April US MIBK exports down 45% year-on-year

10 June 2008 21:33  [Source: ICIS news]

HOUSTON (ICIS news)--The US exported 3,212 tonnes of methyl isobutyl ketone (MIBK) in April, a drop of 45% from 5,885 tonnes a year ago, according to US International Trade Commission (ITC) data released on Tuesday.

Month-on-month, volumes declined by only 5% from 3,393 tonnes in March.

US supply tightened significantly during the period amid price pressure from raw materials, significantly reducing the level of spot and export business, market sources said.

South Korea was, by far, the top destination with 1,738 tonnes shipped during the month, but volumes sent there were 45% lower in April than in March, the ITC said.

Exports of MIBK to India, Mexico, Brazil and Canada accounted for 39% of the month's total outgoing volumes.

South Africa was the sole source of MIBK shipped to the US in April at 499 tonnes. The identical volume was imported last month, but from Mexico rather than South Africa, according to the ITC.

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By: Larry Terry
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