U.S. imports of Butanone (Ethyl Methyl Ketone) (SITC 51624) totaled $13.9M in August 2026, imported from 10 countries.
Importers of Butanone (Ethyl Methyl 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 (Ethyl Methyl Ketone) imports of $13.9M in August 2026 ran 45% above the year-to-date monthly average of $9.6M.
Last updated: August 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.
18 import shipments a month
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 220 of 465 in section 5
Basic heading 51624 · $13.9M of $27.5B
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Imports · August 2026
origin
United Kingdom and Taiwan together supply 67% of it. China pays 40.6% duty; South Africa 0.0%.
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
$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 (Ethyl Methyl Ketone) and exported $20.4M.
Through August 2026. Source: U.S. Census Bureau.