US July MIBK exports fall 58% year on year

10 September 2009 22:59  [Source: ICIS news]

HOUSTON (ICIS news)--US exports of methyl isobutyl ketone (MIBK) fell 58% to 977 tonnes in July from 2,325 tonnes during the same month last year, according to US International Trade Commission (ITC) data released on Thursday.

Export destinations were led by China, where shipments jumped to 601 tonnes from only 48 tonnes one year earlier.

However, July volume was down by nearly half the amount shipped during June.

Mexico took 120 tonnes in July versus 317 tonnes during the same period one year earlier.

Demand was down from year-ago levels, sources said, but MIBK supply and demand was nearly balanced, reducing interest in shipping material abroad. MIBK is primarily used as a solvent for inks, coatings and adhesives.

July imports were 1,754 tonnes, nearly flat year over year, and up nominally from 1,689 tonnes in June, the ITC said.

Current US prices for MIBK were 83-88 cents/lb ($1,830-1,940/tonne or €1,263-1,339/tonne), according to global chemical market intelligence service ICIS pricing. 

US MIBK producers include Dow Chemical, Eastman and Celanese.

($1= €0.69)

For more on MIBK, visit ICIS chemical intelligence
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By: Larry Terry
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