Ethylene prices in Asia held steady on Tuesday despite bearish signals from energy markets. CFR Northeast Asia ethylene was assessed at USD 815–825/mt, unchanged from Monday’s assessment, while CFR Southeast Asia remained flat at USD 825–835/mt, according to a regional industry source who noted that “prices remained constant amid a muted buying momentum in the Asian markets.”
Though softer crude and naphtha values have exerted pressure on petrochemical margins, the ethylene spot market showed resilience amidst quiet trading activity and cautious buyer behavior. Market discussions indicate limited spot transactions, with participants largely adopting a wait-and-see stance.
Adding to the market landscape, Jinhai Chemical said it plans to shutter its high-density polyethylene (HDPE) unit in Shandong province from late July through September 2025 for scheduled maintenance. With an annual capacity of roughly 400,000 mt, temporary closure of this unit may reduce regional polymer availability and could lend support to ethylene and downstream pricing dynamics once it comes offline.
Overall, the Asian ethylene market appears locked in a delicate state of equilibrium: bearish energy fundamentals are being offset by tight trading activity and looming supply disruptions in related polymer segments. Unless there’s a surge in buying interest or unexpected supply-side developments, prices are expected to remain range-bound in the near term.
