Ethylene Prices Index Analysis with Quarterly Trend and Forecast Prices

The global ethylene market recorded price increases across all four assessed regions in September 2026, reflecting differences in regional supply conditions, feedstock economics, production costs, and downstream demand. The ethylene price trend indicates that Europe recorded the highest price at USD 1.50/KG, followed by Southeast Asia at USD 1.06/KG and Northeast Asia at USD 1.05/KG. North America remained the lowest-priced market at USD 0.66/KG, despite registering the strongest percentage increase.

Regional price movements highlighted varying market dynamics. North America recorded the largest increase of 15.8%, followed by Europe at 13.6%, Southeast Asia at 8.2%, and Northeast Asia at 7.1%. These gains reflect the influence of feedstock availability, production economics, inventory management, and purchasing activity across ethylene-consuming industries. The supplied data establishes the reported September prices and percentage movements but does not independently identify the contribution of each factor.

For detailed insights, charts, and forecasts, explore: https://www.imarcgroup.com/ethylene-pricing-report/requestsample

Regional Ethylene Prices Outlook – September 2026: Where Are Prices Highest?

Europe recorded the highest ethylene price in September 2026 at USD 1.50/KG, supported by its distinct production cost structure and regional supply-demand conditions. North America registered the lowest price at USD 0.66/KG, maintaining a substantial price difference compared with the other assessed markets. Southeast Asia and Northeast Asia reported closely aligned prices of USD 1.06/KG and USD 1.05/KG, respectively.

North America experienced the strongest reported monthly movement, increasing by 15.8%, while Europe recorded a rise of 13.6%. Southeast Asia and Northeast Asia also posted gains of 8.2% and 7.1%, respectively. The simultaneous upward movements indicate broad-based price strengthening across the assessed regions, although the magnitude varied considerably. Differences in feedstock costs, regional production capacity, trade flows, and downstream purchasing requirements remain important considerations when comparing ethylene pricing across international markets.

Regional Price Analysis of Ethylene Prices – September 2026

Northeast Asia: Moderate Increase Amid Regional Demand and Supply Considerations

Northeast Asian ethylene prices reached USD 1.05/KG in September 2026, increasing by 7.1%. The region recorded the smallest percentage gain among the four assessed markets, although prices remained closely aligned with Southeast Asia. Ethylene demand in Northeast Asia is linked to downstream petrochemical production, particularly polyethylene and other chemical intermediates used across packaging, manufacturing, and industrial applications. Procurement requirements from these sectors can influence spot-market activity and purchasing strategies.

Feedstock availability, cracker operating rates, inventory positions, and regional trade conditions are relevant factors shaping the local pricing environment. Changes in production economics can affect suppliers' willingness to offer material at competitive prices, while downstream buyers may adjust purchasing volumes in response to changing margins. The September increase establishes a clear upward movement, but the available data does not specify the individual supply or demand developments responsible for the change.

Europe: Highest Regional Price Amid Elevated Cost Considerations

European ethylene prices increased to USD 1.50/KG in September 2026, representing a 13.6% rise. Europe maintained the highest price among the assessed markets, with its reported price substantially exceeding those of Northeast Asia, Southeast Asia, and North America. Regional pricing is influenced by feedstock economics, energy and operating costs, cracker availability, import requirements, and demand from downstream chemical manufacturers.

Ethylene serves as a critical input for polyethylene, ethylene oxide, ethylene glycol, and several other industrial chemicals. Changes in production costs and plant operating conditions can affect the economics of supplying these derivative markets. Buyers may also adapt procurement schedules according to inventory requirements and expectations about future availability. The September increase indicates stronger pricing during the reporting period, although the supplied figures do not isolate the precise contribution of energy costs, plant operations, or downstream demand to the observed movement.

Southeast Asia: Upward Price Movement with Closely Balanced Regional Pricing

Southeast Asian ethylene prices reached USD 1.06/KG in September 2026, marking an increase of 8.2%. The reported price was marginally higher than Northeast Asia's USD 1.05/KG, demonstrating the relatively close pricing relationship between these two markets during the period. Regional market conditions depend on the availability of domestically produced material, imported supply, feedstock costs, and demand from petrochemical processing facilities.

Downstream polyethylene production and other ethylene derivatives remain important sources of industrial demand. Purchasing activity can fluctuate with manufacturing schedules, inventory requirements, and expectations regarding supply availability. Logistics and import economics can further influence the competitiveness of regional material. The September increase reflects a positive price movement, but the available figures do not establish whether the gain resulted primarily from stronger demand, supply constraints, or changes in production costs.

North America: Largest Percentage Increase Despite the Lowest Price

North American ethylene prices stood at USD 0.66/KG in September 2026, increasing by 15.8%, the largest percentage gain among the four assessed regions. Despite this increase, North America retained the lowest reported price, remaining well below the European benchmark. Regional ethylene economics are closely connected to feedstock availability, particularly natural gas liquids used by petrochemical producers, alongside cracker utilization, derivative demand, and inventory conditions.

The region's production structure can differ considerably from markets that rely more heavily on other feedstock sources or imported material. These differences influence production costs and the relationship between domestic prices and international benchmarks. Ethylene demand from polyethylene and other derivative manufacturers also affects purchasing requirements. Although North America recorded the strongest percentage increase in September, the supplied data does not identify the exact cause of the rise or establish whether it reflected changes in feedstock costs, operating rates, demand, or inventories.

Supply and Demand Overview – September 2026

Ethylene pricing is shaped by the interaction between production capacity, feedstock economics, operating rates, downstream consumption, and logistics. The simultaneous price increases reported across Northeast Asia, Europe, Southeast Asia, and North America indicate that the assessed markets experienced upward movements during September 2026. However, the size of each increase varied, reflecting the different pricing structures and market conditions that can influence regional ethylene markets.

On the supply side, cracker operating rates, maintenance schedules, feedstock availability, and production economics affect the volume of ethylene available to buyers. On the demand side, polyethylene production, industrial chemical manufacturing, packaging requirements, and other derivative applications influence consumption. Inventory replenishment and purchasing schedules can also affect short-term transactions.

The available September figures provide a regional price snapshot rather than a complete supply-demand balance. They establish the reported prices and percentage increases but do not quantify production volumes, inventory changes, or consumption growth. These indicators should be considered alongside the price data when assessing the underlying causes of regional movements.

Key Factors Affecting Prices – September 2026 Perspective

• Feedstock costs: Ethane, naphtha, and other feedstock prices influence ethylene production economics. Regional differences in feedstock availability and processing routes can contribute to substantial price variations.
• Production and operating rates: Cracker utilization, planned maintenance, unplanned outages, and capacity availability affect the volume of ethylene supplied to the market.
• Downstream demand: Consumption from polyethylene, ethylene oxide, ethylene glycol, and other derivative industries influences procurement volumes and manufacturers' willingness to pay.
• Inventory and purchasing strategies: Stock levels, contract commitments, spot purchases, and restocking requirements can affect the balance between immediate supply and demand.
• Trade and logistics: Freight costs, import availability, regional trade flows, and delivery requirements influence the competitiveness of material across different markets.

Recent Developments (September 2026 Highlights)

• Broad-based regional price increases: All four assessed markets recorded upward ethylene price movements in September 2026, with reported gains ranging from 7.1% to 15.8%.
• North America recorded the strongest gain: Prices rose by 15.8% to USD 0.66/KG, the largest percentage increase among the assessed regions.
• Europe retained the highest price position: The European market reached USD 1.50/KG following a 13.6% increase, remaining the most expensive assessed market.
• Asian prices remained closely aligned: Southeast Asia reached USD 1.06/KG and Northeast Asia USD 1.05/KG, with respective increases of 8.2% and 7.1%.

Ethylene Price Chart Analysis – Monthly Movement

• Northeast Asia: Ethylene prices reached USD 1.05/KG, recording a 7.1% increase in September 2026. This was the smallest percentage gain among the four assessed regions.
• Europe and Southeast Asia: Europe reported USD 1.50/KG following a 13.6% increase, while Southeast Asia reached USD 1.06/KG after rising by 8.2%.
• North America: Prices increased by 15.8% to USD 0.66/KG, representing the strongest percentage movement despite the region's lowest absolute price.

These figures represent the supplied September 2026 price levels and reported movements. They do not provide daily or weekly observations, so a more detailed within-month price trajectory cannot be established from the available data.

Ethylene Price Index & Historical Analysis

Ethylene price comparisons across regions help illustrate the influence of production economics, feedstock selection, operating conditions, and regional supply-demand balances. In September 2026, Europe reported the highest price at USD 1.50/KG, while North America recorded the lowest at USD 0.66/KG. Northeast Asia and Southeast Asia occupied an intermediate range, with prices of USD 1.05/KG and USD 1.06/KG, respectively.

𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐝𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐲 𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐭:

• Feedstock and energy economics: Regional differences in raw material sourcing, energy costs, and processing efficiency influence production costs and price competitiveness.
• Capacity and operating conditions: Maintenance, utilization rates, and plant availability affect market supply and the availability of spot volumes.
• Downstream consumption and trade: Demand from derivative producers, inventory management, and import-export flows affect regional market balances.

The reported percentage increases provide a useful comparison of September price movements, but a complete historical index assessment would require consistent observations across multiple months or quarters. The supplied data alone cannot establish longer-term price cycles, historical averages, or annual trends.

What Is Ethylene?

Ethylene is a colourless, flammable hydrocarbon gas and one of the most widely used building blocks in the petrochemical industry. It is primarily produced through the steam cracking of hydrocarbon feedstocks, including ethane, propane, and naphtha. Its production economics depend on feedstock selection, plant technology, operating efficiency, and energy requirements.

Ethylene is a foundational raw material for a wide range of chemicals and polymer products. Its importance across manufacturing supply chains makes its pricing relevant to petrochemical producers, processors, distributors, and industrial buyers.

𝐈𝐭𝐬 𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐝𝐞:

• Polyethylene manufacturing: Used in packaging films, containers, pipes, household products, and industrial materials.
• Ethylene oxide production: Supports the manufacture of surfactants, solvents, and other chemical intermediates.
• Ethylene glycol production: Used in polyester fibres, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and antifreeze formulations.
• Vinyl acetate and related chemicals: Serves as a feedstock for materials used in adhesives, coatings, and other industrial applications.
• Specialty chemical production: Supports the manufacture of additional chemical intermediates used in multiple industrial value chains.

Because ethylene is consumed across numerous downstream sectors, changes in its price can influence derivative production costs and procurement decisions throughout the petrochemical industry.

Ethylene Price Forecast – Next 12 Months

Ethylene price movements over the next 12 months will depend on the evolution of feedstock costs, production capacity, downstream demand, and regional trade conditions. The September 2026 data shows price increases across all four assessed regions, but a single monthly snapshot is insufficient to establish whether these increases will continue or reverse. A reliable outlook requires ongoing monitoring of supply-demand fundamentals and regional production economics.

𝐊𝐞𝐲 𝐠𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐭𝐡 𝐝𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐝𝐞:

• Demand from polyethylene producers: Consumption linked to packaging, construction, consumer goods, and industrial applications can support ethylene requirements.
• Growth in derivative industries: Demand for ethylene oxide, ethylene glycol, and other intermediates can influence purchasing volumes.
• Feedstock competitiveness: Changes in ethane and naphtha economics may affect operating decisions and regional production cost advantages.
• Production discipline: Changes in plant utilization and the availability of market supply can influence pricing conditions.
• Industrial and manufacturing activity: Changes in manufacturing output and buyer restocking can affect short-term demand.

𝐏𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐤𝐬 𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐝𝐞:

• Feedstock price volatility: Unexpected changes in raw material costs can alter production economics and price expectations.
• Supply additions: New capacity or higher operating rates may increase available supply and put pressure on prices.
• Weaker downstream demand: Reduced derivative production can limit purchasing requirements and weaken market sentiment.
• Operational disruptions: Unplanned plant outages or maintenance can create short-term supply imbalances and regional price differences.
• Trade and logistics changes: Freight costs, import availability, and trade-flow shifts can affect regional competitiveness.

The outlook should therefore be treated as conditional rather than as a fixed price prediction. Market participants can improve planning by tracking feedstock benchmarks, cracker operating rates, derivative margins, inventory conditions, and regional demand indicators. No specific future price target is assigned because the supplied information does not include a forecast dataset.

FAQs About Ethylene Prices Insights & Market Analysis

𝐖𝐡𝐢𝐜𝐡 𝐫𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐡𝐚𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐡𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐲𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐞 𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐒𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔?

Europe recorded the highest assessed ethylene price at USD 1.50/KG, following a reported increase of 13.6%.

𝐖𝐡𝐢𝐜𝐡 𝐫𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞?

North America recorded the largest percentage increase, with ethylene prices rising by 15.8% to USD 0.66/KG.

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐟𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐬 𝐢𝐧𝐟𝐥𝐮𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐲𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐞 𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐬?

Key influences include feedstock costs, production capacity, plant operating rates, downstream demand, inventories, and regional trade and logistics conditions.

How IMARC Pricing Database Can Help

The latest IMARC Group study, "Ethylene Prices, Trend, Chart, Demand, Market Analysis, News, Historical and Forecast Data 2026 Edition," provides a detailed analysis of ethylene price trends and global market dynamics. The report covers price movements, regional developments, demand patterns, supply conditions, and the factors influencing current and future prices.

The analysis examines the relationship between raw material costs, production conditions, downstream demand, logistics, trade flows, and regional market developments. By exploring the interaction between supply and demand, the pricing analysis provides businesses with useful insights into current market conditions and future pricing dynamics.

𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐜𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐬 𝟓𝟎𝟎+ 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐨𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬: https://www.imarcgroup.com/pricing-intelligence

𝐀𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐔𝐬:

IMARC Group is a global management consulting firm that provides a comprehensive suite of services to support market entry and expansion efforts. The company offers detailed market assessments, feasibility studies, regulatory approvals and licensing support, and pricing analysis, including spot pricing and regional price trends. Its expertise spans demand-supply analysis alongside regional insights covering Asia-Pacific, Europe, North America, Latin America, and the Middle East and Africa. IMARC also specializes in competitive landscape evaluations, profiling key market players, and conducting research into market drivers, restraints, and opportunities. IMARC's data-driven approach helps businesses navigate complex markets with precision and confidence.

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