US imports of MEK in 2008 increased by 47% over 2007.Imports were 51,671 in 2008, and 35,363 in the previous year. Volumes from the UK jumped to 18,678 tonnes in 2008 from 2,876 tonnes in 2007, due partly due to solid demand and tighter supply of MEK in the US that extended beyond first-half 2008. Imports from South Africa rose less dramatically, increasing by 13% year over year, while volumes from the Netherlands dropped by 12%. Month over month, however, US imports dropped to 1,572 tonnes in December from 3,793 tonnes in November, a decline of 59%, the ITC said. Market sources attributed the drop-off to the recessionary pressures that diminished buying interest in late 2008. US exports of 27,322 tonnes in 2008 were relatively steady, with only a 5% increase from 2007 levels. Mexico was the top destination, with 32% of shipped volumes.