For the Quarter Ending December 2025
North America
• In the USA, the Methyl Isobutyl Ketone Price Index fell by 8.82% quarter-over-quarter, driven by oversupply.
• The average Methyl Isobutyl Ketone price for the quarter was approximately USD 2364.67/MT FOB Texas
• Methyl Isobutyl Ketone Spot Price remained muted amid ample Gulf availability and subdued export inquiries.
• Methyl Isobutyl Ketone Price Forecast shows volatility as year-end destocking offsets anticipated post-holiday restocking demand.
• Methyl Isobutyl Ketone Production Cost Trend saw modest easing as acetone feedstock prices declined slightly.
• Methyl Isobutyl Ketone Demand Outlook remains cautious with construction slowing and rubber chemicals reducing purchases.
• Methyl Isobutyl Ketone Price Index stability reflected plant operations and elevated distributor inventories across hubs.
• Producers ran steady with Monument and Dow operating, pressuring spot liquidity and prompting distributor builds.
• Weak export demand to Latin America and Europe limited spot premiums, supporting domestic price pressure.
Why did the price of Methyl Isobutyl Ketone change in December 2025 in North America?
• Elevated Gulf Coast plant runs kept supply abundant, pressuring quotes despite seasonal demand softness overall.
• Acetone feedstock eased modestly, slightly reducing production costs but failing to offset weak downstream purchasing.
• Tariff uncertainty and prolonged distributor destocking lengthened buying cycles, constraining spot activity and transactional volumes.
APAC
• In Japan, the Methyl Isobutyl Ketone Price Index fell by 5.85% quarter-over-quarter, amid subdued demand.
• The average Methyl Isobutyl Ketone price for the quarter was approximately USD 1983.67/MT, reported data.
• Methyl Isobutyl Ketone Spot Price weakened as port inventories climbed and buyers deferred purchases broadly.
• Methyl Isobutyl Ketone Price Forecast anticipates modest near-term softness with occasional tightness around holiday restarts.
• Methyl Isobutyl Ketone Production Cost Trend saw muted pressure as acetone feedstock prices remained stable.
• Methyl Isobutyl Ketone Demand Outlook is subdued with conservative buying and seasonally softer coatings consumption.
• Methyl Isobutyl Ketone Price Index tracked domestic output stability and balanced regional imports, maintaining equilibrium.
• High port stocks and cautious distributor buying limited spot activity, constraining upward near-term price momentum.
Why did the price of Methyl Isobutyl Ketone change in December 2025 in APAC?
• Domestic supply remained ample with high utilization and imports, limiting price support from tightening markets.
• Downstream demand softened as coatings and adhesives buyers adopted hand-to-mouth procurement, reducing immediate purchase pressure.
• Stable feedstock acetone pricing reduced cost pressures, yet currency weakness kept landed costs marginally elevated.
Europe
• In Europe, the Methyl Isobutyl Ketone Price Index edged modestly lower over Q4 2025, reflecting subdued downstream demand and stable supply conditions across key industrial sectors.
• Methyl Isobutyl Ketone Spot Price eased in December as supply remained adequate, inventories at distributors were ample, and buyers in coatings and adhesives delayed purchasing in anticipation of year-end rolls and softer demand cycles.
• Methyl Isobutyl Ketone Price Forecast for early 2026 points to mild range-bound volatility, as regulatory pressure on solvents and feedstock dynamics (notably acetone availability) are expected to influence pricing more than seasonal cycles.
• Methyl Isobutyl Ketone Production Cost Trend saw moderate upward pressure earlier in Q4 with feedstock acetone and isopropanol cost influences, but cost impetus softened toward year-end as feedstock supply and energy inputs stabilised.
• Methyl Isobutyl Ketone Demand Outlook in Europe remained mixed — demand from automotive and industrial coatings segments provided baseline support, while strict VOC (volatile organic compound) regulations and the shift toward water-borne formulations weighed on broader solvent uptake.
• The Methyl Isobutyl Ketone Price Index recorded mild Q4 pressure as buyers adopted conservative procurement patterns amid economic headwinds and transition toward low-VOC solvent alternatives.
• Downstream sectors such as rubber processing and pharmaceuticals sustained niche demand, helping prevent a steeper price decline despite general softness in coatings and construction adhesives.
Why did the price of Methyl Isobutyl Ketone change in December 2025 in Europe?
• In December 2025, the Methyl Isobutyl Ketone Price Index decreased as spot supply exceeded immediate offtake due to conservative buyer strategies ahead of year-end budgeting.
• Adequate feedstock supplies, particularly acetone, and steady production kept cost pressures limited, reducing the urgency for price increases.
• Weaker demand signals from major end-use markets (coatings, adhesives) amid regulatory shifts toward low-VOC technologies also suppressed active bidding.
For the Quarter Ending September 2025
North America
• In the USA, the Methyl Isobutyl Ketone Price Index fell by 0.26% quarter-over-quarter due, weak exports.
• The average Methyl Isobutyl Ketone price for the quarter was approximately USD 2593.33/MT, FOB Texas.
• Methyl Isobutyl Ketone Spot Price remained steady during the summer, supported by stable acetone, IPA feedstock.
• Methyl Isobutyl Ketone Price Forecast reflects modest near-term softness as inventories and export demand rebalance.
• Methyl Isobutyl Ketone Production Cost Trend showed limited relief from acetone weakness, keeping margins stable.
• Methyl Isobutyl Ketone Demand Outlook is subdued with mixed construction and coatings activity limiting purchasing.
• Gulf Coast inventory overhang and cautious buyers pressured spot liquidity, marginally weighing on spot pricing.
• Major U.S. producers ran without outages, sustaining supply and supporting the Methyl Isobutyl Ketone Price Index.
Why did the price of Methyl Isobutyl Ketone change in September 2025 in North America?
• Abundant feedstock and high operating rates increased supply, pushing the Methyl Isobutyl Ketone Price Index lower.
• Muted export demand reduced offtake, leaving more volume domestically, softening the Methyl Isobutyl Ketone Price Index.
• Stable to lower acetone costs limited cost-push, allowing producers to maintain offers, price stability.
APAC
• In Japan, the Methyl Isobutyl Ketone Price Index fell by 2.38% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting muted demand.
• The average Methyl Isobutyl Ketone price for the quarter was approximately USD 2107/MT in Nagoya.
• Methyl Isobutyl Ketone Spot Price remained range-bound on steady acetone costs and balanced import volumes.
• Methyl Isobutyl Ketone Production Cost Trend showed minimal upward pressure from currency-driven import cost increases.
• Methyl Isobutyl Ketone Demand Outlook remains muted as coatings and adhesives buying stays primarily need-based.
• Methyl Isobutyl Ketone Price Forecast shows modest near-term weakness as inventories remain elevated domestically today.
• Methyl Isobutyl Ketone Price Index pressured by uninterrupted plant run-rates, leaving ample merchant supply available.
• Freight easing and smooth imports reduced logistics costs, supporting supply availability despite ongoing currency headwinds.
Why did the price of Methyl Isobutyl Ketone change in September 2025 in APAC?
• Stable domestic production and steady imports maintained supply, offsetting limited downstream buying in September 2025.
• Weak export inquiries and high inventories at destination ports reduced external demand pressure on local prices.
• Currency weakness increased import-denominated costs, but stable feedstock acetone prices kept production costs contained.
Europe
• In Europe, the Methyl Isobutyl Ketone Price Index remained largely stable quarter-over-quarter, supported by balanced supply and subdued downstream demand.
• Methyl Isobutyl Ketone Spot Price activity was limited due to modest coating and adhesive sector consumption and cautious purchasing sentiment.
• Methyl Isobutyl Ketone Production Cost Trend showed mild upward pressure from elevated energy and logistics costs during early Q3, but stabilized by September.
• The Methyl Isobutyl Ketone Demand Outlook stayed soft, as weak construction and industrial activity weighed on solvent offtake.
• The Methyl Isobutyl Ketone Price Forecast suggests near-term stability with potential mild gains if downstream restocking occurs in late Q4.
• The Methyl Isobutyl Ketone Price Index was supported by steady acetone feedstock availability and consistent domestic plant operations.
• Competitive import offers from Asia kept regional prices from rising further, maintaining a balanced supply-demand situation.
Why did the price of Methyl Isobutyl Ketone change in September 2025 in Europe?
• The Methyl Isobutyl Ketone Price Index in September 2025 declined slightly, reflecting reduced demand from paint, coating, and adhesive manufacturers.
• Comfortable inventories and stable feedstock acetone prices limited cost-push support, leading to cautious market sentiment.
• Buyers delayed restocking amid weak downstream order inflows, putting mild downward pressure on spot values.
• Overall, the market remained stable-to-soft as supply stayed adequate and trading activity was driven primarily by immediate requirements.
For the Quarter Ending June 2025
North America
• The Methyl Isobutyl Ketone (MIBK) Price Index in North America rose by 5.2% quarter-over-quarter, driven by improved domestic demand.
• Manufacturing and supply levels remained consistent throughout the quarter, with no major operational disruptions. Producers aligned output with downstream demand, maintaining manageable inventory levels.
• The MIBK Demand Outlook remained balanced. Pharmaceutical and industrial coatings provided a steady base of consumption, while the paint and adhesive sectors showed varied performance. Some export demand, particularly from Latin America, helped sustain flow.
• Despite cost relief from falling feedstock acetone prices, many producers chose to hold prices steady, supported by robust local demand and sufficient stockpiles. Market sentiment stayed cautious amid ongoing regulatory and macroeconomic uncertainties.
• Overall, Q2 saw a stable-to-firm trend in the MIBK Price Index, reflecting solid demand, steady output, and cautious but consistent market behavior.
Why did the Methyl Isobutyl Ketone (MIBK) Price change in July 2025 in North America?
• Prices in North America remained largely stable in July 2025.
• Adequate inventory and balanced supply-demand dynamics prevented sharp movements.
• Downstream consumption remained steady, particularly in pharmaceuticals and coatings.
• Manufacturers continued offering stable pricing amid cautious buying and limited restocking, helping maintain equilibrium.
Europe
• The Methyl Isobutyl Ketone (MIBK) Price Index in Europe declined modestly during Q2 2025, primarily due to softer demand and easing feedstock costs.
• Production operations remained consistent across major European facilities. No major shutdowns or raw material shortages were reported, keeping supply conditions stable.
• The MIBK Demand Outlook was subdued, with weak activity from the automotive and industrial coating sectors. The construction sector also underperformed due to economic stagnation in key regions.
• Falling feedstock acetone prices and a well-supplied market placed downward pressure on MIBK prices. Buyers adopted a conservative approach, purchasing only as needed due to uncertain economic conditions.
• The overall Q2 trend for the MIBK Price Index in Europe was downward, driven by soft end-use demand and muted sentiment.
Why did the Methyl Isobutyl Ketone (MIBK) Price change in July 2025 in Europe?
• MIBK prices in Europe declined in July 2025 due to various reasons.
• Continued weakness in key downstream sectors like automotive and construction.
• Sufficient availability of feedstock acetone, reducing production costs.
• A cautious purchasing environment among European buyers.
• Overall muted demand and macroeconomic headwinds pressuring price levels.
Asia Pacific (APAC)
• The Methyl Isobutyl Ketone (MIBK) Price Index in Japan increased by 1.9% quarter-over-quarter, driven by seasonal demand and stable supply fundamentals.
• Domestic production in Japan remained steady, supported by consistent imports and firm acetone feedstock availability. No major production disruptions occurred.
• The MIBK Demand Outlook in APAC was supported by firm off-take from the pharmaceutical, coatings, and rubber chemical sectors. Export demand from neighboring Asian countries also remained consistent.
• Cost pressures fluctuated mildly with changes in the yen and acetone pricing, but steady inventory and disciplined procurement helped maintain the market balance.
• Overall, the MIBK Price Index in APAC trended upward in Q2, supported by firm demand and stable production across the region.
Why did the Methyl Isobutyl Ketone (MIBK) Price change in July 2025 in APAC?
MIBK prices in APAC, particularly Japan, remained stable in July 2025 due to:
• Steady feedstock acetone costs and no supply disruptions.
• Balanced procurement behavior among buyers.
• Stable demand from coatings and pharmaceutical sectors.
• Weak external triggers for any significant price fluctuation.
For the Quarter Ending March 2025
North America
During Q1 2025, the Methyl Isobutyl Ketone (MIBK) market in North America exhibited marginal volatility, closing the quarter with a slight decrease of 0.4% compared to Q4 2024. January opened with balanced supply and demand dynamics, supported by steady feedstock acetone availability and consistent offtake from the polyurethane and automotive sectors. Despite concerns over port labor agreements and elevated freight rates, market sentiment remained neutral.
February witnessed limited market activity due to subdued demand from paints and coatings, compounded by winter-related production challenges. However, preemptive stockpiling by traders helped maintain supply continuity, keeping the market largely steady.
In March, the market witnessed a notable shift, driven by tightening inventories and an uptick in downstream demand, particularly from the pharmaceutical and solvent sectors. Rising input costs, ongoing logistical constraints, and robust overseas inquiries further fueled upward momentum. While the quarter began with muted movement, the latter half experienced stronger market activity and a more bullish tone, reflecting growing pressure on supply chains and gradual demand recovery across key end-use industries.
APAC
During the first quarter of 2025, the MIBK market in China witnessed a 12.4% decline compared to the previous quarter, reflecting a mix of stable supply and fluctuating demand. In January, prices trended downward due to weak demand from the automotive sector and elevated inventory levels, despite steady feedstock acetone prices. February saw a brief rebound post-Lunar New Year, driven by increased industrial activity and strong demand from the paints and coatings sector. Port congestion and tight spot availability supported short-term bullish sentiment. However, the momentum slowed in March as downstream procurement remained cautious, and market sentiment weakened. Although manufacturing activities remained steady, ample supply and subdued trading activity added pressure. The paints and coatings industry continued to support MIBK consumption, while other sectors such as automotive and rubber remained soft. Overall, despite intermittent increases, the quarter was marked by a consistent downtrend influenced by bearish fundamentals, cautious buying behavior, and steady feedstock costs, keeping the market sentiment largely restrained.
Europe
During Q1 2025, the European MIBK market exhibited a largely stable to slightly bearish price trend, influenced by a balanced interplay of supply-demand fundamentals and broader macroeconomic factors. In early January, prices remained steady due to consistent feedstock acetone costs and moderate downstream demand. However, subdued activity in the automotive and rubber sectors, compounded by sluggish economic growth across parts of Europe, led to weakened buying interest. February saw brief optimism driven by seasonal upticks in the paints and coatings industry, especially ahead of spring maintenance and renovation cycles. Nonetheless, steady imports and sufficient domestic inventories kept any upward pressure in check. By March, increased production activity and stable raw material prices ensured ample supply, but demand from industrial solvents and adhesives remained tepid. Geopolitical uncertainties and cautious procurement behavior further weighed on sentiment. Overall, the quarter ended with MIBK prices showing slight downward adjustments, underpinned by steady supply conditions and restrained market confidence amid mixed sectoral demand across the region.
