US exports of gasoline additive MTBE rose by 45pc in the first half of 2023 to the highest in seven years, driven by rising demand from Mexico, according to data from Global Trade Tracker.
MTBE exports hit 894,212 metric tonnes (t) in January-June, up from 617,758 t in the first half of 2022, and the highest since the same period in 2016 when the US exported 983,295t.
Mexico took about 65pc of all US MTBE exports in January-June, boosting receipts to 581,399t from 486,334t a year earlier.Mexico is a key destination for the octane enchancer, with its three largest cities of Mexico City, Monterrey and Guadalajara mandating MTBE's usage.
Chile was the second biggest importer, taking 161,101t in the first half, up from 106,696 t in the same period of 2022.
The Netherlands received 54,496t in the first half after taking in none a year earlier.
Belgium was the fourth biggest importer of US MTBE at 46,562t in the first half, up from 6,577t a year earlier.
Singapore received 34,425t during the first half, up from 12,180t in the same period last year.
US domestic MTBE production has risen sharply this year with the startup of LyondellBasell's propylene oxide /tertiary butyl alcohol project in Texas. Other producers include Enterprise Products, TPC Group, Indorama and ExxonMobil.
Global Trade Tracker reports exports of neat MTBE, not finished gasoline with MTBE already blended.
