices showed some stability towards the end of the quarter due to soft consumer demand.
China:Â MEK Export prices FOB Shanghai, China; Grade- Industrial Grade (99% min)
For the MEK price trend in China in Q4 2025, there has been a decrease of 13.00% compared to the quarterly average in the previous period, mainly because of low demand for downstream products and industrial applications while there is sufficient supply in the market.
The production rate remained constant, although there are conservative purchases and adjustments in inventories that led to low prices. In China, MEK price in December 2025, there has been a decline of 2.00% compared to the monthly average in the previous month, mainly because of conservative buying sentiments and slightly decreased logistics expenses.
Japan:Â MEK Export prices FOB Tokyo, Japan; Grade- Industrial Grade (99% min)
The MEK price trend in Japan in the fourth quarter of 2025 fell by 12.00% when compared to the previous quarter’s average due to low demand from the coating, adhesive, and industrial segments coupled with adequate supply levels. Buyers has conservative purchase plans due to adequate inventory levels, resulting in sluggish market activity.
The MEK price in Japan has been bearish during the quarter owing to steady supply conditions and low downstream consumption. In December 2025, MEK price in Japan witnessed a fall of 3.00% when compared to the previous month’s average due to weak purchasing sentiments and reduced logistics expenses.
Netherlands:Â MEK Export prices FOB Rotterdam, Netherlands; Grade- Industrial Grade (99% min)
The MEK price trend in the Netherlands during Q4 2025 decreased by 13.00% in comparison with the quarterly average price level, driven by lower demand for coatings, adhesives, and other applications along with adequate supply conditions. Buyers are conservative in their purchasing activities owing to adequate stock levels.
The MEK price in the Netherlands displayed a bearish outlook through the entire quarter, driven by steady supply and low demand dynamics. In December 2025, MEK price in the Netherlands decreased by 6.00% in comparison with the average price level in November, owing to the weak buying interest and lower logistics expenses.
South Africa:Â MEK Export prices FOB Durban, South Africa; Grade- Industrial Grade (99% min)
MEK price in South Africa has declined by approximately 5.5% in Q4 2025 compared with the previous quarter average, primarily due to weaker demand from the coatings, adhesives, and industrial sectors alongside sufficient supply availability.
The MEK price trend in South Africa has remained under pressure as buyers have maintained cautious procurement strategies, limiting fresh purchases amid already adequate inventories. Throughout the quarter, the market has sustained a generally weak tone, supported by stable supply conditions and subdued downstream consumption.
In South Africa, MEK prices in December 2025 have declined by nearly 2.0% compared with the previous month average, reflecting continued low buying interest and a slight easing in logistics-related costs. Overall, the quarter has reflected persistent pricing pressure, with only limited signs of stabilization emerging toward the year-end.
South Korea (CIF from China):Â MEK Import prices CIF Busan, South Korea; Grade- Industrial Grade (99% min)
The MEK prices in South Korea for Q4 2025 fell by 13.00% in comparison with the average prices of the last quarter due to poor demand in the coatings, adhesives, and industrial sectors, combined with adequate supplies. In general, market players took a conservative approach to buying, restraining their purchasing activities with enough stocks on hand.
The MEK price trend in South Korea demonstrated a bearish outlook for the whole quarter, affected by well-balanced supply and inactive consumer activity. In South Korea, MEK prices in December 2025 decreased by 2.00% compared to the previous month due to poor consumer sentiments and reduced logistics expenses.
Vietnam (CIF from China):Â MEK Import prices CIF Haiphong, Vietnam; Grade- Industrial Grade (99% min)
MEK price trend in Vietnam during Q4 2025 saw an overall decrease of 13.00% on a quarterly average basis, largely because of low demand from coatings, adhesives, and industries on account of ample supply levels. The market players adopted a cautious buying approach, considering their healthy stock level.
The MEK price in Vietnam during Q4 2025 has been negative on the back of equilibrium between supply and demand along with low consumption from downstream sectors. In December 2025, MEK price in Vietnam saw a decrease of 2.00% against November’s average, due to continued weak purchasing trends and reduction in logistics charges.
India (CIF from China):Â MEK Import prices CIF Nhava Sheva, India; Grade- Industrial Grade (99% min)
In Q4 2025, the MEK price trend in India declined by 13.00% as compared to the previous quarter average, reflecting soft demand from coatings, adhesives, and industrial sectors amid ample supply availability. Market participants limited procurement due to sufficient inventories, resulting in subdued buying activity.
The MEK price in India showed a bearish trend throughout the quarter, driven by balanced supply and weak downstream consumption. In December 2025, MEK price in India declined by 1.00% as compared to the previous month average, supported by stable logistics costs and continued cautious purchasing. Overall, the quarter experienced significant price weakness with minor stabilization toward year-end.
Indonesia (CIF from China):Â MEK Import prices CIF Jakarta, Indonesia; Grade- Industrial Grade (99% min)
In Q4 2025, the MEK price trend in Indonesia declined by 13.00% as compared to the previous quarter average, reflecting weak demand from coatings, adhesives, and industrial applications along with ample supply availability.
Market participants remained cautious in procurement, resulting in reduced buying activity. The MEK price in Indonesia showed a generally bearish trend throughout the quarter, influenced by stable supply and subdued downstream consumption.
In December 2025, MEK price in Indonesia declined by 1.50% as compared to the previous month average, driven by continued soft buying sentiment and slight easing in logistics costs. Overall, the quarter experienced notable price weakness with moderate stabilization toward the year-end.
USA (CIF from Netherlands):Â MEK Import prices CIF Houston, USA; Grade- Industrial Grade (99% min)
In Q4 2025, the MEK price trend in the USA declined by 13.00% as compared to the previous quarter average, pressured by soft demand from coatings, adhesives, and industrial sectors along with ample supply availability.
Buyers remained cautious in procurement, limiting purchases due to sufficient inventories. The MEK price in the USA showed a generally bearish trend throughout the quarter, influenced by balanced supply and subdued downstream activity.
In December 2025, MEK price in the USA declined by 5.00% as compared to the previous month average, driven by continued weak buying sentiment and minor easing in logistics costs. Overall, the quarter experienced significant price weakness with slight stabilization toward year-end.
Germany (CIF from Netherlands):Â MEK Import prices CIF Antwerp, Germany; Grade- Industrial Grade (99% min)
In Q4 2025, the MEK price trend in Germany declined by 12.50% as compared to the previous quarter average, pressured by soft demand from coatings, adhesives, and industrial sectors amid ample supply availability.
Buyers maintained cautious procurement, limiting purchases due to sufficient inventories and stable logistics. The MEK price in Germany showed a generally bearish trend throughout the quarter, reflecting balanced supply-demand dynamics and subdued downstream consumption.
In December 2025, MEK price in Germany declined by 6.00% as compared to the previous month average, driven by continued weak buying sentiment and minor easing in costs. Overall, the quarter experienced notable price weakness with gradual stabilization toward year-end.
