U.S. imports of Butanone (Methyl Ethyl Ketone) (HS 291412) totaled $13.9M in August 2026, imported from 10 countries.
Importers of Butanone (Methyl Ethyl Ketone) paid $1.5M in duties in August 2026, an average duty rate of 10.81% — duty actually collected as a share of the imports that cleared customs, not the published tariff schedule. Butanone (Methyl Ethyl Ketone) imports of $13.9M in August 2026 ran 45% above the year-to-date monthly average of $9.6M.
Last updated: August 2026 dataMethyl ethyl ketone (MEK), classified under a single 10-digit line (2914120000), is a fast-evaporating solvent widely used in surface coatings, printing inks, adhesives, and as a chemical intermediate for MEK peroxide initiators. The United Kingdom and South Africa are the leading US suppliers under this heading, an unusual geographic profile that reflects specific petrochemical production capacity in those countries rather than proximity to US markets. MEK is a DEA List II chemical, meaning importers must comply with DEA registration and reporting thresholds, and it is also subject to TSCA inventory certification at entry.
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18 import shipments a month
MEK is a DEA List II chemical precursor. Importers must register with the DEA if import volumes meet or exceed the regulatory threshold, and are required to report transactions and maintain records. Even below threshold quantities may require a one-time notification. Importers should confirm current DEA thresholds and registration requirements before the first shipment, as these can change.
Butanone (methyl ethyl ketone, CAS 78-93-3) is specifically 2-butanone and classifies under 2914120000. Other C4 ketones, such as methyl isopropyl ketone or diethyl ketone, are structurally distinct and classify under different lines in heading 2914. A certificate of analysis with the CAS number, IUPAC name, and purity specification is the standard supporting document to confirm correct classification at entry.
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Subheading 3 of 16 in heading 2914
Subheading 291412 · $13.9M of $87.1M
ImportsExports
Imports
$13.9MYoY · free account
Exports
$2.1MYoY · free account
12-mo low · imports
Low · free accountOver the twelve months to August 2026, the U.S. imported $104.3M of Butanone (Methyl Ethyl Ketone) and exported $20.4M.
Through August 2026. Source: U.S. Census Bureau.
HS10 import codes under this HS6 parent, each with its own page. Source: U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule.
| Code | Description | Imports for consumption | Average duty rate | Dutiable Share | Duty Collected |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2914120000 | Butanone | $13.9M | 10.81% | 85.56% | $1.5M |
HS10 export codes under this HS6 parent, each with its own page. Source: U.S. Schedule B export classification.
| Code | Description | Export Value |
|---|---|---|
| 2914120000 | Butanone (Methyl Ethyl Ketone) | $2.1M |
Import lines come from the U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule and export lines from Schedule B. The two are numbered by different agencies, so the same 10-digit code can appear in both tables describing a different product.
Imports · August 2026
origin
United Kingdom and Taiwan together supply 67% of it. China pays 40.6% duty; South Africa 0.0%.
customs district
destination
entry
rate provision · imports
14.4% enters free of duty; duty collected equals 10.81% of imports for consumption.