Cost Support Drives Narrow Upward Adjustment in MEK Market (October 8–10, 2026)

1. Key Market Focus This Week

   1. Transactions were primarily driven by direct negotiations with production plants.
   2. Capacity utilization rates remained stable.
   3. Downstream factories inquired and purchased based on actual demand.

2. Weekly Market Analysis

Data Source: Chempricehub

Specifically, the MEK market in East China experienced a slight upward trend this period, with prices ranging between 9,000 and 9,450 CNY/t. During the week, high prices for feedstock post-etherification C4 supported elevated production costs for MEK plants, reducing their willingness to offer low prices. Meanwhile, some intermediaries actively entered the market to replenish stocks. With trading sentiment warming up, these factors jointly pushed the center of gravity for market negotiations higher. However, overall demand remained lukewarm; downstream factories mostly engaged in small-volume restocking based on rigid needs and showed caution towards high-priced procurement, resulting in insufficient actual transaction volumes.

3. Market Factor Analysis

   1. The average theoretical profit margin for the MEK industry this period was -750 CNY/t.
   2. The capacity utilization rate for the MEK industry this week was 83.32%.

4. Next Week Market Forecast

The MEK market is expected to maintain consolidation at elevated levels next week. From a cost perspective, current feedstock prices for post-etherification C4 remain high, providing strong support for factory costs and forming a floor for the market. Regarding supply and demand, the fundamental market landscape remains loose. There are no clear signals of increased terminal demand from downstream users; the model of small-volume purchasing based on rigid needs will continue, with limited new order growth. Overall, under the tug-of-war scenario where costs provide support while demand caps upside potential, MEK prices are likely to exhibit range-bound fluctuations. It is recommended that market participants closely monitor feedstock market trends and the progress of post-holiday restocking by downstream factories.

For more weekly market analysis, please refer to the Chempricehub MEK Weekly Report.