PODCAST: Europe, Asia IPA trade flow opening while MEK restricted by tightness, volatility

LONDON (ICIS)–Very high logistics costs and limited vessel space have restricted Asian exports of many products to Europe since late 2020, including isopropanol (IPA) and methyl ethyl ketone (MEK).

Widening price gaps between the two regions are reviving interest in this trade flow for IPA, though tightness and upstream volatility continue to impact MEK.

Asia IPA and MEK report editor Julia Tan and Europe editor Nick Cleeve discuss market conditions, current trade flows and expectations for the second quarter.

IPA is a solvent used in many industrial and consumer products and as an extractant. Applications include cosmetics, personal care products (hand sanitizers), de-icers, paints and resins, pharmaceuticals and inks and adhesives.

MEK’s main application is as a solvent, with half of global demand derived from the paints and coatings industry. MEK can also be used in rubber-based industrial cements, printing inks and in textile dyes.