Q1 MEK imports nearly triple year-over-year rate

09 May 2008 23:56  [Source: ICIS news]

HOUSTON (ICIS news)--US imports of methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) were 18,157 tonnes during the first quarter, an increase of 263% from 5,005 tonnes during the same period last year, according to data released Friday by the US International Trade Commission (ITC).

Imports from the United Kingdom jumped to 7,839 tonnes in first quarter from a relatively negligible 1 tonne in first-quarter 2007. The first-quarter volume equalled 43% of total shipments for the period.

For the quarter, shipments from the Netherlands and Germany followed the UK at 3,748 tonnes and 3,505 tonnes, respectively.

US exports of MEK were 8,465 tonnes in the first quarter, rising by 39% from 6,093 tonnes during the same period a year earlier.

Of that amount, Canada took 46%, followed by fairly even exports to Mexico, Venezuela and Ecuador.

US producers include Shell Chemicals, ExxonMobil, Dow Chemical, and Sasol.

($1 = €0.65)

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By: Larry Terry
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