US Feb MIBK imports are more than triple the year-ago level

13 April 2010 23:00  [Source: ICIS news]

HOUSTON (ICIS news)--US imports of methyl isobutyl ketone (MIBK) rose sharply in February to 1,300 tonnes, more than triple the 401 tonnes imported during the same month a year earlier, according to US International Trade Commission (ITC) data released on Tuesday.

The domestic new- and used-tyre market helped boost demand during the period,  sources said, and typical import volume from South Africa more than doubled to 1,000 tonnes from 401 tonnes during the same month of 2009.

Mexico was the only other source for imported material during February, shipping 300 tonnes to the US.

Exports also more than doubled, with India the top destination, taking 1,027 tonnes, or 68% of the month’s shipments abroad in February. Brazil took the next-highest amount of product at 351 tonnes.

Current US prices for MIBK were $2,138-2,271/tonne (€1,582-1,681/tonne), according to data from global chemical market intelligence service ICIS pricing.

US MIBK producers include Dow Chemical, Eastman and Celanese.

($1= €0.74)

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By: Larry Terry
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