China
Japan
Netherlands
South Africa
United States
India
Vietnam
Indonesia
South Korea
GermanyAccording to PriceWatch, the price trend for Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK) on an FOB Shanghai basis in Q2 2025 was largely characterized by a gradual decline during most of the quarter. This was driven by sluggish demand, stable production levels, and steady export availability.
The MEK price index reflected this weakening momentum. Prices remained under pressure due to subdued activity in downstream sectors such as paints, coatings, and adhesives.
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 PriceWatch, 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 Pricewatch, 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.
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.
In Q4 2024, MAK prices experienced a slight decline of 0.07%, moving from USD3,525 in October to USD3,510 by December. This minor drop reflects a slightly weaker demand in some end-user industries, particularly as seasonal factors influenced consumption patterns. Despite this, prices remained within a narrow range, with moderate demand continuing to come from sectors like paints and coatings. The stable feedstock availability and steady but lower seasonal demand helped maintain prices at relatively stable levels.
In Q3 2024, Methyl n-Amyl Ketone (MAK) prices remained stable at around USD 3520/Ton. This stability was driven by a balance between supply and demand, with steady consumption from end-user industries. Although there were fluctuations in demand, particularly in the paint and coatings sectors, the overall market conditions allowed prices to maintain a steady level. The stability in Q3 was supported by consistent feedstock availability and moderate industry demand.
In Q2 2024, the price surged to 3550 due to increased demand in the end-use market. This rise in price can be attributed to the growing need for the product, driven by various factors such as heightened consumer demand, shifts in market conditions, and potentially changes in production or supply chain dynamics. The increased end-use demand created upward pressure on prices, leading to this significant increase.
In Q1 2024, Methyl n-Amyl Ketone (MAK) prices were around USD 3200/Ton, primarily due to weakened demand from end-user industries. The lower consumption in key sectors, such as paints and coatings, significantly impacted the market, causing a decline in prices. Reduced activity in these industries, especially during the winter months, contributed to the overall softness in demand. This led to the lower price levels observed in Q1, the trend was largely driven by the continued sluggishness in end-user consumption, which affected both the supply chain and market pricing.
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 peaks
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.
MAK prices in Q1 2024 began on a weaker note due to sluggish demand from downstream sectors like paints and coatings, with January seeing the lowest point at INR 274,000. However, a gradual recovery began in February and March, as indicated by monthly increases of 3.01% and 2.75%, respectively. This late-quarter rise suggests a slow return in industrial activity post-winter, aligning with slightly improving market sentiments, although the quarter overall remained relatively soft.
In Q2 2024, prices peaked in April at INR 301,000 due to strong end-user demand, reflecting heightened consumption in industrial sectors. However, prices plateaued in May and declined slightly in June, indicating stabilization after the April surge. This pattern aligns with a temporary demand spike, possibly from procurement cycles or restocking, followed by normalized market activity and slight downward corrections in the latter part of the quarter.
Q3 2024 saw stable MAK prices, maintaining levels close to INR 304,000–306,000 throughout the quarter. Minor fluctuations occurred, with a small drop in August and a marginal rebound in September. This steadiness reflects a balanced market where supply met consistent demand, particularly from coatings and industrial users, in line with seasonal maintenance schedules and steady feedstock availability.
During Q4 2024, prices remained within a narrow band, showing a minor overall rise of about 0.14% over the quarter. This marginal increase indicates stability in the market, with consistent but moderate demand as seasonal consumption slowed slightly. Paints and coatings industries likely maintained baseline purchasing, and ample feedstock ensured price volatility was minimal.
Molecular Weight[g/mol]
CAS No
HS Code
Molecular Formula
Packaging Type
Methyl Ethyl Ketone Grades Covered
Incoterms Used
Synonym
PriceWatch Quotation Terms:
Ex-Location: This incoterm refers to a shipping agreement where the seller makes the goods available at their premises, and the buyer is responsible for all transportation costs, including shipping, insurance, and any other fees.
CIF: CIF refers to the Cost, Insurance, and Freight (CIF) terms for goods. Under CIF terms, the seller is responsible for the cost of goods, insurance, and freight charges until the goods reach the port of destination.
FD: FD stands for Free Delivered where the seller takes full responsibility for delivering goods to the location/port. This ensures the buyer receives the goods at the designated port with all necessary costs, except import duties, covered.
FOB: FOB refers to the Free On-Board shipping term, where the seller is responsible for the cost and risk of delivering the goods to the port. Once the goods are on board the vessel, the responsibility shifts to the buyer for all costs, including shipping and insurance.
| Property | Specification |
| Purity |
99% Min |
| Boiling Point | 79.6°C |
| Melting Point | -87 °C |
| Density [g/cm3] | 0.803 to 0.807 |
| Appearance | Clear and Bright (Liquid) |
| Color | 10 |
| Ignition temperature | 514 °C |
| Explosion limit | 1.8 - 11.5 %(V) |
Methyl Ethyl Ketone Industrial Applications
Paints & Coating Industry, Adhesives, Sealants, and Printing inks, others
Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK) is a fast-evaporating, highly effective solvent with a wide range of industrial applications. It is primarily used in the paint and coatings industry for thinning resins and improving drying times. MEK is also a key solvent in adhesives, sealants, and printing inks, providing excellent solubility and fast evaporation. In the plastics and textiles industries, it is used for surface preparation and cleaning.
Additionally, MEK plays a role in pharmaceutical manufacturing and extraction processes and serves as a chemical intermediate in the production of other compounds. Its strong solvency, low boiling point, and ability to dissolve a variety of substances make it a versatile solvent across many sectors.
These events underscore the Methyl Ethyl Ketone market’s vulnerability to global disruptions and highlight the need for continuous monitoring of supply-demand dynamics.
PriceWatch is your trusted resource for tracking global methyl ethyl ketone price trends. Our platform delivers real-time data and expert analysis, offering deep insights into the key factors driving price fluctuations in the methyl ethyl ketone market. By monitoring critical events such as geopolitical tensions, supply chain disruptions, and economic shifts, PriceWatch keeps you fully informed of market dynamics.
In addition, PriceWatch provides detailed forecasts and updates on production capacities, enabling you to anticipate market changes and make well-informed decisions. With PriceWatch, you gain a competitive edge in understanding all the elements that influence methyl ethyl ketone prices worldwide. Stay ahead of the curve with PriceWatch’s reliable, accurate, and timely methyl ethyl ketone market data.
Track PriceWatch's methyl ethyl ketone price assessment on a weekly basis since 2015 onwards, along with short-term forecasts, and get access to the detailed report in a downloadable format.
This research methodology ensures that PriceWatch delivers the most accurate, timely, and actionable Methyl Ethyl Ketone pricing assessments, helping our clients stay ahead of market trends and make informed business decisions.
Molecular Weight[g/mol]
CAS No
HS Code
Molecular Formula
Packaging Type
Grades Covered
Incoterms Used
Synonym
PriceWatch Quotation Terms:
Ex-Location: This incoterm refers to a shipping agreement where the seller makes the goods available at their premises, and the buyer is responsible for all transportation costs, including shipping, insurance, and any other fees.
CIF: CIF refers to the Cost, Insurance, and Freight (CIF) terms for goods. Under CIF terms, the seller is responsible for the cost of goods, insurance, and freight charges until the goods reach the port of destination.
FD: FD stands for Free Delivered where the seller takes full responsibility for delivering goods to the location/port. This ensures the buyer receives the goods at the designated port with all necessary costs, except import duties, covered.
FOB: FOB refers to the Free On-Board shipping term, where the seller is responsible for the cost and risk of delivering the goods to the port. Once the goods are on board the vessel, the responsibility shifts to the buyer for all costs, including shipping and insurance.
| Property | Specification |
| Purity |
99% Min |
| Boiling Point | 79.6°C |
| Melting Point | -87 °C |
| Density [g/cm3] | 0.803 to 0.807 |
| Appearance | Clear and Bright (Liquid) |
| Color | 10 |
| Ignition temperature | 514 °C |
| Explosion limit | 1.8 - 11.5 %(V) |
Applications
Paints & Coating Industry, Adhesives, Sealants, and Printing inks, others
Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK) is a fast-evaporating, highly effective solvent with a wide range of industrial applications. It is primarily used in the paint and coatings industry for thinning resins and improving drying times. MEK is also a key solvent in adhesives, sealants, and printing inks, providing excellent solubility and fast evaporation. In the plastics and textiles industries, it is used for surface preparation and cleaning.
Additionally, MEK plays a role in pharmaceutical manufacturing and extraction processes and serves as a chemical intermediate in the production of other compounds. Its strong solvency, low boiling point, and ability to dissolve a variety of substances make it a versatile solvent across many sectors.
Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK) prices are primarily driven by the cost of raw materials like n-butanol and crude oil, as well as demand from key downstream industries such as paints, coatings, adhesives, and pharmaceuticals. Price fluctuations also stem from global supply chain disruptions, plant shutdowns, and freight costs. Environmental regulations, especially those targeting VOC emissions can limit MEK production or shift demand toward alternative solvents. Additionally, currency exchange rates, seasonal demand cycles, and geopolitical events all influence MEK pricing. Together, these factors create a highly dynamic and interdependent market.
Regional production plays a significant role in Methyl Ethyl Ketone pricing. Regions with high production, like Asia-Pacific, tend to have more competitive pricing due to local availability, whereas regions that rely on imports, such as North America and Europe, often face higher costs due to transportation fees, import duties, and potential supply chain disruptions.
The latest pricing trends for Methyl Ethyl Ketone often reflect fluctuations in the cost of raw materials and changes in global supply chains. To secure better rates, procurement heads can consider locking in long-term contracts with suppliers, monitoring global price trends and indices, and optimizing bulk purchasing strategies to take advantage of volume discounts.
