| Product | Region | Incoterm Basis | Price | Last Updated Month |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ethylene | China | CFR | USD 1,249.63/MT | May 2026 |
| Ethylene | India | CIF | USD 1,317.34/MT | May 2026 |
| Ethylene | USA | CIF | USD 1,369.19/MT | May 2026 |
| Ethylene | Japan | CIF | USD 1,287.75/MT | May 2026 |
| Ethylene | South Korea | CIF | USD 1,287.75/MT | May 2026 |
| 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 |
Stay updated with the latest Ethylene prices, historical data, and tailored regional analysis
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.
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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.
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.
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
CurrencyUS$ (Data can also be provided in local currency)
Supplier Database AvailabilityYes
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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.
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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In this process, n-butyraldehyde is first condensed to 2-ethyl propyl acrolein and then reacted with hydrogen to form 2-Ethylhexanol.
The report contains the cost analysis of PET production using DMT process.
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