The U.S. MIBK market was relatively steady in early January due to several factors, such as the stable acetone price, adequate inventories, and well-balanced supplies. The market was, however, tempered by the cautious pharmaceutical and construction-related coating sectors.
Methyl Isobutyl Ketone (MIBK) prices in the US market remained level for the week ending 2nd January 2026, as stable feedstock costs, well-indexed inventory levels, and seasonal-demand influences tempered overall macroeconomic uncertainties. There was no apparent incentive for any price change, and producers as well as buyers adopted an apprehensive yet steady approach as they welcomed the start of the new year.
In terms of feedstocks, acetone prices held firm this week, thereby ensuring a consistent cost base for MIBK manufacturers. There was no volatility in the upstream prices, and this ensured that the cost base remained predictable for the MIBK manufacturers to maintain their prices unchanged. The MIBK stock throughout the chain is reported to be comfortable, thereby dampening the pressure to acquire fresh shipments.
On the supply side, the rates of MIBK production in the U.S. were seen as being normal but slightly below peak, primarily because of slowdowns relating to the holiday season. Some cutbacks in running times and manning levels during the year-end slowdown resulted in slightly lower production, but this was insufficient to cause any supply tightness in the market. The level of supply in hand was found to meet the demands adequately.
On the demand side, the situation remained mixed across the major end-use markets. MIBK demand from the pharmaceutical market was steady but cautious as the industry operated under difficult government policies. The pharmaceutical sector had a very bumpy year, its fortunes set mostly by U.S. political events鈥倃ith potential impact globally as well as within the country. President Donald Trump鈥檚 erratic tariff鈥俻ronouncements have kept markets in turmoil, and his efforts to impose 鈥�Most Favored Nation鈥� drug pricing have put pressure on pharmaceutical companies to bargain price cuts in the U.S., and to ramp up investments in domestic manufacturing and operations. Despite the expected growth in investments related to local manufacturing capacity expansion, growth in solvent demand in the short term remained moderate.
Demand from the paints and coatings industry, another large consumer of MIBK, was held back by a slow U.S. construction industry. Despite a slight increase in home builder confidence in December, the overall trend remained solidly in negative territory. Builders continued to indicate a stretched-demand environment because of high mortgage rates, high cost of materials and labor, and affordability issues. Price discounts and sales promotion proliferated to boost sagging sales, dampening near-term potential for the coatings market.
Demand for US MIBK exports was steady but not enthusiastic, providing support rather than tightening US balances. Worldwide uncertainty dampened the pricing sensibilities of global buyers.
In essence, U.S. MIBK markets were flat, supported by stable acetone pricing. Going forward, market participants believe that it is likely that markets will continue to be range- bound, and any definitive trends would be dependent on post-holiday industry trends and overall macro-economic trends into the year 2026.
