(ICIS news)--US exports of methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) fell in July to 966 tonnes, a decrease of 66% from 2,865 tonnes during the same month last year, according to US International Trade Commission (ITC) data released on Thursday. Exports to Mexico dropped by 56% from last July, falling to 529 tonnes from 1,193 tonnes. Although Canada’s take shrank to 189 tonnes in July from 594 tonnes one year ago, shipments to Canada in July were nearly double the volume shipped there in June. US July imports were 6,091 tonnes, nearly flat month over month, but up by 13% from 5,385 tonnes in July 2008, the ITC said. MEK sources reported demand was still down significantly from the year-ago period, but said there had been some improved buying interest amid a market considered balanced to slightly loose, which reduced interest in shipping material abroad. US prices for MEK were 64-68 cents/lb ($1,411-1,499/tonne or €974-1,034/tonne), according to data from global chemical market intelligence service ICIS pricing.