Ethylene prices showed a broadly firm trend across the reported markets in August 2026, with Europe recording the highest price at USD 1.32/KG, followed by Northeast Asia and Southeast Asia at USD 0.98/KG each, and North America at USD 0.57/KG. Europe increased by 12.8%, while Southeast Asia posted the strongest regional increase of 16.7%. Northeast Asia also rose by 11.4%, whereas North America declined by 1.7%, highlighting a significant regional divergence.

The market remained influenced by feedstock costs, cracker operating rates, ethylene availability, inventory levels, and downstream demand from polyethylene, ethylene oxide, ethylene glycol, vinyl products, and other chemical manufacturing segments. Stronger pricing across Asia and Europe reflected tighter supply-demand conditions, while North America's decline indicated comparatively softer regional fundamentals. Procurement teams continued to monitor producer availability, feedstock economics, and downstream operating rates to manage purchasing costs.

Regional Ethylene Prices Outlook – August 2026: Where Are Prices Highest?

• Europe: USD 1.32/KG (12.8% ↑ Up)
• Northeast Asia: USD 0.98/KG (11.4% ↑ Up)
• Southeast Asia: USD 0.98/KG (16.7% ↑ Up)
• North America: USD 0.57/KG (-1.7% ↓ Down)

Europe recorded the highest ethylene price at USD 1.32/KG, while North America remained the lowest at USD 0.57/KG. The resulting regional spread of USD 0.75/KG reflected differences in feedstock economics, cracker configurations, production availability, import exposure, logistics, and downstream petrochemical demand.

The strongest increase occurred in Southeast Asia at 16.7%, indicating significant upward pressure within the regional market. Northeast Asia also recorded a substantial increase, while Europe maintained the highest absolute price. North America's lower price and declining movement demonstrated the impact of comparatively different feedstock and supply conditions.

Regional Price Analysis of Ethylene Prices – August 2026

Northeast Asia

Northeast Asia recorded ethylene prices of USD 0.98/KG, increasing by 11.4%. The market remained influenced by cracker operating rates, naphtha economics, regional inventories, and demand from polyethylene and other derivatives. Stronger downstream requirements supported purchasing activity, while buyers remained attentive to producer availability and feedstock costs. Procurement managers generally prioritized securing material against further potential increases.

Europe

Europe recorded ethylene prices of USD 1.32/KG, rising by 12.8% and representing the highest reported regional price. The market was influenced by feedstock economics, cracker operating conditions, maintenance activity, and downstream chemical demand. Polyethylene, ethylene oxide, ethylene glycol, and other derivative producers remained key consumers. Buyers faced increased replacement costs and therefore focused on inventory optimization and contract coverage.

Southeast Asia

Southeast Asia recorded prices of USD 0.98/KG, increasing by 16.7%, the strongest movement among the reported regions. Regional supply conditions, imported feedstock economics, cracker operations, and downstream polymer demand contributed to the upward trend. Buyers remained sensitive to international cargo availability and freight costs. Procurement activity emphasized short-term supply security while limiting excessive inventory accumulation.

North America

North America recorded ethylene prices of USD 0.57/KG, declining by 1.7%. The region maintained the lowest reported price, supported by its distinct feedstock and petrochemical production structure. Demand from polyethylene, ethylene oxide, and other derivative industries remained important, although comparatively softer market conditions reduced pricing pressure. Buyers benefited from more favorable near-term procurement economics while continuing to monitor producer operating rates.

Supply and Demand Overview – August 2026

Ethylene supply remained closely linked to steam cracker operations, feedstock availability, production rates, plant maintenance, and inventory levels. Variations in naphtha, ethane, and other feedstock economics influenced regional production costs, while operating-rate changes affected spot availability. International trade and logistics remained particularly relevant in markets dependent on imported petrochemical material.

Demand intensity across major downstream sectors remained as follows:

• Polyethylene: Strong demand
• Ethylene Oxide and Derivatives: Strong demand
• Ethylene Glycol: Stable demand
• Vinyl and Other Chemical Derivatives: Stable demand
• Packaging and Industrial Applications: Moderate to strong demand

The overall supply-demand balance was firm across most reported regions, with Europe, Northeast Asia, and Southeast Asia experiencing significant upward movements. North America diverged from this pattern, indicating comparatively softer local conditions. This regional imbalance reinforced the importance of localized procurement and feedstock assessment.

Key Factors Affecting Prices – Monthly Perspective

• Raw Material Availability: Ethylene production depends heavily on feedstock availability and cracker economics. Changes in ethane, naphtha, and other feedstock conditions directly affect production costs and producer margins.
• Downstream Demand: Polyethylene, ethylene oxide, ethylene glycol, and other derivatives remained important demand centers, with stronger downstream operating rates supporting ethylene consumption.
• Logistics: Freight, port operations, storage, and regional transportation costs influenced delivered ethylene economics, particularly where markets relied on imported material.
• Energy Costs: Steam cracking and associated petrochemical processing require significant energy inputs. Changes in fuel and electricity costs can influence producer operating economics.
• Trade Dynamics: Regional imports, exports, arbitrage opportunities, and availability of international cargoes contributed to pricing differences between Asia, Europe, and North America.

Recent Developments (August Highlights)

• Europe recorded a 12.8% increase in ethylene prices, reaching USD 1.32/KG.
• Southeast Asia posted the strongest increase at 16.7%, reflecting significant upward pricing pressure.
• Northeast Asia prices increased by 11.4%, supported by firmer regional market conditions.
• North America moved against the broader trend, with prices declining by 1.7% to USD 0.57/KG.

Overall, August 2026 demonstrated a firm ethylene market across Asia and Europe, while North America remained comparatively softer. Regional feedstock economics and downstream demand continued to create significant differences in procurement conditions.

For detailed insights, charts, and forecasts, explore: https://www.imarcgroup.com/ethylene-pricing-report/requestsample

Ethylene Price Chart Analysis – Monthly Movement

The Ethylene Price Chart for August 2026 shows a clear upward movement across Europe, Northeast Asia, and Southeast Asia, contrasted with a decline in North America. Europe remained the highest-priced market, while North America maintained the lowest price.

• Early August: Ethylene pricing was influenced by feedstock availability, cracker operating rates, inventories, and purchasing requirements from major downstream derivative producers.
• Mid-August: Stronger demand and regional supply considerations contributed to increasing prices across Asian and European markets. Buyers increasingly focused on securing coverage as replacement costs moved higher.
• Late August: Europe and Asian markets maintained firm pricing momentum, while North America remained comparatively softer and continued to provide a lower-cost sourcing environment.

The price chart helps procurement managers identify regional pricing differences, monitor market direction, compare supplier offers, and optimize purchasing timing. It also supports inventory planning and assessment of regional sourcing alternatives.

Ethylene Price Index & Historical Analysis

The Ethylene Price Index in August 2026 reflected a predominantly upward market, with three of the four reported regions registering increases. Europe reached USD 1.32/KG, while Northeast Asia and Southeast Asia both recorded USD 0.98/KG. North America remained significantly lower at USD 0.57/KG despite its 1.7% decline.

Historically, ethylene pricing has been strongly influenced by feedstock markets, petrochemical capacity utilization, cracker maintenance, new capacity additions, and downstream polymer cycles. Changes in polyethylene demand can have a particularly strong effect on ethylene consumption, while disruptions to cracker operations can quickly tighten availability.

Key structural drivers include:

• Feedstock availability and cracker economics
• Production and processing capacity
• Downstream polymer and chemical manufacturing cycles

The August 2026 market highlights the importance of regional cost structures in ethylene procurement. Buyers need to assess feedstock trends, plant operations, inventories, downstream demand, and trade flows when evaluating market direction.

What Is Ethylene?

Ethylene is a colorless, highly reactive hydrocarbon and one of the most important basic petrochemical building blocks. It is primarily produced through steam cracking of hydrocarbon feedstocks, including ethane, naphtha, propane, and other hydrocarbons, followed by separation and purification.

Ethylene serves as a fundamental intermediate for producing a wide range of polymers, chemicals, and industrial materials.

Key applications include:

• Polyethylene production
• Ethylene oxide and ethylene glycol manufacturing
• Vinyl and chlorinated chemical production
• Chemical intermediates and solvents
• Packaging and industrial materials

Ethylene is strategically important to the global chemical industry because numerous downstream value chains depend on its availability. Changes in ethylene costs can therefore influence polymer, packaging, automotive, construction, and broader manufacturing cost structures.

Ethylene Price Forecast – Next 12 Months

The ethylene price outlook for the next 12 months is expected to remain firm-to-volatile, with substantial regional differences likely to continue. Stronger pricing across Asia and Europe indicates near-term supply-demand pressure, while North America's decline demonstrates that feedstock advantages and local availability can moderate market pricing.

Key growth drivers include:

• Polyethylene demand growth
• Expansion of packaging and consumer-goods manufacturing
• Demand for ethylene oxide and ethylene glycol
• Industrial and construction activity
• Tightness in regional cracker supply

Potential risks include:

• Higher ethylene production capacity
• Weak downstream polymer demand
• Lower feedstock costs reducing production expenses
• Unexpected changes in cracker operating rates
• Trade and logistics disruptions

Overall, ethylene prices are expected to remain firm-to-volatile over the coming year. Regional feedstock advantages, production capacity, downstream demand, and trade flows will continue to determine market direction, with procurement strategies increasingly focused on securing reliable supply while managing exposure to feedstock-driven price movements.

FAQs About Ethylene Prices Insights & Market Analysis

What does the Ethylene Price Index indicate in August 2026?

The index indicates a broadly firm market, with Europe, Northeast Asia, and Southeast Asia recording increases of 12.8%, 11.4%, and 16.7%, respectively. North America declined by 1.7%, demonstrating substantial regional divergence.

How does the Ethylene Price Chart help procurement managers?

The chart helps procurement teams compare regional prices, identify upward or downward market movements, evaluate replacement costs, negotiate supply contracts, and optimize inventory and purchasing schedules.

What is the ethylene price forecast for the next 12 months?

Ethylene prices are expected to remain firm-to-volatile, with future movements influenced by feedstock costs, cracker operating rates, downstream polyethylene and chemical demand, production capacity, inventories, and international trade conditions.

How IMARC Pricing Database Can Help

The latest IMARC Group study, "Ethylene Prices, Trend, Chart, Demand, Market Analysis, News, Historical and Forecast Data 2026 Edition," provides a detailed analysis of ethylene price trends and global market dynamics. The report covers price movements, regional developments, demand patterns, supply conditions, and the factors influencing current and future prices.

The analysis examines the relationship between raw material costs, production conditions, downstream demand, logistics, trade flows, and regional market developments. By exploring the interaction between supply and demand, the pricing analysis provides businesses with useful insights into current market conditions and future pricing dynamics.

Explore pricing intelligence across 500+ commodities: https://www.imarcgroup.com/pricing-intelligence

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IMARC Group is a global management consulting firm that provides a comprehensive suite of services to support market entry and expansion efforts. The company offers detailed market assessments, feasibility studies, regulatory approvals and licensing support, and pricing analysis, including spot pricing and regional price trends. Its expertise spans demand-supply analysis alongside regional insights covering Asia-Pacific, Europe, North America, Latin America, and the Middle East and Africa. IMARC also specializes in competitive landscape evaluations, profiling key market players, and conducting research into market drivers, restraints, and opportunities. IMARC’s data-driven approach helps businesses navigate complex markets with precision and confidence.

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