Methyl Isobutyl Ketone (MIBK) showed inverse price movement in China and the USA at the end of March, indicating distinct market dynamics.  Prices steadily declined in the Chinese market as a result of decreasing feedstock costs, oversupply, and less demand.  Due to supply constraints and downstream demand, the US market saw price increases in the third week of March before stabilizing in the last week of the month.

In the last two weeks of March, MIBK prices in China saw a significant decline. In the third week, MIBK prices declined slightly, partially due to supply and demand dynamics. On the supply side, manufacturing activity expanded, resulting in steady production of MIBK, while the price of feedstock acetone remained stable, and the price of isopropyl alcohol declined a bit. The demand for paints and coatings was steady, and the downstream procurements were mediocre.  However, sluggish on-site purchase and slow products movement resulted from the market's poor purchasing sentiment and the terminal factories' lack of notable load increases, which helped to lower prices overall.

Due to lackluster market mood and stable supply, MIBK prices fell even more during the final week of March.  Prices for feedstock acetone stayed the same, but isopropyl alcohol kept falling, which also contributed to the price drop.  China's trading activity was low, with purchases being made only when necessary, indicating cautious consumer behavior. With adequate supply, lackluster demand, and steady production cost, downward pressure on MIBK led to an overarching decline in the price into bearish conditions.

In the third week of March, MIBK prices in the USA increased, driven by supply limitations and continued demand from downstream sectors. High freight costs further contributed to rising transportation expenses, amplifying price hikes. Restricted exports and ongoing supply chain problems also had a part in the rise in MIBK's price during that time. 

Due to balanced supply and demand dynamics, MIBK prices in the USA steadied during the past week.  Furthermore, despite price pressures, price stability was aided by logistical problems and the export panic, which took a while to resolve.

According to ChemAnalyst, in the coming weeks, Chinese MIBK prices may remain under pressure because of the oversupply situation and the weak underlying demand fundamentals. Weak buying continues to suggest that the bearish trend will continue unless demand rebounds from upstream sources. In the USA, MIBK prices may stabilize in the short term, given the improved supply conditions. However, logistics issues or demand surges in downstream end-users could change pricing patterns in the following weeks. Continued global market sentiment and feedstock pricing trends remain key drivers for direction in pricing.