Ethylene prices march higher in Asia on firmer upstream energy values

Last week, ethylene prices climbed across Asia.

An industry source in Asia informed a Polymerupdate team member, "Ethylene prices strengthened during the week, supported by firmer upstream energy values and tighter spot availability. Market sentiment improved amid expectations of reduced export availability following the scheduled shutdown of two methanol-to-olefins (MTO) units in China, further tightening regional supply. Buying interest for prompt cargoes increased as market participants sought to secure limited spot volumes. However, the upside was capped by weak downstream demand, with several derivative plants operating at reduced rates or remaining offline, prompting most buyers to purchase only to meet immediate requirements.”

CFR Southeast Asia ethylene prices were assessed at USD 805-815/mt levels, a gain of USD (+20/mt) from the previous week.

CFR Northeast Asia ethylene prices were assessed at USD 830-840/mt levels, a week-on-week increase of USD (+25/mt).

FOB Korea ethylene prices were assessed at USD 795-805/mt levels, while FOB Japan ethylene prices were assessed at USD 790-800/mt levels, both up by USD (+30/mt) from the previous week.