China MTBE Exports Surge 139% in May 2026 Amid Dropping Imports

China's MTBE exports reached 650,000 tonnes in May 2026, a 139.42% year-on-year surge driven by strong global demand. Average export prices climbed 8.29% month-on-month to $906.33 per tonne. Meanwhile, imports cratered by over 58% to just 100 tonnes. This massive inventory drain relieved domestic supply pressures and provided immediate bullish support for spot prices, though analysts note oncoming late-June headwinds from rising domestic capacity and shifting crude oil macros.