Ethylene prices showed a predominantly upward regional trend in August 2026, with Southeast Asia recording the strongest increase at 16.7%, followed by Europe at 12.8% and Northeast Asia at 11.4%. North America moved in the opposite direction, declining 1.7%. Europe recorded the highest price at USD 1.32/KG, while North America remained the lowest at USD 0.57/KG, highlighting substantial regional differences in feedstock economics, cracker operations, supply availability, and downstream demand.

The firm pricing across Asia and Europe reflected tighter prompt availability and stronger cost and supply pressure across parts of the petrochemical chain. Demand from polyethylene, ethylene oxide, ethylene glycol, styrene, and vinyl chloride monomer producers remained central to market activity. North America's comparatively lower price and modest decline reflected its different feedstock structure and supply-demand balance, encouraging buyers to maintain region-specific procurement strategies.

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

• Northeast Asia: USD 0.98/KG (11.4% ↑ Up)
• Europe: USD 1.32/KG (12.8% ↑ 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 reported the lowest at USD 0.57/KG. Northeast Asia and Southeast Asia both recorded USD 0.98/KG, although Southeast Asia experienced the strongest monthly increase at 16.7%.

The regional spread reflected differences in cracker feedstocks, operating rates, maintenance schedules, import requirements, energy economics, and derivative demand. Asian and European markets remained more exposed to naphtha and broader energy-cost conditions, while North American producers benefited from comparatively favorable ethane-based feedstock economics. Procurement managers therefore continued to evaluate regional availability and delivered costs rather than relying on a single global pricing benchmark.

Regional Price Analysis of Ethylene Prices – August 2026

Northeast Asia

Northeast Asia recorded ethylene prices of USD 0.98/KG, increasing 11.4%. The upward movement reflected tighter supply conditions and improved pricing support across the regional petrochemical chain. Cracker operating rates, maintenance activity, feedstock economics, and downstream derivative demand remained important influences on market conditions.

Demand from polyethylene, ethylene oxide, styrene, and other derivatives supported procurement activity. Buyers remained cautious about inventory accumulation while ensuring sufficient ethylene availability for production schedules, particularly where prompt supply was constrained.

Europe

Europe recorded ethylene prices of USD 1.32/KG, rising 12.8% and representing the highest regional price. The increase reflected tighter regional availability, production constraints, and continued demand from downstream derivative manufacturers.

Polyethylene, ethylene oxide, and vinyl chloride monomer producers remained important consumers. Procurement managers continued to monitor cracker utilization, maintenance schedules, naphtha costs, and import availability while balancing contract requirements against spot-market exposure.

Southeast Asia

Southeast Asia reported ethylene prices of USD 0.98/KG, increasing 16.7%, the strongest movement among the supplied regions. The rise reflected tighter prompt availability, reduced cracker operating rates in parts of the region, and firmer downstream operating conditions.

Polyethylene and other ethylene derivatives remained important demand centers. Buyers continued to limit purchases to operational requirements where market uncertainty persisted, while producers maintained close control over output and inventory levels.

North America