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SITCSection 5
U.S. imports of butanone (ethyl methyl ketone) (SITC 51624) totaled $5.6M in April 2026, traded with 9 countries.
Importers of Butanone (Ethyl Methyl Ketone) paid $521K in duties in April 2026 — an effective duty rate of 13% on $3.9M in dutiable value, based on actual customs collections rather than the published tariff schedule. Butanone (Ethyl Methyl Ketone) imports of $5.6M in April 2026 ran 12% below the year-to-date monthly average of $6.3M.
Last updated: April 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.
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.
| Country | Imports | Exports | Balance |
|---|---|---|---|
| JAPAN | $1.7M | $289K | -$1.4M |
| SOUTH AFRICA | $1.7M | -- | -$1.7M |
| UNITED KINGDOM | $1.5M | -- | -$1.5M |
| MEXICO | -- | $1.4M | +$1.4M |
| BRAZIL | $540K | $3K | -$536K |
Monthly import values over time
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