Methyl isobutyl ketone trade by country: top importers, exporters and prices
World trade in methyl isobutyl ketone was worth $248.3 million in 2024, about 155.4 thousand tonnes. That is a fall of 23% since 2017, and down 18% on 2023.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
World trade by year, 2017-2024
Hover or tap a year for detail.
Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $248.3M | 155.4K t |
| 2023 | $304.5M | 181.6K t |
| 2022 | $305.1M | 168.1K t |
| 2021 | $412.9M | 176.0K t |
| 2020 | $182.7M | 156.9K t |
| 2019 | $183.0M | 180.4K t |
| 2018 | $308.8M | 201.6K t |
| 2017 | $323.6M | 220.2K t |
Top methyl isobutyl ketone exporting countries
South Africa is the largest exporter with 34% of world exports, followed by South Korea and Japan. The top three supply 73% between them, out of 53 exporting countries.
| Exporter | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| South Africa | $85.0M | 34% |
| South Korea | $67.6M | 27% |
| Japan | $28.9M | 12% |
| United States | $13.8M | 5.6% |
| Mexico | $10.4M | 4.2% |
| Belgium | $7.5M | 3% |
| France | $7.4M | 3% |
| Singapore | $7.4M | 3% |
| China | $6.2M | 2.5% |
| Germany | $3.7M | 1.5% |
| Netherlands | $3.1M | 1.2% |
| India | $2.7M | 1.1% |
Top importing countries and buyer markets
India is the biggest buyer with 26% of world imports, ahead of Belgium and Thailand. Demand is concentrated: the top three take 54% across 119 importing countries.
| Importer | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| India | $64.5M | 26% |
| Belgium | $47.2M | 19% |
| Thailand | $22.5M | 9.1% |
| China | $12.3M | 5% |
| Singapore | $10.6M | 4.3% |
| South Korea | $10.3M | 4.2% |
| Germany | $9.7M | 3.9% |
| United States | $7.2M | 2.9% |
| Italy | $6.8M | 2.8% |
| Netherlands | $4.0M | 1.6% |
| Indonesia | $3.6M | 1.5% |
| Slovakia | $3.3M | 1.4% |
Average price per kg
The world average declared value was about $1.60 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, Belgium averaged $2.04 per kg and Japan $1.48 per kg, so grade and origin matter.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments worldwide. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Who is behind these numbers in this market?
The shipment records behind Methyl isobutyl ketone (HS 2914.13) importers and exporters, worldwide: companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
Shipment records are in the platform
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Source: CEPII BACI (reconciled UN Comtrade data), HS 2017 edition, release 202601, Etalab Open Licence 2.0. Annual values in US dollars at the customs border; quantities in tonnes where reported. HS 2914.13: Ketones: acyclic, without other oxygen function, 4-methylpentan-2-one (methyl isobutyl ketone). HS 2914 codes.
Common questions
Which countries export the most methyl isobutyl ketone?
South Africa exported $85.0 million in 2024, 34% of the world total, followed by South Korea (27%) and Japan (12%). In all, 53 countries reported exports of this product. The full ranking and map are on this page.
Which countries import the most methyl isobutyl ketone?
India imported $64.5 million in 2024, 26% of world imports, ahead of Belgium (19%) and Thailand (9%). The top three importers together take 54%. Each country with its own page is linked from the table.
How big is the world trade in methyl isobutyl ketone?
It was worth $248.3 million in 2024, about 155.4 thousand tonnes. That is a fall of 23% since 2017. The peak year was 2021 at $412.9 million. 53 countries reported exports and 119 reported imports.
What is the average price of methyl isobutyl ketone per kg?
The world average declared value was about $1.60 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, Belgium averaged $2.04 per kg and Japan $1.48 per kg, so grade and origin matter. It is total declared value divided by total weight, so treat it as a benchmark, not a quote.
What is the HS code for methyl isobutyl ketone?
The HS code for methyl isobutyl ketone is subheading 2914.13, in chapter 29 (organic chemicals). The first six digits are the same in every country; national tariffs add more. The full list of codes is on the HS 2914 page.
How can I find methyl isobutyl ketone buyers and suppliers?
EximDataX shows the importers and exporters of methyl isobutyl ketone by name, from shipment-level customs records updated weekly. Ask for a live look at the markets you sell to.
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