Escalating Middle East tensions trigger USD 275/mt surge in Asian ethylene prices

Last week, ethylene prices in Asia rally as ongoing conflict in West Asia continues to disrupt the supply outlook.

An industry source in Asia informed a Polymerupdate team member, “Ethylene prices in Asia rose amid geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, which disrupted the global energy supply chain and pushed up the cost of key feedstocks like naphtha. Higher raw material prices squeezed operating margins, prompting some producers to cut run rates or schedule maintenance, tightening supply. Concerns over potential shortages drove active procurement, with buyers accepting higher prices to secure material. This combination of elevated costs, limited supply, and strong buying supported the upward movement in ethylene prices across the region.”

CFR North East Asia ethylene prices were assessed at USD 1420–1430/mt levels, a spike of USD (+275/mt) from the previous week.

CFR South East Asia ethylene prices were assessed at USD 1420-1430/mt levels, a steep week-on-week rise of USD (+275/mt).

FOB Korea ethylene prices were assessed at USD 1420–1430/mt levels, a sharp gain of USD (+275/mt) from the previous week.

FOB Japan prices were assessed at USD 1415-1425/mt, week-on-week sharply higher by USD (+275/mt).