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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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

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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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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 ethylene dichloride prices in the United States for Q4 2023 reached 250 USD/MT in December. The market was under pressure due to high stockpiles and weak demand, particularly from the PVC sector. Destocking activities and an unpredictable export prospects further strained market conditions, leading to decreased purchasing sentiments and a challenging pricing environment.

Ethylene Dichloride Prices December 2023

Explore IMARC’s newly published report, titled “Ethylene Dichloride Prices, Trend, Chart, Demand, Market Analysis, News, Historical and Forecast Data Report 2024 Edition,” offers an in-depth analysis of ethylene dichloride pricing, covering an analysis of global and regional market trends and the critical factors driving these price movements.

In Q3 2025, North America Ethylene Dichloride Price Index fell by 16.75% quarter-over-quarter, driven by weak PVC demand. Check detailed insights for Europe, MEA, South America and APAC.

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.

In 2024, the U.S. ethylene market decreased by -0.8% to $13.4B, falling for the second year in a row after two years of growth. Over the period under review, consumption, however, showed a relatively flat trend pattern. As a result, consumption attained the peak level of $16.3B. From 2015 to 2024, the growth of the market remained at a lower figure.

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

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

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

Global Ethylene Market valued at USD 220.36 Bn in 2025, is anticipated to reaching USD 329.16 Bn by 2032, with a steady annual growth rate of 5.9%.

The price of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) has fluctuated significantly from 2017 to 2023, reaching a low of *** U.S. dollars per metric ton in 2020 and a high of ***** U.S. dollars per metric ton in 2018. The price was shown to have increased slightly from this 2020 minimum to a value of *** U.S. dollars per metric ton in 2023. HDPE as a petrochemical derivative One of the main factors that influences the HDPE market is the price of the raw material ethylene. Ethylene is a petrochemical product that is significantly affected by global oil prices and supply and demand dynamics. In 2021 the global ethylene market size was valued at *** billion U.S. dollars and was forecast to increase to a value of *** billion U.S. dollars by 2030. The ethylene market is predominantly dominated by the Asia Pacific region, contributing **** percent of total revenue. China holds the position of the world's largest consumer of ethylene, accounting for ** percent of global demand, while the remaining Asian countries consumed ** percent. Environmental concerns and HDPE alternatives HDPE poses significant environmental concerns due to its non-biodegradability and challenges in recycling. Since 1950, the global production of plastic materials has exceeded **** billion metric tons, but only **** percent of them have been recycled. The remaining plastic waste has been either discarded in landfills or released into the environment. As one of the most widely manufactured plastics worldwide, HDPE waste can accumulate over time, leading to pollution and adverse health effects for both humans and animals. To address these issues, various alternatives to HDPE are being developed or utilized, such as bioplastics, synthetic paper, and bio-based HDPE. These alternatives aim to mitigate the environmental impacts of HDPE by utilizing renewable resources, biodegradable materials, or minimizing carbon emissions. However, these alternatives also have notable drawbacks, including higher costs, reduced performance, and the potential for competition with food crops.

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

The ethylene vinyl acetate prices in the United States for Q2 2024 reached 1635 USD/MT in June. The region experienced notable price fluctuations, primarily driven by weak consumption in the solar and packaging sectors. Moreover, the dependence on imports intensified as domestic production of solar struggled to meet local demands. The quarter concluded with a slight overall decline in rates, reflecting ongoing market pressures.

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