Despite weakening energy values, ethylene prices in Asia held steady on Monday, defying expectations of a downturn. Market participants reported limited trading activity, as buyers and sellers remained on the sidelines, hesitant to commit amid falling naphtha prices and broader market uncertainty.
According to an industry source who spoke to Polymerduniya on condition of anonymity, “Prices in the Asian market remained stable due to low trading volumes, with traders exercising caution and generally remaining inactive, even as naphtha prices fell.”
Ethylene prices were assessed unchanged, with CFR North East Asia holding at USD 815–825/mt, and CFR South East Asia assessed flat at USD 825–835/mt, matching last Friday’s levels. The market pause comes even as feedstock costs, particularly naphtha, have shown a bearish trend, typically a precursor to downstream softness.
In related plant developments, Shanghai Secco Petrochemical successfully restarted its linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) unit on July 22, 2025, following a planned maintenance shutdown that began on July 3. The unit, located in Zhejiang, China, has a production capacity of 300,000 metric tons per year and is currently running at optimal levels.
While the restart marks a return to operational normalcy, it has yet to spark significant movement in ethylene demand. With traders cautious and broader market sentiment still unclear, the short-term outlook for ethylene pricing in Asia remains one of cautious stability.
