Ethylene Price Trend Analysis 2026: Historical Prices, Latest News, Supply Demand Analysis, Price Drivers & Market Insights
Ethylene Price Trend Q1 2026
| Product | Region | Incoterm Basis | Price | Last Updated Month |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ethylene | China | CFR | USD 1,440.44/MT | April 2026 |
| Ethylene | India | CIF | USD 1,490.44/MT | April 2026 |
| Ethylene | USA | CIF | USD 1,527.44/MT | April 2026 |
| Ethylene | Japan | CIF | USD 1,482.44/MT | April 2026 |
| Ethylene | South Korea | CIF | USD 1,485.44/MT | April 2026 |
| Ethylene | China | CFR | USD 1,416.00/MT | March 2026 |
| Ethylene | India | CIF | USD 1,471.00/MT | March 2026 |
| Ethylene | USA | CIF | USD 1,503.00/MT | March 2026 |
| Ethylene | Japan | CIF | USD 1,452.00/MT | March 2026 |
| Ethylene | South Korea | CIF | USD 1,456.00/MT | March 2026 |
Stay updated with the latest Ethylene prices, historical data, and tailored regional analysis
- Ethylene prices followed a mixed-to-firm trajectory in early 2026, with strength in Asia offset by persistent weakness in oversupplied Western markets.
- Crude oil prices surged amid disruption of ~20% of global oil and LNG flows through the Strait of Hormuz, significantly raising production costs.
- Demand remained mixed in Asia due to import reliance, while Europe and North America saw limited improvement due to weak derivative sectors.
Asia
Ethylene prices in Asia trended upward, supported by tightening supply and firm demand. Reduced operating rates at steam crackers and ongoing rationalization across Japan and South Korea, targeting 20–28% capacity reductions, constrained output and limited spot availability. This pushed buyers toward imports, increasing competition for cargoes and lifting regional prices.
In India, ethylene prices increased from INR 63.08/kg (CIF) in January to INR 67.65/kg in March, marking a 5.16% rise from February to March 2026. The gains were primarily driven by stronger import dependence, constrained regional supply, and elevated feedstock costs. Additionally, global supply risks intensified as OPEC+ output is expected to decline by up to 11 million bpd, while strategic reserves released by the IEA cover only ~20 days of disrupted flows, tightening overall olefin cost support.
Europe
The European ethylene market remained subdued due to structural oversupply and weak downstream demand. Cracker utilization rates remained low at around 75% in 2025, with only a modest recovery expected in early 2026. Continued imports of olefins and derivatives further pressured domestic producers, while demand remained stagnant amid ongoing economic uncertainty, inflation, and weak industrial activity. These factors collectively limited any meaningful recovery in ethylene pricing.
North America
The North American ethylene market continued to face oversupply and weak downstream demand, keeping price movements largely constrained. However, rising feedstock costs provided some support to the market. Higher natural gas and ethane prices, driven by strong global demand and new cracker startups in Asia and Mexico, compressed margins to near breakeven levels. This created pressure on producers and raised concerns about potential reductions in operating rates, although no major supply cuts have been confirmed. Despite weak fundamentals, elevated feedstock costs prevented further price declines.
Analyst Insight
According to Procurement Resource, globally, ethylene prices are expected to remain firm, supported by high feedstock costs and supply disruptions, while persistent oversupply and weak demand will cap significant upside.
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| Product | Category | Region | Price | Last Updated Month |
| Ethylene | Chemicals | China | 631 USD/MT | October 2025 |
| Ethylene | Chemicals | China | 599 USD/MT | December 2025 |
| Ethylene | Chemicals | India | 782 USD/MT | October 2025 |
| Ethylene | Chemicals | India | 776 USD/MT | December 2025 |
| Ethylene | Chemicals | Saudi Arabian | 785 USD/MT | October 2025 |
| Ethylene | Chemicals | Saudi Arabian | 752 USD/MT | December 2025 |
| Ethylene | Chemicals | North American | 692 USD/MT | October 2025 |
| Ethylene | Chemicals | North American | 637 USD/MT | December 2025 |
Asia
The ethylene price curve witnessed a fluctuating trajectory during the fourth quarter of 2025. The prices were about 631 USD/MT (Spot) in October and around 599 USD/MT in December. Early-period pricing witnessed a decline as inventory accumulation following the National Day holidays created oversupply conditions. Rising imports and elevated production levels added pressure to local markets, while crude oil price weakness reduced cost support for downstream polyethylene production.
Demand from downstream processors remained subdued, with buyers maintaining need-based purchasing strategies rather than pursuing forward procurement. Regional freight cost reductions further encouraged import activity, exacerbating supply-side pressure. The remainder of the quarter brought stabilization as prices consolidated at lower levels, with limited volatility observed through the final weeks as supply-demand dynamics remained balanced though cautious.
In India, the ethylene price graph displayed mixed trends during the period. The prices were about 782 USD/MT (CIF) in October and around 776 USD/MT in December. The opening period began with moderate pricing that entered progressive decline as the quarter advanced. Supply availability remained adequate as regional production maintained steady operating rates, while demand from packaging, consumer goods, and petrochemical applications showed tepid consumption patterns. Buyers adopted conservative procurement approaches amid a weakening price environment, limiting any potential recovery attempts. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabian markets experienced similar early-quarter weakness with sharp price declines driven by regional oversupply conditions and soft crude oil values. Mid-quarter brought notable recovery as supply conditions tightened, and regional demand improved temporarily. The latter portion witnessed stabilization as the market consolidated gains, maintaining relatively steady pricing through year-end. The prices were about 785 USD/MT (FOB) in October and around 752 USD/MT in December.
Europe
European ethylene markets mirrored Chinese trends throughout the quarter, experiencing a sharp early period decline followed by extended stability. Naphtha feedstock costs remained relatively stable, though downstream consumption from polyethylene and derivative applications stayed muted. Market sentiment remained cautious as economic uncertainties and soft industrial demand limited buyer activity. Production levels maintained consistency while inventory management aligned with subdued downstream consumption patterns.
North America
North American markets displayed divergent patterns, with initial weakness during the opening period as prices declined from elevated levels. However, mid-quarter developments brought recovery as tighter supply conditions emerged. Natural gas feedstock costs increased, creating upward pressure on production economics. Demand from packaging, consumer goods, and industrial sectors strengthened, particularly during the final weeks as seasonal factors and infrastructure-related consumption supported pricing. Steam cracker facilities returned from maintenance activities, though reduced inventory levels and steady downstream offtake enabled producers to maintain firmer pricing through year-end. The prices were about 692 USD/MT (FOB) in October and around 637 USD/MT in December.
About Ethylene
Ethylene appears as a colourless gas with a sweet odour and taste. It is lighter than air. It is the simplest alkene and flammable in nature. It is extensively used in the industrial sector to produce polyethylene, a widely used plastic having polymer chains of ethylene units. It can also be hydrated to produce ethanol.
Ethylene Product Detail
C2H4
Polymerisation, Oxidation, Intermediates, Halogenation and hydrohalogenation, Manufacturing, Plasticisers, Hydration and oligomerisation, Processing aid, specific to petroleum production
Ethene, Green ethylene
Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC), Dow Chemical Company, LyondellBasell Industries Holdings B.V., INEOS Capital Limited, Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LLC
Regional Coverage
Asia Pacific
Europe
North America
Latin America
Africa
CurrencyUS$ (Data can also be provided in local currency)
Supplier Database AvailabilityYes
Customization ScopeThe report can be customized as per the requirements of the customer
Post-Sale Analyst Support360-degree analyst support after report delivery
Note: Our supplier search experts can assist your procurement teams in compiling and validating a list of suppliers indicating they have products, services, and capabilities that meet your company's needs.
Ethylene Production Process
- Production of Ethylene via Steam Cracking Process
In this process, ethane is used as a feedstock and is heated at a temperature ranging from 750 to 950 °C with steam. This results in the conversion of large and complex hydrocarbons into smaller ones and further causes unsaturation, which finally produces Ethylene.
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