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Methyl Ethyl Ketone Pricing, Demand and Supply Overview
Methyl ethyl ketone (MEK), also known as butanone, is an organic solvent produced from butylene or secondary butyl alcohol through catalytic dehydrogenation, used extensively in coatings, adhesives, printing inks, and industrial solvent applications. Propylene and butylene feedstock costs, and coatings and adhesives demand all feed into the price.
Global MEK prices in Q1 2026 stood at USD 1.20 per KG in Germany, the highest among tracked markets, USD 1.03 per KG in the United States, USD 0.99 per KG in India, and USD 0.82 per KG in China, the most competitively priced tracked market. Germany held the highest tracked price on elevated European energy and feedstock costs, while China benefited from ample regional production capacity. Steady coatings, adhesives, and printing ink demand continued to underpin consumption across all tracked regions.
What is Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK) Price in August 2026?
MEK prices held close to Q1 2026 levels through August 2026, tracking regional propylene and butylene feedstock cost differentials, as steady coatings and adhesives demand continued to support the market across all tracked regions.
- Europe: German MEK prices held near USD 1.14 to USD 1.26 per KG, close to the USD 1.20 per KG recorded in Q1 2026 and the highest among tracked markets, as elevated European energy and feedstock costs continued to sustain the regional premium.
- North America: US MEK prices held near USD 0.98 to USD 1.08 per KG, close to the USD 1.03 per KG recorded in Q1 2026, as steady coatings and adhesives demand continued to support the region's pricing.
- APAC (China/India): Chinese MEK prices held near USD 0.78 to USD 0.86 per KG, the most competitively priced tracked market, while Indian prices held near USD 0.94 to USD 1.04 per KG, both close to Q1 2026 levels on ample regional production capacity.
Methyl Ethyl Ketone Price Forecast for 2026
The balance of supply and demand for methyl ethyl ketone through the rest of 2026 leans cautiously firm. The seasonal coatings and construction demand cycle is recovering after the 2025 lows. Middle East shipping disruptions in early 2026 raised freight and insurance costs, adding a landed-cost premium for import-dependent markets.
The main upside risk is a sustained propylene cost surge alongside a broad coatings sector recovery. The main downside risk is continued Chinese overcapacity and weak automotive refinishing demand keeping the global price floor low.
| Region | 2026 Price Range (USD/KG) | Outlook |
| Global Average | 0.96 - 1.12 | Coatings recovery meets firmer propylene feedstock costs |
| United States | 0.98 - 1.14 | Steady coatings and adhesives demand anchors the market |
| China | 0.76 - 0.92 | Large domestic capacity keeps it the most affordable source |
| Germany | 1.14 - 1.30 | High energy and compliance costs keep it the most expensive |
| India | 0.92 - 1.08 | Growing paints and adhesives demand supports a firm middle |
For the Quarter Ending March 2026
Methyl Ethyl Ketone Prices Q1 2026:
- United States: USD 1.03/KG
- China: USD 0.82/KG
- Germany: USD 1.20/KG
- India: USD 0.99/KG
Methyl Ethyl Ketone Prices in the United States
US methyl ethyl ketone prices averaged USD 1.03/KG in Q1 2026, up 5.1% from USD 0.98/KG in Q4 2025. The spring coatings season lifted buying from paints and adhesives producers. Tighter propylene feedstock costs from the Middle East disruption raised the production floor, supporting the quarterly recovery.
Why did the price of Methyl Ethyl Ketone change in Q1 2026 in the United States?
Firmer propylene feedstock costs from Middle East disruptions raised the domestic production floor. Seasonal coatings and adhesives restocking lifted buying activity from downstream producers. Reduced import inflows from Asia tightened domestic availability, supporting higher spot offers.
Methyl Ethyl Ketone Prices in China
Chinese methyl ethyl ketone prices averaged USD 0.82/KG in Q1 2026, up 5.1% from USD 0.78/KG in Q4 2025, the lowest among the tracked markets. Post-Lunar New Year restocking lifted buying from coatings and printing ink producers. Ample domestic production capacity kept the recovery modest through the quarter.
Why did the price of Methyl Ethyl Ketone change in Q1 2026 in China?
Post-holiday restocking from coatings, inks, and adhesives makers lifted procurement activity. Firmer butane and propylene feedstock costs provided a moderate cost floor. Ample domestic production capacity limited the recovery, keeping China the most affordable source.
Methyl Ethyl Ketone Prices in Germany
German methyl ethyl ketone prices averaged USD 1.20/KG in Q1 2026, up 5.3% from USD 1.14/KG in Q4 2025, the highest among the tracked markets. Higher naphtha and propylene feedstock costs alongside elevated energy expenses raised the production cost floor. Spring coatings restocking and firm industrial adhesives demand supported the quarterly gain.
Why did the price of Methyl Ethyl Ketone change in Q1 2026 in Germany?
Higher naphtha and propylene feedstock costs raised the production cost floor for European makers. Spring coatings demand recovery lifted procurement from paints, varnishes, and adhesives producers. Middle East shipping disruptions elevated freight and insurance costs, adding to landed expenses.
Methyl Ethyl Ketone Prices in India
Indian methyl ethyl ketone prices averaged USD 0.99/KG in Q1 2026, up 5.3% from USD 0.94/KG in Q4 2025. Growing paints and adhesives demand from the construction sector supported buying. Firmer import-linked feedstock costs lifted the landed price floor, holding the market in a firm middle range.
Why did the price of Methyl Ethyl Ketone change in Q1 2026 in India?
Growing construction-linked coatings and adhesives demand supported consistent procurement. Firmer import-linked propylene costs raised the production floor for domestic manufacturers. Higher freight and insurance from Middle East disruptions elevated the landed cost of imports.
For the Quarter Ending December 2025
Methyl Ethyl Ketone Prices Q4 2025:
- United States: USD 0.98/KG
- China: USD 0.78/KG
- Germany: USD 1.14/KG
- India: USD 0.94/KG
Methyl Ethyl Ketone Prices in the United States
US methyl ethyl ketone prices averaged USD 0.98/KG in Q4 2025, declining on the quarter. Weak automotive refinishing and industrial coatings demand reduced buyer urgency. High solvent inventories from earlier-year imports kept spot prices under downward pressure through year-end.
Why did the price of Methyl Ethyl Ketone change in Q4 2025 in the United States?
Weak automotive refinishing and industrial coatings demand reduced procurement activity. High solvent inventories from earlier import inflows kept sellers on the defensive. Softer propylene feedstock costs removed the production cost support near USD 0.98/KG.
Methyl Ethyl Ketone Prices in China
Chinese methyl ethyl ketone prices averaged USD 0.78/KG in Q4 2025, the lowest in the dataset. High domestic operating rates at solvent plants maintained ample supply. Weak printing ink and coatings demand kept the market soft near USD 0.78/KG into year-end.
Why did the price of Methyl Ethyl Ketone change in Q4 2025 in China?
High domestic plant operating rates maintained ample supply throughout the quarter. Weak printing ink and coatings demand reduced buying urgency among the key end users. Competitive pricing from producers pressured spot levels near USD 0.78/KG, the market’s low.
Methyl Ethyl Ketone Prices in Germany
German methyl ethyl ketone prices averaged USD 1.14/KG in Q4 2025, declining further. Soft demand from the automotive and industrial coatings sectors weighed on buying. Adequate import availability from Asian and US origins held spot prices at the year’s lowest near USD 1.14/KG.
Why did the price of Methyl Ethyl Ketone change in Q4 2025 in Germany?
Soft automotive and industrial coatings demand reduced procurement through the quarter. Adequate import availability from Asia and North America maintained comfortable supply. Falling energy costs reduced the production floor, allowing lower offers to clear market stock.
Methyl Ethyl Ketone Prices in India
Indian methyl ethyl ketone prices averaged USD 0.94/KG in Q4 2025, easing on the quarter. Reduced paints and construction-sector demand slowed buying ahead of year-end. Sufficient import availability from Asian origins kept the average near USD 0.94/KG.
Why did the price of Methyl Ethyl Ketone change in Q4 2025 in India?
Reduced construction-linked paints demand slowed procurement activity toward year-end. Sufficient import flows from Asian producers maintained comfortable availability. Softer global MEK benchmarks reduced import parity, holding the market near USD 0.94/KG.
Quarterly Methyl Ethyl Ketone Price Trends
Global methyl ethyl ketone prices declined across three consecutive quarters through 2025 before a sharp Q1 2026 recovery. The average fell from USD 1.043/KG in Q1 2025 to USD 1.025/KG in Q2, USD 0.998/KG in Q3, and USD 0.960/KG in Q4. A Q1 2026 recovery to USD 1.010/KG reduced the net decline across the window to about 3.2%. Weak coatings demand and soft feedstock costs drove the extended fall.
| Quarter | Price (USD/KG) | QoQ Change | Direction |
| Q1 2026 | 1.010 | +5.2% | ↑ Rising |
| Q4 2025 | 0.960 | -3.8% | ↓ Falling |
| Q3 2025 | 0.998 | -2.6% | ↓ Falling |
| Q2 2025 | 1.025 | -1.7% | ↓ Falling |
| Q1 2025 | 1.043 | - | - Stable |
| Q2 2026 | In Progress | - | - In Progress |
What was Methyl Ethyl Ketone Price in 2025?
Methyl ethyl ketone prices declined through 2025. The global average opened at USD 1.043/KG in Q1 and closed near USD 0.960/KG in Q4, a full-year decline of about 8.0%. Weak coatings and adhesives demand from the construction and automotive sectors reduced buyer urgency. Soft propylene feedstock costs removed the production cost floor, while Chinese overcapacity kept the global supply comfortable.
Methyl Ethyl Ketone Prices in the United States in 2025
US prices fell from about USD 1.05/KG in Q1 2025 to USD 0.98/KG by Q4, a decline of 6.7%. Weak automotive refinishing activity and high solvent inventories held buyers cautious through all four quarters. The market steadied only toward year-end as inventories thinned.
Methyl Ethyl Ketone Prices in China in 2025
Chinese prices fell from roughly USD 0.86/KG in Q1 2025 to USD 0.78/KG by Q4, a decline of 9.3%, the steepest in the dataset. High domestic operating rates and weak printing ink demand sustained the downward trend. China held the lowest price level throughout the year.
Methyl Ethyl Ketone Prices in Germany in 2025
German prices fell from about USD 1.24/KG in Q1 2025 to USD 1.14/KG by Q4, a decline of 8.1%. Soft automotive coatings demand and adequate import flows weighed on the market. Germany maintained the highest price level in the dataset through the year.
Methyl Ethyl Ketone Prices in India in 2025
Indian prices fell from roughly USD 1.02/KG in Q1 2025 to USD 0.94/KG by Q4, a decline of 7.8%. Reduced construction-sector coatings buying and lower import parity from softer global benchmarks weighed on the market through the year.
How We Can Help
Expert Market Research: Your Source for Real-Time Methyl Ethyl Ketone Price Intelligence
Expert Market Research tracks methyl ethyl ketone prices continuously across every major producing and consuming region. The team traces causation through propylene feedstock economics, coatings and adhesives demand cycles, and regional plant operating rates. Contact Expert Market Research today for methyl ethyl ketone pricing data, bespoke market analysis, and strategic procurement advisory.
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Key Questions Answered in the Report
Paints, coatings, and adhesives take the largest share, where it acts as a fast-evaporating solvent with high solvency power. Printing inks, surface preparation, and chemical synthesis also consume significant volumes. The coatings sector drives most of the global demand.
The Q1 2026 average was USD 1.03/KG in the United States, USD 0.82/KG in China, USD 1.20/KG in Germany, and USD 0.99/KG in India, mostly on a contract to delivered basis. Germany remains the highest-priced market.
The global average fell from USD 1.043/KG in Q1 2025 to about USD 0.960/KG in Q4, a full-year decline of around 8.0%. Weak coatings demand and soft feedstock costs drove the decline across all regions.
Weak coatings and adhesives demand from the construction and automotive sectors reduced buyer urgency throughout the year. Soft propylene feedstock costs removed the production floor, and ample Chinese supply kept global availability comfortable.
The global average is expected in the USD 0.96 to 1.12/KG range for the rest of 2026, with a gradual recovery as the coatings sector improves and propylene feedstock firms.
Germany sits highest on energy and compliance costs, the United States and India hold a firm middle on steady solvent demand, and China prices lowest on large domestic capacity.
This report is updated monthly. For real-time pricing intelligence, contact the Expert Market Research team directly.
Prices respond mainly to propylene and butane feedstock costs, coatings and adhesives sector activity, and regional plant operating rates. Seasonal construction demand cycles and automotive production levels can amplify short-term price moves.
Asia Pacific leads with China and South Korea holding large capacity, followed by North America and Europe. Because output is tied to propylene and butanol, any feedstock or cracker shift ripples across markets within one to two quarters.
Buyers can use quarterly trends and forecasts to time contracts, choose between fixed-price and index-linked supply, and build cover when propylene signals a tightening market. Regional price gaps help teams weigh alternative supply geographies.
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