Methyl Isobutyl Ketone Pricing Assessment

  • Commodity Pricing

methyl isobutyl ketone Markets Covered: 

krKorea
zaSouth Africa
inIndia
cnChina
beBelgium
sgSingapore

methyl isobutyl ketone Markets Covered: 

Global methyl isobutyl ketone Price Trend, Analysis and Forecast​

In Q1 2025, South Korea Methyl Isobutyl Ketone (MIBK) prices saw a significant drop of 15.37%, falling to $1,366/MT. This decline was a result of a market correction after the sharp price increase in the previous quarter, which caused an oversupply and weaker demand. Similarly, in South Africa, MIBK prices dropped by 15.13%, falling to $1,358/MT. This decrease also reflected a natural market correction following the earlier surge in prices, as the initial demand-driven price hikes began to stabilize. 

In Q4 2024, South Korea Methyl Isobutyl Ketone (MIBK) prices continued their upward trend, rising by 3.66% to $1,614/MT, supported by ongoing robust demand and a tighter supply situation in the market. The tight supply combined with stable consumption patterns resulted in a slight price increase. In South Africa, MIBK prices followed a similar trajectory, increasing by 7.82%, reaching $1,600/MT. This rise was driven by strong domestic demand paired with a limited supply, making the market more competitive and pushing prices higher. 

In Q3 2024, South Korea MIBK (Methyl Isobutyl Ketone) prices rose by 7.38%, reaching $1,557/MT, as demand strengthened, and overall market conditions improved. This was a positive outcome from a period of market adjustment, reflecting a healthier balance of supply and demand. In South Africa, MIBK prices rose by 6.84%, reaching $1,484/MT. This was due to an uptick in demand, which helped to stabilize the market after previous fluctuations, further buoyed by a return of industrial activity. 

In Q2 2024, South Korea MIBK (Methyl Isobutyl Ketone) prices increased by 2.18%, rising to $1,450/MT. This moderate rise was a sign of a modest recovery in consumption and market activity after the lower price levels observed in the earlier quarters. Likewise, South Africa saw an increase of 4.04%, reaching $1,389/MT, supported by a recovery in overall market activity and increasing demand for MIBK as industrial production picked up. 

In Q1 2024, South Korea MIBK (Methyl Isobutyl Ketone) prices fell by 5.08%, dropping to $1,419/MT. This decline was largely driven by softer market conditions and reduced demand after the strong price performance in Q4 2023. Similarly, in South Africa, MIBK prices fell by 0.96%, dropping to $1,335/MT, due to weaker demand in the early part of the year, as market participants adjusted to the ongoing economic and industrial trends. 

India methyl isobutyl ketone Price Trend, Analysis and Forecast

In Q1 2025, MIBK prices fell by 14.34%, dropping to $1,475/MT, as the market corrected after the previous price surge. This significant decrease was a result of the market adjusting to the high prices seen in late 2024, with demand moderating and supply conditions stabilizing. In India, MIBK prices fell by 1.87%, dropping to ₹152,880/MT, as the market softened following the previous price hikes. The decline in prices reflected a natural correction after several months of upward pressure and a slight dip in demand. 

In Q4 2024, MIBK prices increased by 1.95%, reaching $1,722/MT, fueled by consistent demand and persistent supply constraints. This increase, although moderate, indicated a persistent market tightness as demand remained robust. In India, MIBK prices increased by 2.79%, reaching ₹155,800/MT, reflecting sustained demand and rising production costs. This price growth was also influenced by higher raw material costs and continued domestic consumption, which kept upward pressure on prices. 

In Q3 2024, MIBK prices saw a significant increase of 9.46%, rising to $1,689/MT, driven by stronger demand and tightening supply. This sharp increase was due to intensified market activity and an imbalance between supply and rising consumption. In India, MIBK prices saw an increase of 6.68%, reaching ₹151,570/MT, as the domestic market experienced further demand growth and supply constraints. The price hike was a result of increasing industrial requirements and tighter availability, pushing prices higher. 

In Q2 2024, MIBK prices rose by 2.66%, reaching $1,543/MT, supported by a recovery in market conditions and an increase in demand. This price growth was driven by better market fundamentals, including a pickup in industrial activity and stronger consumption as the year progressed. Similarly, Indian MIBK prices rose by 5.90%, reaching ₹142,080/MT, as domestic consumption remained strong, supported by increasing industrial demand and steady market dynamics. 

In Q1 2024, MIBK prices decreased by 1.57%, dropping to $1,503/MT, reflecting softer demand during the early part of the year. The decline was largely driven by a temporary slowdown in consumption, as market participants adjusted to the aftereffects of higher demand in the previous quarter. In India, MIBK prices increased by 1.62%, rising to ₹134,160/MT, driven by relatively stable demand and some market adjustments. The increase was a result of slight upticks in consumption, maintaining a steady balance between supply and demand in the local market. 

methyl isobutyl ketone Parameters Covered: 

  • Acetone  
  • South Korea
  • South Africa
  • Paints and Coatings Industry
  • Adhesives and Sealants
  • Pharmaceuticals
  • Rubber and Tire Industry
  • Cleaning and Degreasing Agents
  • Printing Inks
  • India
  • Singapore
  • Belgium
  • China

methyl isobutyl ketone Parameters Covered: 

  • Acetone  
  • South Korea
  • South Africa
  • Paints and Coatings Industry
  • Adhesives and Sealants
  • Pharmaceuticals
  • Rubber and Tire Industry
  • Cleaning and Degreasing Agents
  • Printing Inks
  • India
  • Singapore
  • Belgium
  • China

Why PriceWatch?

PriceWatch is your trusted resource for tracking global methyl isobutyl 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 isobutyl 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 isobutyl ketone prices worldwide. Stay ahead of the curve with PriceWatch’s reliable, accurate, and timely methyl isobutyl ketone market data.

Track PriceWatch's methyl isobutyl 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.

Historically, several events have caused significant fluctuations in Methyl Isobutyl Ketone prices

  • Israel-Hamas Conflict (2023-Present): The ongoing conflict has disrupted trade routes and supply chains in the Middle East, affecting the availability and costs of raw materials critical for MIBK production, impacting markets globally, including South Africa and South Korea. 
  • Russia-Ukraine Conflict (2022-Present): This war has severely disrupted production and supply chains across Europe, particularly impacting Belgium and the Netherlands. These disruptions have led to increased costs and heightened global price volatility for MIBK, affecting importing markets like India and China. 
  • COVID-19 Pandemic (2020-Present): The pandemic caused initial disruptions in production and a sharp decline in demand across several sectors. As economies recovered, demand surged in markets such as India and China, significantly impacting MIBK prices. 
  • Environmental Regulations and Protests (2019-Present): Stricter environmental regulations in South Korea and India, along with protest industrial pollution, have led to increased production costs and compliance challenges, contributing to price increases in the MIBK market. 
  • Geopolitical Tensions and Trade Wars (2018-Present): Ongoing trade tensions, particularly between the U.S. and China, have created uncertainties in global supply chains. This has affected import/export dynamics for MIBK, especially in South Africa, South Korea, and key importing markets like Belgium and Singapore. 


These events underscore the MIBK market’s vulnerability to global disruptions and highlight the importance of continuous monitoring of supply-demand dynamics. 

Data Collection and Sources​

  • Real-Time Market Data: PriceWatch aggregates real-time pricing data from various sources, including global commodity exchanges, industry reports, and proprietary databases. This ensures our assessments reflect the most current market conditions for MIBK. 
  • On-the-Ground Intelligence: Our team gathers insights directly from key market participants, including producers, suppliers, traders, and end-users across major MIBK production hubs. This ground-level intelligence is crucial for understanding localized market dynamics. 
  • Supply Chain Monitoring: We track the entire MIBK supply chain, from raw material availability (e.g., acetone, butanol, Hydrogen) to production and distribution channels, including monitoring feedstock prices, production capacities, and transportation logistics.

Event Tracking and Impact Analysis​

  • Geopolitical Tensions: PriceWatch continuously monitors global geopolitical developments, such as conflicts or trade disputes, that can significantly impact MIBK prices. Our analysis considers potential disruptions to supply chains and their immediate and long-term effects on pricing. 
  • Natural Disasters and Climate Events: We assess the impact of natural disasters, such as hurricanes or floods, on MIBK production facilities, particularly in vulnerable regions. These events are factored into our price forecasts and supply outlooks. 
  • Economic Shifts: PriceWatch evaluates macroeconomic trends, including global economic growth, inflation rates, and sector-specific demand (e.g., automotive, coatings), to predict shifts in MIBK demand and corresponding price movements. 

Production Capacity and Supply Analysis

  • Current Production Monitoring: We maintain a comprehensive database of global MIBK production facilities, tracking their operational status, maintenance schedules, and output levels. This allows us to accurately assess current supply availability. 
  • Future Capacity Projections: Our research includes detailed forecasts of upcoming MIBK production capacities, factoring in new plant constructions, expansions, and technological advancements. This helps predict future supply trends and potential price stabilization.

Demand Forecasting

  • Sectoral Demand Analysis: PriceWatch provides in-depth analysis of demand trends across key sectors, including automotive and coatings. We track year-on-year demand growth and project future consumption patterns based on economic indicators and industry developments. 
  • Global Demand Dynamics: Our methodology considers regional demand variations and how they influence global MIBK pricing, including shifts in manufacturing bases, trade policies, and environmental regulations. 

Pricing Model Development

  • Dynamic Pricing Models: PriceWatch utilizes advanced econometric models to forecast MIBK prices, incorporating real-time data, historical trends, and projected market conditions. Our models are continuously refined to enhance accuracy and predictive power. 
  • Scenario Analysis: We conduct scenario-based assessments to evaluate potential future market conditions, including best-case, worst-case, and most likely scenarios, helping our clients prepare for a range of market outcomes. 

Reporting and Client Support

  • Comprehensive Reports: Our clients receive detailed reports that include current price assessments, future price forecasts, and in-depth analysis of market drivers. These reports are designed to be actionable, providing clear insights and recommendations. 
  • Ongoing Support: PriceWatch offers continuous updates and personalized support to our clients, ensuring they have the most up-to-date information to make informed decisions. Our experts are available to discuss specific market developments and provide tailored advice. 

This research methodology ensures that PriceWatch delivers the most accurate, timely, and actionable MIBK pricing assessments, helping our clients stay ahead of market trends and make informed business decisions. 

Molecular Weight[g/mol]

100.16

CAS No

108-10-1

HS Code

29141300

Molecular Formula

C6H12O
methyl isobutyl ketone

Methyl Iso-Butyl Ketone (MIBK) is a colorless, volatile solvent with a mild odor, commonly used in industrial applications. Known for its excellent solvency power, MIBK is widely used in paints, coatings, adhesives, and cleaning products. It serves as a solvent in the extraction of precious metals and as a key ingredient in the production of chemicals like methyl isobutyl carbinol. MIBK’s ability to dissolve a wide range of substances makes it an essential component in various industries, offering effective performance in diverse applications.

Packaging Type

ISO Tank

Grades Covered

Industrial Grade

Incoterms Used

FOB South Korea, FOB South Africa, CIF Shanghai (South Korea), CIF Nhava Sheva (South Korea), CIF Belgium (South Africa), CIF Singapore (South Africa), Ex- India

Synonym

Isobutyl methyl ketone, Isopropyl acetone, 2-Methyl-4-pentanone; 4-Methyl-2-Pentanone, 4-Methyl-2-oxopentane, 2-Methylpropylmethylketone, Hexone, Isohexanone, Isobutyl methyl ketone.

PriceWatch Quotation Terms:

25-28 MT, 10 MT (India)

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 Table: 

Property  Value  Unit 
Appearance  Clear liquid   
Purity  99.5  % 
Colour  10 Max  Pt-Co 
Density @20 C  0.799~0.802  g/m^3 
Water Content  0.1 Max  Wt.% 
Acidity as acetic acid  0.002 Max  Wt.% 

Applications

Methyl isobutyl ketone (MIBK) is a versatile solvent widely used in various industrial applications. One of its primary uses is in the automotive and coatings industries, where it serves as a solvent for paints, varnishes, and coatings. MIBK enhances the solubility of resins and facilitates smooth application, ensuring high-quality finishes. Its ability to evaporate quickly without leaving residues makes it ideal for use in formulations that require rapid drying, thus improving productivity in manufacturing processes. In addition to coatings, MIBK plays a crucial role in the chemical industry as a feedstock to produce various chemicals and pharmaceuticals. It is utilized in synthesizing compounds such as antioxidants, agrochemicals, and specialty chemicals. MIBK’s chemical stability and compatibility with a wide range of reactants make it an essential component in many chemical processes, contributing to the production of high-performance materials. MIBK is increasingly recognized for its applications in the extraction and separation processes. It is employed as a solvent in the extraction of specific metal ions and organic compounds from mixtures, enhancing the efficiency of separation techniques. Its effectiveness in selectively dissolving certain substances positions MIBK as a valuable tool in industries such as mining and wastewater treatment, where efficient recovery of valuable resources is essential. As industries continue to seek sustainable and effective solutions, MIBK’s versatility and performance characteristics will remain integral to various applications. 

Methyl Isobutyl Ketone price provided by PriceWatch is a base price and excludes VAT/Taxes, discounts, or offers. The information herein is accurate to the best of our knowledge as of the date indicated and is provided solely for the convenience of our customers as a reference for methyl isobutyl ketone. PriceWatch disclaims any warranties or representations regarding the accuracy of results derived from this information. It is the sole responsibility of the user to assess the suitability of the product for their specific application. This document does not constitute an endorsement to use the product in violation of any applicable patent rights.

The pricing of Methyl Isobutyl Ketone (MIBK) is influenced by several key factors, including fluctuations in raw material costs, particularly acetone and isobutylene, as well as changes in global supply and demand dynamics. Production capacity, technological advancements, and regulatory changes can also lead to price volatility. Understanding these factors is essential for procurement heads to effectively manage budgets and secure competitive pricing for MIBK.

Market trends can significantly impact the availability and pricing of MIBK through variations in demand from key sectors, such as coatings, adhesives, and pharmaceuticals. For example, an increase in demand for solvent-based products can drive prices higher. Procurement teams should closely monitor these trends to ensure a reliable supply chain and anticipate potential disruptions that may affect sourcing strategies.

Sustainability is increasingly important in the procurement of MIBK. When sourcing, procurement heads should evaluate suppliers based on their environmental practices, compliance with safety regulations, and efforts to utilize renewable feedstocks. Prioritizing suppliers with sustainable production methods not only aligns with corporate responsibility goals but also helps mitigate risks associated with regulatory changes and the growing consumer demand for eco-friendly

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