US ethylene prices remained stable on Wednesday, with spot assessments holding at 24.50–25.00 cents/lb FD US Gulf, unchanged from Tuesday. A market source noted that “US ethylene prices remained stable, with reports indicating the emergence of a few cracker issues in the market.” The market’s resilience has been supported by mild disruptions at Gulf Coast crackers, which have helped offset bearish sentiment from broader energy markets.
In Asia, ethylene prices also showed no movement, with CFR Northeast Asia assessments steady at USD 815–825/mt, reflecting quiet buying activity across the region. The lack of fresh demand amid subdued economic indicators kept prices range-bound.
Despite persistent softness in upstream feedstock prices, particularly crude oil and naphtha, the ethylene market maintains a delicate balance. On one hand, cracker output interruptions provide occasional support; on the other, cautious downstream consumption continues to limit upside momentum.
Looking ahead, market participants will monitor several key factors: the duration and severity of any cracker issues in the US, future movements in feedstock benchmarks, and emerging demand signals from downstream sectors such as polyethylene producers. At present, both US and Asian markets appear locked in a consolidation phase, with stability likely to persist unless disrupted by significant supply or demand shifts.
In summary, ethylene prices in both the US and Northeast Asia are in a holding pattern, with emerging supply-side disruptions counterbalancing weak demand, keeping the market in a tenuous state of equilibrium.
