Global Overview of Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK) Prices

The global Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK) prices experienced a broadly bearish trend during the quarter ending September 2025, as weak downstream demand, ample inventories, and easing feedstock costs weighed on market sentiment. Across North America, Asia-Pacific (APAC), and Europe, the MEK Price Index reflected subdued procurement activity, particularly from construction-linked coatings, adhesives, and automotive applications. Despite stable operating rates among major producers, the lack of seasonal demand recovery limited price support, keeping the MEK price forecast tilted toward flat to softer levels in the near term.

North America Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK) Prices – Q3 2025

USA MEK Price Index and Market Dynamics

In the United States, the Methyl Ethyl Ketone Price Index declined by 3.14% quarter-over-quarter during Q3 2025, highlighting subdued domestic demand conditions. Buyers largely adopted a hand-to-mouth procurement strategy, avoiding bulk purchases amid uncertain demand recovery. The average Methyl Ethyl Ketone price for the quarter stood at approximately USD 1359.33/MT, reflecting low consumption levels across key end-use sectors.

MEK Spot Prices and Supply Conditions

The MEK spot price in the U.S. remained under sustained pressure due to competitive Asian imports and ample domestic inventories. Improved availability from Asian exporter restarts further increased supply flows into the U.S. market, limiting opportunities for price stabilization. Additionally, declining freight rates reduced landed costs, reinforcing the downside pressure on the MEK Price Index.

Production Cost Trend and Feedstock Influence

The Methyl Ethyl Ketone production cost trend stayed muted throughout the quarter, primarily due to weak sec-butanol prices in global markets. Softer feedstock cost support allowed producers to maintain margins even as selling prices declined. However, the lack of cost inflation also prevented any upward price momentum in the MEK market.

Demand Outlook and Price Forecast

The MEK demand outlook in North America remains subdued, with construction-related coatings demand restricted to immediate replacement needs rather than forward stocking. Automotive refinishing activity also remained sluggish, offering limited relief. As a result, the Methyl Ethyl Ketone price forecast suggests flat to slightly softer pricing in the near term, as buyers continue to defer restocking amid sufficient inventories.

Asia-Pacific (APAC) Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK) Prices – Q3 2025

Japan MEK Price Index Performance

In the Asia-Pacific region, Japan’s Methyl Ethyl Ketone Price Index fell by 1.35% quarter-over-quarter during Q3 2025. The decline reflected persistent weakness in construction and infrastructure activities, which directly affected coatings and solvent demand. The average MEK price for the quarter was assessed at approximately USD 879.33/MT on an FOB Osaka basis, highlighting relatively lower regional pricing compared to Western markets.

Spot Market Trends and Inventory Levels

The MEK spot price in Japan weakened as elevated inventories and muted export inquiries pressured supplier offers. Exporters faced limited buying interest from Southeast Asia and other regional markets, prompting more aggressive pricing strategies. Ports across the region reported high inventory levels, reinforcing bearish sentiment and keeping the MEK Price Index under pressure.

Production Costs and Operating Conditions

The Methyl Ethyl Ketone production cost trend in APAC eased during the quarter as both sec-butanol and n-butanol prices moderated. Lower feedstock costs reduced cost-side pressures for producers, enabling continued operations even in a low-margin pricing environment. Although some Asian plants experienced maintenance-related outages, these were insufficient to materially tighten supply.

The MEK demand outlook across APAC remains weak, with contractions in construction and industrial coatings restraining offtake. Export demand also stayed limited due to sluggish global consumption. Consequently, the Methyl Ethyl Ketone price forecast for the region indicates limited upside potential in the near term, with prices expected to remain range-bound under prevailing demand constraints.

Europe Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK) Prices – Q3 2025

Netherlands MEK Price Index and Market Sentiment

In Europe, the Methyl Ethyl Ketone Price Index in the Netherlands declined by 2.67% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting weak regional demand and sluggish export activity. The average MEK price for the quarter was reported at approximately USD 1458.33/MT, remaining relatively stable but lacking upward momentum.

Spot Prices, Inventory Accumulation, and Logistics

The MEK spot price across Europe faced persistent weakness due to ample inventories and limited export inquiries. Port congestion in key hubs contributed to inventory accumulation rather than supply tightness, further pressuring the MEK Price Index. Buyers remained cautious, prioritizing inventory drawdowns over fresh procurement.

Production Cost Trends and Supply Balance

The Methyl Ethyl Ketone production cost trend softened in Europe as butanol feedstock prices declined during the quarter. Regional operating rates remained steady, ensuring sufficient supply availability. However, stable production in the face of weak demand reduced pricing power, preventing suppliers from passing through any logistical or operational cost increases.

European Demand Outlook and Price Forecast

The MEK demand outlook in Europe remains weak, particularly due to contractions in construction and automotive sectors that traditionally support coatings demand. Seasonal restocking was minimal and insufficient to offset bearish fundamentals. Accordingly, the Methyl Ethyl Ketone price forecast suggests limited upside in the coming months, with prices expected to remain under pressure unless downstream demand improves meaningfully.

Global Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK) Price Outlook

Overall, Methyl Ethyl Ketone prices during Q3 2025 reflected a global market characterized by oversupply, muted demand, and easing production costs. Across North America, APAC, and Europe, the MEK Price Index trended lower, constrained by high inventories and cautious buyer sentiment. While stable operating rates and manageable production costs helped producers maintain margins, they also prolonged supply availability, delaying any meaningful price recovery.