Market Trends

In early June 2026, the domestic market price for MEK fell sharply from a high level. Prices dropped rapidly and continuously, sliding from 9,066 RMB/ton at the beginning of the month to 7,900 RMB/ton, marking a decline of 12.87% over the period.

Key Influencing Factors

Imbalance between supply and demand

Currently, the operating rate of domestic MEK plants has risen, leading to a marked increase in market supply. Meanwhile, demand from downstream sectors—such as coatings and adhesives—remains weak; purchasing is largely driven by immediate needs rather than concentrated restocking, and this oversupply situation is pushing prices downward.

Weak Cost Support

Prices of C4—the upstream feedstock for MEK—have continued to soften, leading to a corresponding decline in production costs. Deprived of cost-side support, producers face increased pricing pressure, which has further driven down the market's central price level.

Market sentiment is bearish

Prices had previously been trading at high levels, building up pressure for a correction; compounded by a weak macroeconomic environment, bearish sentiment spread across the market. Traders offloaded stock at low prices, further intensifying the downward trend.

Overall Outlook

Currently, trading activity in the MEK market remains subdued. In the short term, the market faces the dual pressure of ample supply and weak demand; prices are expected to fluctuate at low levels, lacking the momentum for a rebound. However, the downward trend could ease if upstream raw material prices stop falling and rebound, or if downstream operating rates rise and a wave of concentrated restocking occurs.

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