US Feb MEK exports are three-fold more than year earlier

13 April 2010 23:06  [Source: ICIS news]

HOUSTON (ICIS news)--US exports of methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) rose sharply in February to 6,813 tonnes, more than triple the 1,939 tonnes exported during the same month a year earlier, US trade officials said on Tuesday.

According to US International Trade Commission (ITC) data, the top destination market for US MEK in February was the Netherlands, which took 3,000 tonnes or 44% of the month’s shipments.

Malaysia and Mexico each took about 1,040 tonnes during the month.

US MEK imports during February fell by 66% on weak domestic demand, sources said.

Imports from Germany, South Africa and the UK during February dropped precipitously from the year-ago month by 44%, 65% and 87%, respectively.

Current US prices for MEK were $1,698-1,786/tonne (€1,257-1,322/tonne), according to global chemical market intelligence service ICIS pricing.

US MEK suppliers include Shell Chemicals and ExxonMobil.

($1= €0.74)

For more on MEK, visit ICIS chemical intelligence

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By: Larry Terry
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