Polyethylene rose to 7,070 CNY/T on June 9, 2025, up 0.01% from the previous day. Over the past month, Polyethylene's price has fallen 2.51%, and is down 16.11% 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.

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. 

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).

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 Apr 2025 about rubber, plastics, commodities, PPI, inflation, price index, indexes, price, and USA.

The recycled high density polyethylene prices in the United States for Q3 2024 reached 1560 USD/MT in September. The market in the region remained stable, driven by the steady demand in construction and packaging. Improved recycling initiatives supported a balanced supply, while cautious buyer and seller response resulted in only slight price changes.

In Q1 2025, the North American High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) market witnessed a varied pricing trend, driven by rising demand, weather-related supply disruptions, and higher feedstock costs. The prices increased for the initial two months, however, declined at the end of the quarter. A surge in demand across packaging, construction, and automotive sectors led to a price increase in the USA, further supported by a rise in ethylene prices. Severe winter conditions caused by Winter Storm Enzo disrupted petrochemical production in Texas and Louisiana, tightening supply and leading producers to halt fresh offers.

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

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.

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

In Q1 2025, the North American Linear Low-Density Polyethylene (LLDPE) market showed an initially strong performance, driven by solid demand from packaging, construction, and automotive sectors. Price hikes in January and February were supported by tight supply, as severe winter weather disrupted production and led to unplanned outages. Ongoing maintenance activities and concerns over upcoming tariffs on imports from Mexico and Canada prompted aggressive spot buying, further boosting prices.

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.

LDPE 2426H prices dropped in Q4 2024, with December at 1499 USD/Ton, showing an 18% YoY decline amid market corrections.

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

The global price of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) in 2022 was ******* U.S. dollars per metric ton, showing an increase from the previous year's value of ******* 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 ***** billion U.S. dollars in 2022, up from ***** billion U.S. dollars in 2021. The market value is projected to continue growing, reaching an estimated ***** 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 ***** million metric tons in 2022, up from ***** 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 ***, but it is forecasted to drop to *** 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).

The North American LDPE market in Q1 2025 exhibited mixed pricing trends, with an initial rise in January and February followed by a notable decline in March. Strong demand from packaging, construction, and automotive sectors, coupled with supply disruptions caused by Winter Storm Enzo, contributed to price increases early in the quarter. Severe cold weather affected production in Texas and Louisiana, tightening supply and prompting aggressive spot buying. Rising feedstock ethylene costs further pressured market conditions, pushing prices upward.

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.

Explore the dynamic factors influencing Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE) prices, including market demand, production costs, and economic conditions. Understand how geopolitical events and crude oil fluctuations impact this petroleum-based product's cost. Ideal for industry stakeholders seeking to navigate the variable pricing environment with insights on market trends and technological advancements.

During the first quarter of 2025, the North American R-HDPE market exhibited moderate fluctuations amid shifting demand patterns and cautious downstream buying. In January, market sentiment remained stable, supported by steady procurement from the packaging and household goods industries. However, February witnessed a decline of around 2%, as construction activities slowed due to winter-related project delays and conservative spending. Manufacturers reported subdued buying interest from recyclers, citing cautious inventory management.

Get comprehensive insights into the Polyethylene Terephthalate market, with a focused analysis of the Polyethylene Terephthalate price trend across Asia, Europe, North America, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa.

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