Ethylene markets were largely unmoved on Wednesday, with prices holding steady in both the United States and Asia amid subdued trading interest and limited buying activity. Market participants reported that sentiment remained cautious, reflecting a wait-and-see approach from both producers and consumers.
In the U.S. Gulf region, ethylene was assessed at 20.00–20.50 cents per pound (FD US Gulf), unchanged from the previous day’s levels. According to an industry source, discussions in the domestic market were quiet, with no significant new deals or shifts in fundamentals to drive prices higher or lower. The source noted that balanced supply conditions and a lack of fresh demand signals kept spot values firmly anchored.
A similar picture emerged in Asia, where ethylene prices were reported stable at USD 845–855 per metric ton (CFR Northeast Asia). Traders across key regional hubs pointed to steady feedstock costs and restrained downstream buying as reasons for the market’s flat performance.
Analysts suggest that near-term price direction will depend on upcoming plant maintenance schedules and downstream demand trends in derivatives such as polyethylene and styrene. Until stronger signals emerge, both U.S. and Asian ethylene markets appear poised to remain range-bound.
