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SITCSection 5
U.S. imports of butanone (ethyl methyl ketone) (SITC 51624) totaled $17.2M in July 2026, traded with 9 countries.
Importers of Butanone (Ethyl Methyl Ketone) paid $2.1M in duties in July 2026 — an effective duty rate of 15% on $14.2M in dutiable value, based on actual customs collections rather than the published tariff schedule. Butanone (Ethyl Methyl Ketone) imports of $17.2M in July 2026 ran 93% above the year-to-date monthly average of $8.9M.
Last updated: July 2026 dataWidely traded under the common industrial name MEK, butanone is a fast-evaporating solvent central to coatings, adhesives, magnetic tape manufacturing, and surface cleaning operations. Its classification as a List 1 DEA-monitored chemical means importers must maintain records and may face additional scrutiny at entry, separate from standard customs clearance. Buyers should confirm whether specific import lots are subject to Section 301 measures depending on country of origin, as Chinese-origin chemical intermediates have faced additional tariff exposure.
AI-written summary of the official U.S. Census Bureau trade figures on this page — verify before relying on it.
34 shipments/mo
Yes. Butanone is classified as a DEA List I chemical under the Controlled Substances Act due to its potential use in illicit drug manufacturing. Importers must register with the DEA and comply with recordkeeping and reporting requirements, in addition to standard CBP entry procedures.
MEK has a slower evaporation rate than acetone and a higher boiling point, making it preferable in coatings and adhesives where extended open time is needed. It also has stronger solvency for certain resins, which can affect formulation choices and VOC compliance under EPA air quality regulations.
Basic heading 195 of 465 in section 5
Basic heading 51624 · $17.2M of $28.9B
Supplier Network
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Imports · July 2026
origin
United Kingdom and South Africa together supply 63% of it.
customs district
Census does not publish district detail for this classification system.
destination
Census does not publish state detail for this classification system.
entry
Census does not publish port detail for this classification system.
ImportsExports
Imports
$17.2MYoY · Pro
Exports
$2.1MYoY · Pro
12-mo low · imports
YoY · ProThrough July 2026. Source: U.S. Census Bureau.