- Global ethylene pricing in Q2’26 was volatile, driven by early Middle East supply shocks, later easing feedstock pressure, and weakening downstream demand across regions.
- Feedstock trends reflected naphtha and LPG disruption via the Strait of Hormuz, followed by easing crude benchmarks that reduced production cost pressure.
- Downstream demand from polyethylene, packaging, and construction-linked sectors weakened after the initial spike, with buyers focusing on inventory reduction.
Asia
In China, the monthly average ethylene price was ~RMB 9.78/kg in April and about RMB 8.48/kg in the subsequent month, showing a decrease of ~13.2%. Similarly, in Japan, the monthly average ethylene price was around JPY 238.91/kg in April and approx. JPY 207.54/kg in the subsequent month, showing a decrease of ~13.1%. In South Korea, the monthly average ethylene price was ~KRW 2,291.69/kg in April and around KRW 1,986.70/kg in the subsequent month, showing a decrease of ~13.3%. Prices dropped once initial increases related to supply shocks subsided as disruptions in the Middle East have reduced along with this demand for polyethylene products has also weakened.
In India, the monthly average ethylene price was approx. RMB 142.02/kg in April and ~RMB 125.52/kg in the subsequent month, showing a decrease of ~11.6%. Prices softened in line with broader Asian correction as import availability improved and downstream demand from polymer processing sectors slowed after earlier supply-driven volatility.
Europe
In Europe, ethylene prices corrected after an earlier sharp spike driven by Middle East supply disruption and elevated energy-linked feedstock costs. Despite tight cost conditions from global supply risk, downstream demand from packaging and construction-linked polymer sectors remained weak, while industrial production growth stayed limited, leading to resistance from buyers and subsequent price easing as supply concerns moderated.
North America
In North America, the monthly average ethylene price was approx. USD 1,527.44/MT in April and ~USD 1,369.19/MT in the subsequent month, showing a decrease of around 10.4%. Prices corrected as export demand weakened after earlier PE shipment surges, while inventories rose and derivative demand from polyethylene markets slowed. Reopened European supply channels further reduced export support, adding downward pressure.
Analyst Insight
According to Procurement Resource, ethylene prices are expected to remain volatile but gradually softer, as easing feedstock constraints and weakening downstream polyethylene demand outweigh temporary supply-side disruptions.