Propylene prices rose last week in Korea, Japan, and Southeast Asia, while remaining stable in China and Taiwan.
An industry source in Asia, requesting anonymity, told Polymerduniya, “The increase in Asian propylene prices was mainly influenced by reduced supply conditions and consistent regional demand. Multiple production challenges, such as decreased cracker operating rates and scheduled maintenance at some units in Northeast Asia, restricted spot availability and provided upward pressure on prices earlier in the week.”
The source added, “Demand from downstream polypropylene manufacturers remained fairly steady, ensuring reliable offtake that sustained market strength. These supply-side limitations, combined with stable-to-strong derivative demand, supported the weekly rise in propylene prices, despite CFR China values beginning to decline toward the week’s end in line with a weaker domestic outlook.”
On Friday, FOB Korea propylene prices were assessed at USD 740–750/mt, up USD 5/mt from the previous week. CFR Southeast Asia prices stood at USD 730–740/mt, and FOB Japan prices at USD 740–750/mt, both also gaining USD 5/mt week on week. Meanwhile, CFR Taiwan and CFR China prices held steady at USD 770–780/mt.
In China, the sudden shutdown of Zhenhua Petrochemical’s propane dehydrogenation (PDH) unit, with a capacity of 750,000 mt/year, due to a technical issue significantly reduced supply and pushed prices higher. However, by the week’s close, improved operating rates in Shandong increased local availability, while subdued downstream polypropylene demand limited further gains. The PDH disruption nonetheless provided strong supply-driven support across the week.
In plant developments, Tianjin Bohua restarted its PDH plant around August 5, 2025, after a week-long maintenance shutdown. The facility, located in Tianjin, China, has a capacity of 600,000 mt/year. Similarly, Shandong Binhua New Materials restarted its 600,000 mt/year PDH unit in Binzhou, Shandong, in mid-August 2025 following maintenance.
