| Product | Region | Incoterm Basis | Price | Last Updated Month |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Polyethylene (PE) | China | EXW | USD 1,300.00/MT | June 2026 |
| Polyethylene (PE) | USA | EXW | USD 1,120.00/MT | June 2026 |
| Polyethylene (PE) | Germany | EXW | USD 1,880.00/MT | June 2026 |
| Polyethylene (PE) | Australia | CIF | USD 1,363.54/MT | June 2026 |
| Polyethylene (PE) | Brazil | CIF | USD 1,544.21/MT | June 2026 |
Stay Updated with the Latest Polyethylene (PE) Prices, Historical Data, and Tailored Regional Analysis
Renewed fighting between US and Iran has slowed shipping through the Gulf of Hormuz, disrupting supply routes. Benchmark crude prices have climbed sharply from pre-conflict levels, reflecting heightened geopolitical risk. The upward price pressure is likely to continue while tensions persist.
Intensified US-Iran military actions disrupt oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, causing a sharp spike in crude oil prices. The price jump leads to severe depreciation of the Indian rupee, raising import costs and inflationary concerns.
Asia
Polyethylene (PE) prices in Asia moved upward during Q1’26, supported by tighter ethylene supply and firm downstream demand. Reduced operating rates at steam crackers and ongoing capacity rationalization across Japan and South Korea constrained regional olefin availability, increasing import dependence and competition for cargoes. In India, feedstock ethylene prices increased by ~5% between February and March 2026 due to constrained regional supply, elevated crude oil prices, and higher import dependence. The Iran war and Strait of Hormuz disruptions significantly increased production and freight costs, while anticipated OPEC+ output reductions and limited strategic reserve coverage tightened market sentiment. Demand from packaging films, consumer goods, pipes, and industrial plastic applications remained stable during the quarter.
Europe
The European PE market remained subdued during Q1’26 due to persistent structural oversupply and weak downstream industrial activity. Ethylene cracker utilization rates remained near 75% during 2025, while continued imports of olefins and polymer derivatives pressured domestic producers. Economic uncertainty, inflationary pressure, and weak manufacturing activity limited demand from construction materials, automotive components, and industrial packaging sectors. However, elevated crude oil and freight costs linked to Strait of Hormuz disruptions prevented sharper PE price declines by increasing overall production and logistics expenses across the regional petrochemical sector.
North America
North American polyethylene markets remained largely stable-to-soft during Q1’26 amid oversupply and subdued downstream demand. However, rising ethane and natural gas feedstock costs provided support to regional PE pricing. Strong global demand for feedstocks and new cracker startups in Asia and Mexico compressed producer margins toward breakeven levels, increasing pressure on operating economics. Demand from packaging, consumer goods, and industrial plastic applications remained moderate, while elevated energy and transportation costs linked to geopolitical disruptions continued influencing market sentiment.
Analyst Insight
According to Procurement Resource, polyethylene (PE) prices are expected to remain mixed as elevated feedstock costs and supply-side adjustments continue balancing weak downstream demand and global oversupply conditions.
Need latest Polyethylene (PE) price?
Get real-time price assessments, periodic trends, forecasts and price driver insights across key global markets.
Unlock Price Insights NowOur Clients
Turn price intelligence into action with the Procurement Resource Database. Log in or subscribe to unlock live price trends, historical charts, supplier databases, cost curves, and analyst-backed insights across chemicals, agriculture, energy, packaging, and more. Use these tools to benchmark your contracts, plan budgets with confidence, and stay ahead of market moves on every product you buy.
0
+Products
0
+Regions
0
+Subscriptions
Asia
In Asia, PE prices mostly moved down during Q4’25. The market had a lot of supply because many new plants started production, especially in China. Local demand from packaging and plastics makers stayed weak, and buyers bought only what they needed. Imports were high, and inventories increased after the holiday period, which put extra pressure on prices. Crude oil prices were low and did not help support PE costs. Seasonal demand, like for agricultural films, provided a little support, but it was not enough to change the overall weak trend. Overall, trading was slow, and prices stayed soft because supply was higher than demand.
Europe
In Europe, PE prices were mostly stable but slightly weak in Q4’25. Demand from packaging, construction, and automotive industries was slow. High energy and carbon costs made production more expensive, especially for older plants. Some plant closures and rationalization helped control supply, but steady imports kept pressure on prices. Buyers stayed cautious and delayed purchases due to economic uncertainty and competition from imported materials. Naphtha costs did not change much, so there was no strong reason for prices to rise. Overall, the market was balanced but under pressure, and price increases were limited.
North America
In North America, PE prices were more stable and slightly firm in Q4’25. Supply was controlled because producers avoided making too much stock due to higher natural gas costs. Demand from packaging, consumer goods, and industrial sectors was steady, and exports remained strong. Strong demand for polyethylene products helped keep prices from falling. Overall, the North American market performed better than Asia and Europe, with moderate trading and a generally balanced market.
Analyst Insight
According to Procurement Resource, Polyethylene (PE) prices are expected to remain mixed in the coming months. Asia may continue to face oversupply, Europe could recover slowly, and North America is likely to stay stable with steady demand.
Polyethylene (PE), a synthetic thermoplastic resin, is produced from ethylene and is the one of the most common plastic type. Its is primarily utilised in packaging and production of plastic bags, plastic films, geomembranes, containers including bottles, etc. It is a combination of similar polymers of ethylene with various values of n. Its branched versions are called as low-density polyethylene (LDPE) while its linear versions are called high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and ultrahigh-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE).
(C2H4)n
Plastic Containers, Plastic Bottles, Plastic Films, Bags
9002-88-4, Polyethene, poly(methylene)
Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC), Exxon Mobil Corporation, The Dow Chemical Company, China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation (Sinopec), PetroChina Company Limited, Reliance Industries Limited (RIL), Chevron Phillips Chemical Company
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.
Polyethylene is produced from ethylene through its polymerisation. As ethylene is a stable compound, it polymerises only upon its contact with a catalyst. This conversion is highly exothermic and finally produces Polyethylene.
Our Price Analysis Methodology
AVP - Strategy and Solutions
Leading procurement research solutions across chemicals, materials, and food & beverages, with expertise in price forecasting and market analytics.
Experience how Procurement Resource transforms raw material price data into clear, decision ready intelligence. Optimise your performance with reliable, expert market data and analysis. Schedule your demo today to experience a live walk-through where our experts will showcase interactive price charts, forecasted prices, and insights driving the prices for your key commodities, tailored to your workflows. Contact us now!
Our Team will be happy to assist you
We are just a text away
Still Need Help?
Unlock full access to Procurement Resource's price databases, interactive charts, and short-term forecasts for thousands of commodities. Elevate your sourcing decisions by comparing prices across regions, downloading historical data, and layering in analyst-backed insights, all with our flexible plans that scale as your portfolio grows.
Still have any Questions
Contact Us
Price Trend Dashboard - What's Included
Price trends across a diverse portfolio of categories and products, spanning board to niche chemicals
Coverage extendable to grade-specific chemicals based on procurement requirements
Regular price tracking supported by robust historical datasets
News, policy updates, and key market drivers impacting price movements
Short-term and long-term price outlooks and forecasts
Supply-demand dynamics and capacity-driven market analysis
Track prices, market movements, supply-demand dynamics, and industry developments across hundreds of commodities through a centralized intelligence platform built for informed procurement decisions.
Understand market fluctuations using analyst-backed forecasts, historical pricing patterns, and evolving industry trends to strengthen sourcing strategies and budget planning.
Leverage cost models, pricing benchmarks, and procurement insights to evaluate purchasing opportunities, improve negotiations, and enhance operational efficiency.
Access region-specific price trends, trade activities, capacity changes, and supply chain developments influencing commodity markets worldwide.
