Ethylene prices in the United States remained unchanged on Thursday, as muted trading activity and weak buying appetite kept the market subdued. Market participants reported that sentiment was cautious, with buyers refraining from securing fresh volumes amid already comfortable stock levels.
A US-based source told that purchases slowed noticeably during the week, leaving prices to roll over from previous assessments. Ethylene was evaluated at 20.50–21.00 cents/lb FD US Gulf, unchanged from Wednesday. The pause in activity was attributed to soft downstream demand and the absence of significant supply disruptions, both of which have reduced volatility in the short term.
Market players observed that while supply conditions remain balanced, the lack of new demand from polyethylene and other derivatives continues to cap price momentum. Some traders noted that without fresh triggers, either from upstream feedstock movements or downstream restocking, the US ethylene market is likely to remain rangebound in the near term.
In Asia, ethylene prices were also steady, assessed at USD 835–845/mt CFR Northeast Asia, unchanged from Wednesday. Regional players indicated that both buyers and sellers are monitoring upcoming September offers before committing to new transactions, keeping overall spot activity restrained.
The consistency across both US and Asian benchmarks highlights the prevailing equilibrium in the global ethylene market, with participants largely waiting for clearer signals from feedstock costs, plant operating rates, and downstream demand before re-engaging in significant trading.
