Methyl isobutyl ketone exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
In 2024, South Africa exported methyl isobutyl ketone worth $85.0 million (55.0 thousand tonnes). That makes it the largest exporter of this product worldwide, out of 53 countries. Value fell 25% from 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2021, at $116.2 million.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
Exports by year, 2017-2024
Hover or tap a year for detail.
Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $85.0M | 55.0K t |
| 2023 | $113.2M | 69.4K t |
| 2022 | $101.9M | 56.4K t |
| 2021 | $116.2M | 50.2K t |
| 2020 | $67.2M | 58.2K t |
| 2019 | $49.3M | 57.2K t |
| 2018 | $93.5M | 59.4K t |
| 2017 | $100.4M | 67.0K t |
Where South Africa exports methyl isobutyl ketone to
The largest buyer markets were Belgium (37%), Singapore (12%), India (10%).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Belgium | $31.2M | 37% |
| Singapore | $9.8M | 12% |
| India | $8.2M | 9.7% |
| China | $7.1M | 8.4% |
| United States | $6.3M | 7.4% |
| South Korea | $5.5M | 6.5% |
| Thailand | $4.0M | 4.7% |
| Hong Kong | $2.7M | 3.1% |
| United Kingdom | $1.6M | 1.9% |
| Germany | $1.5M | 1.8% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $1.55 per kg, close to the world average of $1.60.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa methyl isobutyl ketone exports (HS 2914.13): companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
Shipment records are in the platform
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Mirror data: built from the shipment records of the countries that trade with it.
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).
Common questions
What is the value of methyl isobutyl ketone exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported methyl isobutyl ketone worth $85.0 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 55.0 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 1st of 53 countries worldwide, with 34% of world exports. The value was down 25% on 2023.
Which countries buy methyl isobutyl ketone from South Africa?
Belgium was the largest buyer with 37% of the value ($31.2 million), followed by Singapore (12%) and India (10%). The top three together account for 58%, out of 50 buyer countries in total. South Korea grew fastest among the top ten, up 24% on the year.
What is the average export price of methyl isobutyl ketone per kg?
The average declared export value was about $1.55 per kg in 2024, close to the world average of $1.60 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have exports of methyl isobutyl ketone from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $100.4 million in 2017 to $85.0 million in 2024, a fall of 15%. The peak was 2021 at $116.2 million. Over 8 years the average was $90.8 million a year.
What is the HS code for methyl isobutyl ketone?
The HS code for methyl isobutyl ketone is subheading 2914.13. It sits in HS chapter 29 (organic chemicals). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 2914 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
EximDataX rebuilds South Africa trade from the customs records of its trading partners, so the companies shipping to and from it are visible. Ask for a live look at your product.
Same product, other countries
World methyl isobutyl ketone trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for South Africa
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