In Q3 2025, North America Ethylene Price Index rose by 15.03% quarter-over-quarter, driven by export demand. Check detailed insights for Europe, MEA and APAC.

Get the latest insights on price movement and trend analysis of Ethylene in different regions across the world (Asia, Europe, North America, Latin America, and the Middle East Africa).

Between January 2020 and October 2024, there were variations in the monthly cost of ethylene across the globe. The lowest price was observed in May 2020, averaging at a mere *** U.S. dollars per metric ton. In contrast, the highest price occurred in April 2022, reaching ***** U.S. dollars per metric ton.

The average price of ethylene worldwide amounted to some *** U.S. dollars per metric ton in 2023. The global production capacity of ethylene reached approximately ****** million tons in 2022. Petrochemical products Ethylene is the most commonly used petrochemical globally. A major part of its production is used to produce polyethylene, a common plastic material that accounts for roughly ** percent of global thermoplastic production. Other ethylene-derived products include ethylene glycol, ethylene dichloride, and styrene. Apart from ethylene, other widely produced petrochemicals are propylene, methanol, and paraxylene. Together they account for over ** percent of the global upstream petrochemical capacity. Petrochemical prices Petrochemical prices are highly dependent on the price of oil and related products. Feedstock costs represent the largest share of petrochemical production costs, ahead of fixed costs, power, and transportation. As with oil prices, the price of petrochemical products fell sharply during 2020, following the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. That year, petrochemicals such as ethylene, propylene, or benzene registered the lowest price in recent years, although they picked up shortly after.

Ethylene polymer prices reached $917/MT in Dec 2024. Discover 2025 forecasts, trends, and supply insights from Expert Market Research.

Graph and download economic data for Export Price Index (Harmonized System): Polymers of Ethylene, in Primary Forms (ID3901) from Jan 2025 to Aug 2025 about primary, harmonized, exports, price index, indexes, price, and USA.

In May 2025, the average ethylene export price amounted to $23,381 per ton, increasing by 2,045% against the previous month.

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Ethylene Market Size 2025-2029

The ethylene market size is forecast to increase by USD 63.3 billion at a CAGR of 6.5% between 2024 and 2029.

The market is experiencing significant growth driven by the increasing demand for polyethylene products across various industries, including packaging, construction, and automotive. This trend is expected to continue as ethylene-derived plastics offer advantages such as durability, lightweight, and cost-effectiveness. However, market dynamics are influenced by the emergence of bio-ethylene, a sustainable alternative to traditional ethylene derived from fossil fuels. This shift towards renewable sources presents both opportunities and challenges for market participants.
On the one hand, bio-ethylene offers a more sustainable production process and potential cost savings through government incentives and carbon credits. On the other hand, the production of bio-ethylene is currently more expensive than traditional ethylene, and scaling up production remains a significant challenge. Additionally, volatility in raw material prices, particularly for natural gas and crude oil, continues to impact the market's profitability and strategic planning. Companies seeking to capitalize on market opportunities and navigate challenges effectively must stay informed of these trends and be agile in their business strategies.

What will be the Size of the Ethylene Market during the forecast period?

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The market encompasses the production, trade, and application of ethylene, a colorless, flammable organic compound. Ethylene is a key petrochemical derivative and the primary building block for various ethylene-based derivatives, including polyethylene (PE), ethylene oxide, ethylene glycol, high-density polyethylene (HDPE), and low-density polyethylene (LDPE). These materials are widely used in various industries, including construction, flexible packaging, and the production of bio-based products, lightweight plastics, and market derivatives. The market size is substantial, driven by the increasing demand for ethylene-based derivatives in consumer goods, food, beverages, medications, and various industrial applications. The market's growth is influenced by factors such as the availability of shale oil output, which has led to increased ethylene production capacity.
Additionally, the shift towards sustainable and eco-friendly alternatives, such as bio-polyethylene, is gaining momentum due to growing concerns about carbon footprint and the need for improved barrier qualities in packaging materials. Overall, the market is expected to continue its strong growth trajectory, driven by the diverse applications and demand for ethylene-based derivatives in various industries.

How is this Ethylene Industry segmented?

The ethylene industry research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in 'USD billion' for the period 2025-2029, as well as historical data from 2019-2023 for the following segments.

Feedstock

  Naphtha
  Ethane
  LPG
  Others


Application

  LDPE
  HDPE
  Ethylene oxide
  Vinyls
  Others


Packaging

  Automotive
  Building & Construction
  Agrochemical
  Textile
  Chemicals
  Others


Geography

  APAC

    China
    India
    Japan


  North America

    US
    Canada


  Middle East and Africa

    UAE


  Europe

    France
    Germany
    UK


  South America

    Brazil


  Rest of World (ROW)

By Feedstock Insights

The naphtha segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period. Ethylene is a colorless, flammable organic compound used extensively as a raw material in the production of various plastics and petrochemical derivatives. The largest source of ethylene is naphtha, which accounted for over half of the global ethylene production in 2024. However, the naphtha segment is expected to lose market share due to its energy-intensive production process, which results in significant carbon emissions. One kilogram of ethylene production emits approximately 1.8-2 kilograms of carbon dioxide. Europe and APAC are the leading regions in naphtha-based ethylene production. Ethylene is a key ingredient in the production of polyethylene, ethylene glycol, high-density polyethylene (HDPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), vinyl acetate, and various ethylene-based derivatives.

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The naphtha segment was valued at USD 56.00 billion in 2019 and showed a gradual increase during the forecast period.

Regional Analysis

APAC is estimated to contribute 42% to the growth of the global market during the forecast period. Technavio's analysts have elaborately explained the regional trends and drivers that shape the market during the forecast period.

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Explore the volatility and influencing factors in the price history of ethylene, a key petrochemical. Learn how crude oil prices, supply chain dynamics, and geopolitical events impact this essential industry's market trends.

Discover the latest insights into the global ethylene and propylene market, projected to contract at a CAGR of -2.7% until 2033. Explore market size, regional trends, key players (SINOPEC, Dow, LyondellBasell), and the impact of fluctuating oil prices and environmental regulations on this crucial petrochemical sector.

The average ethylene import price stood at $893 per ton in February 2025, stabilizing at the previous month.

Ethylene Price Per Unit in Germany, 2019 Discover more data with ReportLinker!

United States - Export Price Index (Harmonized System): Polymers of Ethylene, in Primary Forms was 101.40000 Index 2000=100 in August of 2025, according to the United States Federal Reserve. Historically, United States - Export Price Index (Harmonized System): Polymers of Ethylene, in Primary Forms reached a record high of 408.50000 in April of 2021 and a record low of 62.40000 in March of 1994. Trading Economics provides the current actual value, an historical data chart and related indicators for United States - Export Price Index (Harmonized System): Polymers of Ethylene, in Primary Forms - last updated from the United States Federal Reserve on December of 2025.

The global ethylene market, valued at $179,590 million in 2025, is projected to experience robust growth, driven by increasing demand from key downstream sectors like polyethylene (PE) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC). The compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.6% from 2025 to 2033 indicates a significant expansion, fueled by the burgeoning construction, packaging, and automotive industries. Growth in emerging economies, particularly in Asia-Pacific, is anticipated to contribute substantially to this expansion. While fluctuating crude oil prices pose a challenge, technological advancements in ethylene production, focusing on efficiency and sustainability, are expected to mitigate this risk. Increased investments in new production capacities and the adoption of more efficient processes will further contribute to market growth. The competitive landscape includes major players such as Dow Chemical, Sabic, and ExxonMobil, all vying for market share through innovation and strategic partnerships. The market is segmented by various factors including production method, application, and region, with polyethylene and polyvinyl chloride representing major applications. The significant growth projections highlight promising investment opportunities in the ethylene market. However, companies must navigate potential challenges, including regulatory pressures concerning environmental sustainability and the volatility of raw material costs. Successful players will prioritize technological innovation, efficient production methods, and strategic partnerships to enhance their competitive edge and capitalize on the substantial growth potential across diverse geographical regions. The focus on sustainable production practices and exploring renewable feedstock sources will be increasingly critical for long-term success. The market’s robust growth prospects, coupled with the need for sustainable solutions, are anticipated to drive further investment in research and development, leading to a more innovative and sustainable ethylene landscape.

Ethylene price in the United States: Enjoy data from the world's biggest and most renowned business intelligence platform. 2 million reports updated monthly.

Russia Avg Producer Price: OKPD2: Chemicals: Ethylene data was reported at 37,907.430 RUB/Ton in Jan 2019. This records a decrease from the previous number of 40,743.500 RUB/Ton for Dec 2018. Russia Avg Producer Price: OKPD2: Chemicals: Ethylene data is updated monthly, averaging 37,907.430 RUB/Ton from Jan 2017 (Median) to Jan 2019, with 25 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 54,278.270 RUB/Ton in Oct 2018 and a record low of 24,035.350 RUB/Ton in Aug 2017. Russia Avg Producer Price: OKPD2: Chemicals: Ethylene data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Federal State Statistics Service. The data is categorized under Russia Premium Database’s Prices – Table RU.PB010: Average Producer Price: Chemicals.

Explore the ethylene price trends of 2023, analyzing how global economic factors, crude oil market fluctuations, supply-demand dynamics, and geopolitical influences have shaped its volatility. Understand the broader impacts on industries relying on this pivotal petrochemical feedstock.

Polyethylene rose to 6,821 CNY/T on December 2, 2025, up 0.32% from the previous day. Over the past month, Polyethylene's price has fallen 0.77%, and is down 21.48% compared to the same time last year, according to trading on a contract for difference (CFD) that tracks the benchmark market for this commodity. This dataset includes a chart with historical data for Polyethylene.

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