The global ethylene market recorded broad-based price increases in September 2026, with all four assessed regions registering upward movements. The latest Ethylene Prices assessment placed prices at USD 1.50/Kg in Europe, USD 1.06/Kg in Southeast Asia, USD 1.05/Kg in Northeast Asia, and USD 0.66/Kg in North America. North America recorded the strongest increase at 15.8%, while Europe remained the highest-priced market despite a comparatively smaller rise of 13.6%. The IMARC Price Index reflects a broadly firmer regional pricing environment, with potential influences including feedstock economics, production availability, downstream demand, and logistics.

Ethylene is a key petrochemical building block used in polyethylene, ethylene oxide, ethylene glycol, vinyl products, and numerous other chemical applications. The September increases may affect purchasing costs for plastics, packaging, construction materials, and chemical manufacturers. Regional price differences can reflect variations in feedstock sources, cracker operating conditions, supply availability, and local market structures. Buyers can use the latest benchmarks to evaluate supplier quotations, review inventory coverage, and plan procurement while considering contract terms, delivery arrangements, and downstream production requirements.

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

• Northeast Asia: USD 1.05/Kg (7.1% ↑ Up)
• Europe: USD 1.50/Kg (13.6% ↑ Up)
• Southeast Asia: USD 1.06/Kg (8.2% ↑ Up)
• North America: USD 0.66/Kg (15.8% ↑ Up)

Europe recorded the highest reported ethylene price in September 2026 at USD 1.50/Kg, followed by Southeast Asia at USD 1.06/Kg and Northeast Asia at USD 1.05/Kg. North America remained the lowest-priced market at USD 0.66/Kg, despite recording the strongest percentage increase. The upward movement across all four regions indicates a broadly firmer monthly assessment, although the extent of the increases differed.

Regional pricing may be influenced by feedstock costs, steam cracker utilization, maintenance schedules, downstream manufacturing demand, and transportation requirements. Ethylene is often consumed close to production facilities or supplied through integrated petrochemical networks, making local infrastructure and supply arrangements important. Buyers should compare regional benchmarks alongside product specifications, delivery terms, and sourcing costs rather than interpreting headline prices as directly interchangeable.

Regional Price Analysis of Ethylene Prices – September 2026

Northeast Asia

Ethylene prices in Northeast Asia increased by 7.1% to USD 1.05/Kg in September 2026. The upward movement may reflect changes in feedstock costs, cracker operating rates, regional supply availability, and purchasing activity across downstream petrochemical industries. Demand from polyethylene, ethylene oxide, ethylene glycol, and other chemical manufacturing applications can influence procurement requirements. Plant maintenance, inventory levels, and import availability may also affect market conditions. Buyers may benefit from monitoring supplier availability, evaluating feedstock-linked pricing arrangements, and maintaining suitable inventory coverage. The supplied assessment confirms the increase but does not establish the precise contribution of individual supply or demand factors.

Europe

European ethylene prices rose by 13.6% to USD 1.50/Kg in September 2026, maintaining the highest reported price among the assessed regions. The increase may be associated with production economics, feedstock availability, cracker operating conditions, and demand from downstream chemical manufacturers. Polyethylene, packaging materials, ethylene oxide, and other derivatives represent important sources of ethylene consumption. Energy costs, maintenance requirements, and logistics may also influence regional supply economics. Buyers can review contract renewal schedules, compare supplier quotations, and assess alternative sourcing arrangements as prices rise. The reported movement indicates firmer market pricing but does not independently identify its specific cause.

Southeast Asia

Ethylene prices in Southeast Asia increased by 8.2% to USD 1.06/Kg in September 2026. This movement reflects firmer reported pricing amid potentially changing feedstock economics, production availability, and downstream purchasing requirements. Demand from polyethylene, ethylene oxide, ethylene glycol, and broader chemical manufacturing applications can influence consumption. Regional cracker utilization, imported material availability, and distribution costs may also affect the balance between supply and demand. Buyers may review inventory coverage and supplier contracts to manage exposure to changing prices. Although the regional benchmark increased, the available figures do not establish whether the movement resulted primarily from production constraints, higher feedstock costs, or stronger consumption.

North America

North American ethylene prices increased by 15.8% to USD 0.66/Kg in September 2026, recording the strongest percentage increase among the four assessed regions. Despite this rise, North America remained the lowest-priced market in the comparison. Regional feedstock availability, petrochemical production infrastructure, cracker operating rates, and inventory conditions can influence ethylene pricing. Demand from polyethylene, packaging, construction materials, and chemical manufacturing also affects purchasing requirements. The increase may prompt buyers to reassess budgets, supplier quotations, and inventory requirements. However, the supplied data does not establish the precise reason for the movement or imply that North American prices have reached the levels reported in other regions.

Supply and Demand Overview – September 2026

Ethylene supply depends on steam cracker operations, feedstock availability, plant utilization, maintenance schedules, and inventory positions. Conventional production routes use feedstocks such as naphtha, ethane, propane, and other hydrocarbons, with the feedstock mix varying across regions. Changes in upstream oil and gas markets can influence production economics, while planned maintenance or unexpected outages may affect available volumes. Integrated petrochemical facilities and pipeline networks also shape how ethylene reaches downstream manufacturers.

Demand is closely connected to several major derivative industries:

• Polyethylene: A major source of ethylene consumption, supporting packaging, films, containers, and other plastic products.
• Ethylene Oxide: Used in the production of ethylene glycol, surfactants, and other chemical intermediates.
• Ethylene Glycol: Supports polyester fibers, resins, and antifreeze formulations.
• Vinyl Products: Ethylene-derived intermediates contribute to the production of selected plastics and construction materials.
• Chemical Manufacturing: Ethylene serves as a feedstock for various organic chemicals and industrial intermediates.
• Packaging and Construction: Demand for ethylene-based derivatives is influenced by manufacturing, infrastructure, and consumer-product activity.

All four assessed regions recorded price increases in September 2026. This broad movement may reflect a combination of production costs, supply availability, and purchasing requirements, but the supplied figures do not quantify changes in output or consumption. Regional markets can still respond differently to feedstock sources, local inventories, and downstream operating rates, making region-specific analysis essential for procurement planning.

Key Factors Affecting Prices – Monthly Perspective

• Raw Material Availability: Ethane, naphtha, propane, and other hydrocarbon feedstocks influence ethylene production economics. Changes in feedstock prices or availability may affect producer costs and supply decisions.
• Downstream Demand: Purchasing activity from polyethylene, ethylene oxide, ethylene glycol, and other derivative producers can influence ethylene consumption. Changes in downstream operating rates may affect procurement volumes.
• Logistics: Pipeline infrastructure, shipping availability, transportation expenses, and storage arrangements can influence regional supply conditions and delivered costs.
• Energy Costs: Steam cracking and associated processing require substantial energy. Changes in energy expenses may affect production economics, depending on feedstock selection and plant efficiency.
• Trade Dynamics: Regional imports and exports, currency movements, freight costs, and access to alternative suppliers can influence local price benchmarks and sourcing decisions.

Recent Developments (September Highlights)

• Industry Conditions: Ethylene remained an important feedstock for plastics, packaging, chemical intermediates, and other petrochemical applications. Downstream operating conditions continued to be relevant to purchasing requirements across these industries.
• Supply Considerations: Cracker utilization, scheduled maintenance, feedstock availability, and inventory levels can influence market supply. Buyers should monitor confirmed producer updates when assessing potential availability changes.
• Logistics and Procurement: Transportation arrangements, pipeline access, shipment schedules, and regional sourcing options can affect delivered costs. Procurement teams may review supplier coverage and inventory requirements as market benchmarks rise.
• Demand and Production: Requirements from polyethylene, ethylene oxide, ethylene glycol, and other derivative manufacturers can influence ethylene consumption. The September assessment showed increases in all four regions, although the supplied figures do not quantify the specific contribution of demand, production, or logistics to the movements.

Ethylene Price Chart Analysis – Monthly Movement

The September 2026 ethylene price chart shows upward movements across all assessed regions. Europe recorded USD 1.50/Kg after a 13.6% increase, while Southeast Asia reached USD 1.06/Kg following an 8.2% rise. Northeast Asia increased by 7.1% to USD 1.05/Kg, and North America rose by 15.8% to USD 0.66/Kg. The regional assessments indicate broad-based strengthening, with differences in both price levels and percentage movements.

• Early September: No separate early-month price observations were supplied. The available monthly data does not establish the exact price level at the beginning of September.
• Mid-September: The assessment does not include a distinct mid-month observation. It is therefore not possible to determine the precise timing or pace of the regional increases.
• Late September: The monthly assessment confirms higher reported prices in Northeast Asia, Europe, Southeast Asia, and North America. It does not establish whether the increases occurred specifically during the final days of the month.

For procurement managers, price charts help compare regional benchmarks, monitor the direction of market movements, and evaluate purchasing budgets. Combining price assessments with feedstock costs, cracker operating conditions, supplier quotations, and inventory data can improve procurement decisions. Monthly observations should be interpreted as period-level indicators rather than evidence of uninterrupted daily price increases.

Ethylene Price Index & Historical Analysis

The September 2026 Ethylene Price Index assessment showed increases across all four regions. North America recorded the strongest percentage movement at 15.8%, while Europe remained the highest-priced market at USD 1.50/Kg. Southeast Asia and Northeast Asia reported prices of USD 1.06/Kg and USD 1.05/Kg, respectively. These figures establish the reported monthly direction but do not, by themselves, demonstrate a long-term historical trend.

Three structural drivers are important when interpreting ethylene price-index movements:

• Feedstock and Production Economics: Hydrocarbon feedstock prices, cracker efficiency, plant utilization, and maintenance requirements influence production costs and the quantity of ethylene available to the market.
• Downstream Manufacturing Cycles: Polyethylene, ethylene oxide, ethylene glycol, and other derivative industries influence ethylene consumption through their production schedules and inventory requirements.
• Regional Supply and Trade: Local production capacity, pipeline connectivity, import availability, and freight costs can affect regional price differences and procurement flexibility.

A consistent historical price series helps businesses compare price movements across periods, assess regional sourcing economics, and identify changes in market direction. Procurement teams can use index data to benchmark supplier quotations, evaluate contract renewals, and manage inventory planning. Meaningful comparisons require consistent units, assessment periods, product specifications, and delivery conditions.

What Is Ethylene?

Ethylene, also known as ethene, is a colorless, flammable hydrocarbon gas with the chemical formula C₂H₄. It is one of the most important building blocks in the petrochemical industry because it is used to manufacture a wide range of plastics and chemical intermediates. Commercial production commonly takes place through steam cracking of hydrocarbon feedstocks, including ethane and naphtha. The feedstock mix and production economics vary by region, influencing supply availability and cost structures.

Major applications include:

• Polyethylene Production: Ethylene is polymerized to produce polyethylene used in films, packaging, containers, pipes, and numerous consumer and industrial products.
• Ethylene Oxide and Ethylene Glycol: These derivatives support the manufacture of polyester materials, antifreeze, surfactants, and other chemicals.
• Vinyl Chain Applications: Ethylene-derived intermediates contribute to the production of materials used in construction and other industrial applications.
• Industrial Chemicals: Ethylene serves as a starting material for several chemical intermediates and manufacturing processes.
• Packaging and Consumer Products: Demand for ethylene derivatives is linked to packaging, household goods, and other manufactured products.

Ethylene's extensive use across the petrochemical value chain makes its availability and cost important to downstream manufacturers. Buyers should evaluate feedstock exposure, production reliability, derivative demand, and regional supply arrangements when assessing price changes and planning procurement.

Ethylene Price Forecast – Next 12 Months

The ethylene price outlook over the next 12 months will depend on feedstock economics, cracker operating rates, production capacity, downstream demand, and regional trade conditions. The September 2026 assessment showed increases across all four regions, with North America recording the strongest percentage rise and Europe maintaining the highest reported price. These movements provide a baseline for monitoring market conditions but do not establish that prices will continue rising at the same rate.

Key growth drivers include :

• Polyethylene Demand: Requirements for packaging, films, containers, pipes, and other plastic products may support ethylene consumption.
• Ethylene Oxide and Glycol Production: Demand from chemical intermediates, polyester, and industrial fluids may influence feedstock purchasing requirements.
• Manufacturing Activity: Production across construction, packaging, automotive, and consumer-product supply chains can affect demand for ethylene derivatives.
• Production Reliability: Stable cracker operations and reliable feedstock availability may support consistent supply to downstream manufacturers.
• Regional Procurement Needs: Restocking and inventory replenishment may influence short-term purchasing activity when buyers adjust to production schedules and supply conditions.

Potential risks include :

• Feedstock Price Volatility: Changes in ethane, naphtha, propane, and other hydrocarbon costs may affect producer margins and selling prices.
• Weak Downstream Demand: Lower consumption of polyethylene and other derivatives may reduce purchasing requirements and limit price increases.
• Production Disruptions: Unplanned outages, maintenance, or feedstock constraints may affect supply availability and market balance.
• Capacity Expansion: Additional production capacity may increase supply and place pressure on prices if demand does not expand at a comparable pace.
• Logistics and Trade Constraints: Freight expenses, shipment disruptions, and limited sourcing options may increase delivered costs or create regional imbalances.

Overall, the ethylene outlook remains dependent on the interaction between feedstock costs, production availability, and downstream consumption. September's broad-based increases indicate firmer reported pricing during the assessment period, but future movements may vary by region. Buyers should continue monitoring feedstock markets, cracker operations, derivative demand, and inventory conditions rather than assuming that the latest upward trend will persist unchanged.

FAQs About Ethylene Prices Insights & Market Analysis

What does the Ethylene Price Index indicate in September 2026?

The September 2026 assessment shows price increases in all four regions. North America recorded the strongest increase at 15.8%, while Europe had the highest reported price at USD 1.50/Kg.

How does the Ethylene Price Chart help procurement managers?

An ethylene price chart helps buyers compare regional benchmarks, monitor price movements, evaluate supplier quotations, and support inventory planning and contract negotiations.

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

The outlook depends on feedstock costs, cracker operating rates, downstream demand, and supply availability. The supplied data does not establish a specific future price or percentage movement.

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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