On Tuesday, propylene prices in the United States showed little movement as market participants appeared cautious, with trading activity dipping amid a widening gap between what buyers are willing to pay and what sellers expect. According to an industry source, the overall undertone was stable but subdued. Polymer grade spot-delivered propylene was assessed at 32.50-33.00 cents per lb FD US Gulf, unchanged from Monday. Meanwhile, refinery-grade propylene held firm at 28.50-29.00 cents per lb under the same terms.
Across the Pacific, Asian ethylene prices were also flat on Tuesday, with CFR Northeast Asia levels holding at USD 845-855 per metric ton. Sources reported minimal buying interest and a steady supply backdrop, with neither significant demand catalysts nor supply disruptions coming into play.
The combined US-Asia scenario suggests a market in pause mode. In the US, buyers seem reluctant to bridge the expectation gap, while in Asia, stable feedstock availability and lacklustre downstream demand are keeping ethylene prices from moving. Unless a trigger such as a supply cut, policy action, or unexpected surge in demand surfaces, the current stability is expected to persist in both regions for the near term.
