Polyethylene decreased 721 CNY/T or 8.46% since the beginning of 2025, 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.

The price of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) has fluctuated significantly from 2017 to 2023, reaching a low of 837 U.S. dollars per metric ton in 2020 and a high of 1,211 U.S. dollars per metric ton in 2018. The price was shown to have increased slightly from this 2020 minimum to a value of 988 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 176 billion U.S. dollars and was forecast to increase to a value of 287 billion U.S. dollars by 2030. The ethylene market is predominantly dominated by the Asia Pacific region , contributing 42.6 percent of total revenue. China holds the position of the world's largest consumer of ethylene, accounting for 18 percent of global demand, while the remaining Asian countries consumed 22 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 nine billion metric tons, but only nine 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. 

The polyethylene (PE) prices in Mexico for Q4 2023 reached 1284 USD/MT in December.

Explore IMARC’s newly published report, titled “Polyethylene (PE) Pricing Report 2025: Price Trend, Chart, Market Analysis, News, Demand, Historical and Forecast Data,” offers an in-depth analysis of polyethylene (PE) pricing, covering an analysis of global and regional market trends and the critical factors driving these price movements.

Learn about the factors that influence the price of polyethylene, the most commonly used plastic in the world, including supply and demand, global crude oil prices, and grade and quantity purchased.

Graph and download economic data for Producer Price Index by Commodity: Rubber and Plastic Products: Unlaminated Polyethylene Film and Sheet (WPU072205011) from Dec 2011 to Feb 2025 about rubber, plastics, commodities, PPI, inflation, price index, indexes, price, and USA.

The recycled-linear low density polyethylene prices in the Saudi Arabia for Q3 2024 reached 765 USD/MT in September. The market faced decreased demand in major industries like construction and packaging. Ongoing oversupply and weaker exports pressured pricing, encouraging producers to implement competitive strategies to maintain market share.

Explore IMARC’s newly published report, titled ““Recycled-Linear Low Density Polyethylene (R-LLDPE) Prices, Trend, Chart, Demand, Market Analysis, News, Historical and Forecast Data Report 2025 Edition,” offers an in-depth analysis of recycled-linear low density polyethylene (R-LLDPE) pricing, covering an analysis of global and regional market trends and the critical factors driving these price movements.

In 2022, the market value of the thermoplastic polyethylene was roughly 168 billion U.S. dollars worldwide. By 2030, the global market value of polyethylene is expected to rise to nearly 205.29 billion U.S. dollars.

The average polyethylene export price stood at $1,078 per ton in October 2024, dropping by -4% against the previous month.

In Q4 2024, the Linear Low-Density Polyethylene (LLDPE) market in North America experienced a notable decline, primarily due to weakening demand from key industries such as packaging, construction, and automotive. The drop in demand, combined with lower feedstock Ethylene prices, suggested an oversupply in the market, which added further pressure to pricing dynamics. Producers faced difficulties in maintaining market balance as the excess supply and softer demand continued to persist through the quarter.

The global price of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) in 2022 was 1,161.9 U.S. dollars per metric ton, showing an increase from the previous year's value of 1,065.7 U.S. dollars per metric ton. PET is extensively used in the textile industry to make polyester fibers, as well as for various packaging applications like beverage bottles, food containers, and personal care products. PET market outlook This increase in the global price of PET coincides with a rise in the market value of PET worldwide, which reached 33.51 billion U.S. dollars in 2022, up from 32.35 billion U.S. dollars in 2021. The market value is projected to continue growing, reaching an estimated 43.26 billion U.S. dollars by 2030. This growth in market value is reflective of the increasing demand for PET, with the global market volume of PET reaching 25.47 million metric tons in 2022, up from 19.71 million metric tons in 2015. Environmental footprint of PET and bioplastic PET PET is a widely used plastic with various applications, but its production and usage come with environmental concerns. Although it is entirely recyclable, traditional PET is derived from non-renewable resources and is not biodegradable, contributing to plastic pollution and resource depletion. In response, there has been growing interest in bioplastic PET, which is made from renewable resources and is biodegradable. However, despite its potential benefits, there is a forecasted decline in the production capacity of bioplastic PET. In 2023, the production capacity stood at 2.2, but it is forecasted to drop to 0.4 by 2028. While bioplastic PET is made from renewable resources and is biodegradable, it still has some environmental downsides. For instance, the production process for bioplastic PET can be energy-intensive and water-consuming, and the biodegradation process may release methane, a potent greenhouse gas. As a result, some companies are exploring even more sustainable bioplastic alternatives, such as plant-based materials like polylactic acid (PLA) or fully biodegradable plastics like polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA).

In Q1 2024, the US R-HDPE market experienced a bearish trend, with prices for Recycled High-Density Polyethylene (R-HDPE) Light Pellets dropping by approximately 6.5%. This decline was attributed to weaker demand from key downstream industries such as film, textiles, and…

In the first quarter of 2024, Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE) prices experienced a notable upward trend across multiple regions, including North America, Asia-Pacific (APAC), the Middle East and Africa (MEA), and Europe, with the US market seeing a remarkable 19% increase.…

The metallocene low linear density polyethylene (mLLDPE) prices in China for Q4 2023 reached 1282 USD/MT in December. mLLDPE prices in China exhibited some fluctuation. Early in the quarter, rising feedstock costs and robust demand from various sectors pushed prices up. However, geopolitical tensions, including the conflict in the Middle East, disrupted trade routes and impacted export levels. These factors contributed to price volatility, as the market adjusted to supply chain interruptions and changing demand patterns.

Metallocene Low Linear Density Polyethylene (mLLDPE) Prices December 2023

IMARC’s newly published report, titled “Metallocene Low Linear Density Polyethylene (mLLDPE) Pricing Report {PricingCurrentYear}: Price Trend, Chart, Market Analysis, News, Demand, Historical and Forecast Data,” offers an in-depth analysis of metallocene low linear density polyethylene (mLLDPE) pricing, covering an analysis of global and regional market trends and the critical factors driving these price movements.

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

The polyethylene glycol prices in Saudi Arabia for Q3 2024 reached 1,025 USD/MT in September. The market adjusted in response to fluctuating demand and competitive pricing pressures from international imports. A surge in demand, especially from pharmaceutical and industrial applications, drove prices up in August, though levels normalized by September.

Learn about the factors that affect the price per ton of polyethylene, including global oil prices, supply and demand, and market conditions. Find out how natural disasters, political unrest, and economic conditions can impact the price of this widely-used plastic material.

In 2023, approx. 1.1M tons of primary polyethylene with a specific gravity of over 0,94 were exported from Thailand; surging by 11% on the previous year.

The LLDPE prices in the United States for Q4 2024 reached 1166 USD/MT in December. The market faced challenges due to weakened demand from packaging, construction, and automotive sectors. Oversupply, along with low ethylene prices, further pressured prices. Logistical disruptions, including hurricanes and port strikes, worsened the situation. Political uncertainties ahead of the presidential election added to market hesitation.

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

Graph and download economic data for Producer Price Index by Industry: Plastics Material and Resin Manufacturing (PCU325211325211) from Jun 1976 to Feb 2025 about resin, plastics, materials, manufacturing, PPI, industry, inflation, price index, indexes, price, and USA.

During the last quarter of 2024, the polyethylene terephthalate prices in the USA reached 1121 USD/MT in December. As per the polyethylene terephthalate price chart, low consumer demand, falling PTA costs, and bloated inventory all contributed to the market's negative trajectory. Prices remained low due to a lack of purchase activity from important industries, including food applications and beverage packaging.

Explore IMARC’s newly published report, titled "Polyethylene Terephthalate Prices, Trend, Chart, Demand, Market Analysis, News, Historical and Forecast Data Report 2025 Edition," offers an in-depth analysis of polyethylene terephthalate pricing, covering an analysis of global and regional market trends and the critical factors driving these price movements.