Ethylene prices in the United States were largely unchanged on Wednesday, with market activity subdued and discussions remaining muted. An industry source told a team member that the overall tone was calm, with participants showing little urgency to strike new deals. “U.S. ethylene prices remained stable amid muted market conditions, with market discussions heard subdued,” the source said, describing a day of limited spot interest and narrow trading ranges.
Spot ethylene was assessed at 20.00–20.50 cents per pound FD US Gulf, flat from Tuesday’s levels. Traders noted that steady cracker operating rates and balanced supply-demand conditions have kept the market anchored for now, even as downstream buyers take a wait-and-see approach ahead of upcoming maintenance schedules and feedstock cost updates.
Across the Pacific, sentiment was only slightly softer. CFR Northeast Asia assessments held at USD 835–845 per metric ton, a modest decline of USD 5 from the previous day. Regional players attributed the dip to mild demand weakness but said overall fundamentals remain steady.
Market participants on both sides of the globe are watching crude oil trends and derivative demand signals for direction, but for the moment, ethylene pricing continues to move sideways, reflecting a cautious, evenly supplied environment.
