MEK Market Experiences Broad-Based Decline (Nov 6–12, 2026)

1. Key Market Focus This Week

1. Production plants primarily engaged in price negotiations.
2. Capacity utilization saw a slight increase.
3. Downstream factories inquired and purchased based on actual demand.

2. Weekly Market Analysis

Table: MEK Product Price Overview

Data Source: Chempricehub Information

Specifically, the East China MEK market experienced a significant downward trend this week, with prices ranging between 7,600 and 8,400 CNY/ton. The price of feedstock ether-grade butadiene (post-ether C4) declined, weakening cost support for producers and expanding negotiation room. Meanwhile, news regarding new capacity commissioning disrupted market sentiment, leading to expectations of increased supply pressure. Holders showed a stronger intention to offer discounts to clear inventory, driving the overall market negotiation center lower. Downstream factories maintained rigid-demand purchasing with low enthusiasm for restocking, primarily consuming existing inventories. Actual transaction volumes were limited, failing to boost the market. The South China market followed a similar downward trajectory. Downstream players held strong bearish sentiment with limited purchasing intent. Intermediaries, facing sales pressure, showed a stronger willingness to offer discounts, with transactions mainly driven by rigid demand.

3. Market Factor Analysis

1. The theoretical average profit margin for the MEK industry this period was -890 CNY/ton.
2. The MEK industry capacity utilization rate this week stood at 78.1%.

4. Next Week Market Forecast

The MEK market is expected to maintain weak oscillations in the coming period. Key areas to watch include:

1. Supply Side: News of new capacity commissioning has been released, leading to expectations of increased industry supply. Overall supply pressure remains high, continuing to weigh on the market.
2. Demand Side: End-user factories generally hold bearish sentiments, adopting a cautious approach to inquiries and procurement. Most maintain small-scale restocking based on rigid demand, resulting in an average trading atmosphere. Regarding exports, inquiries for new orders are limited, offering little support to the market.
3. Cost Side: Prices for feedstock post-ether C4 have decreased, weakening cost-side support and making it difficult to effectively underpin market prices.

Overall, the short-term MEK market is expected to maintain a weak operating trend. Continued observation of demand follow-through is necessary.

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