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.

Why did the Ethylene Price Change in July 2025? While the Ethylene Price Index (FOB US Gulf) declined in April, prices likely benefited from some stronger domestic fundamental support and rising feedstock costs in May–June, with a Q2 2023 close up 15.5% at USD 468/MT.

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.

Why did the Ethylene Oxide Price Change in July 2025? For Q2 2025, the Ethylene Oxide Price Index averaged +0.5%, on an FOB US Gulf basis. Prices remained mostly stable and settled near USD 912/MT by end of June, supported by stable contract trades.

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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.

For more insights on the market size of various regions, R

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

The U.S. ethylene market totaled $15.1B in 2024, growing by 2.5% against the previous year. Overall, consumption recorded a relatively flat trend pattern. As a result, consumption attained the peak level of $16.8B. From 2015 to 2024, the growth of the market remained at a somewhat lower figure.

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

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.

Why did the Ethylene Dichloride Price Change in July 2025? The EDC Spot Price in the U.S. dropped significantly by 32.5% quarter-on-quarter, settling at USD 94/MT FOB USGC by the end of June 2025. The drastic fall in the Price Index was largely driven by persistent oversupply, weak downstream demand, and intensified global competition.

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).

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.

In Q1 2025, the North American ethylene market began with a strong recovery supported by rising export demand, particularly from India. Production remained stable through January, while proactive stockpiling ahead of planned maintenance activities drove heightened demand. Weather-related disruptions in Texas and Louisiana, including extreme cold and snowfall, further tightened supply by causing unplanned outages. These factors created a supply-constrained environment despite relatively stable domestic consumption, pushing market sentiment into a bullish phase through the end of the month.

In 2024, the Iranian ethylene market increased by 1.6% to $1.8B, rising for the third year in a row after four years of decline. The market value increased at an average annual rate of +1.4% from 2012 to 2024; the trend pattern remained consistent, with only minor fluctuations being recorded in certain years. Ethylene consumption peaked at $2B in 2017; however, from 2018 to 2024, consumption stood at a somewhat lower figure.

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.

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

In 2023, after three years of growth, there was significant decline in purchases abroad of ethylene, when their volume decreased by -32.2% to 52K tons.