Propylene prices across Asia retreated at the start of the week as subdued trading and limited downstream appetite continued to weigh on sentiment. Market participants reported that FOB Korea values fell to USD 760–770 per metric ton on Monday, down USD 5 from Friday’s assessment. CFR China prices mirrored the trend, easing to USD 790–800 per metric ton, also a decline of USD 5 over the same period.
An industry source in Asia, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the downward move reflected a market that remains cautious. “Propylene prices declined as muted trading activity and limited buying interest continued to weigh on the market,” the source explained, pointing to lackluster demand from derivative producers and adequate regional supply.
In related plant developments, Shenhua Xinjiang Energy has reportedly brought its polypropylene (PP) unit back online around September 22, 2025, following a maintenance shutdown that began in August. The facility, located in Xinjiang, China, has a nameplate capacity of 450,000 metric tons per year. While market chatter confirms the restart, official confirmation from the company has yet to be released.
The combination of softer spot pricing and fresh production capacity underscores the delicate balance in Asia’s olefins sector as the final quarter of the year approaches, with buyers and sellers closely watching supply dynamics and downstream demand for clearer direction.
