For the Quarter Ending December 2025
North America
• In USA, the Propylene Price Index fell by 22.08% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting feedstock surplus and weak demand.
• The average Propylene price for the quarter was approximately USD 576.33/MT, reflecting tempered buyer interest.
• Propylene Spot Price remained pressured by abundant Gulf Coast availability, prompting more aggressive seller discounts.
• Propylene Price Forecast indicates modest near-term softness amid inventory overhang and subdued polypropylene demand overall.
• Propylene Production Cost Trend benefited from lower crude-derived feedstock costs, partially supporting producer margins recently.
• Propylene Demand Outlook remains weak with packaging and construction sectors underperforming, limiting spot buying interest.
• Propylene Price Index volatility correlated with intermittent Gulf outages, though stockpiles moderated immediate rally potential.
• Export demand softness and high regional inventories pressured offers despite maintenance at major Gulf producers.
Why did the price of Propylene change in December 2025 in North America?
• Elevated domestic production and rising inventories created sustained oversupply, pressuring spot availability and seller competition.
• Lower crude futures and feedstock cost easing reduced manufacturing costs, diminishing incentive for price recovery.
• Subdued downstream polypropylene demand and cautious converter buying limited offtake, preventing sustained upward price momentum.
APAC
• In Japan, the Propylene Price Index fell by 4.09% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting oversupply and weak downstream demand.
• The average Propylene price for the quarter was approximately USD 923.33/MT, reflecting high import cost base.
• Propylene Spot Price momentum remained soft amid abundant inventories, subdued buying and tempered arbitrage flows to China.
• Propylene Price Forecast shows limited upside near term as low polymer demand and steady feedstock trends persist.
• Propylene Production Cost Trend benefited slightly from lower naphtha-linked crude, tempering manufacturing costs but not supporting strong rallies.
• Propylene Demand Outlook remains weak with converters carrying lengthy stock and limited restocking ahead of holiday season.
• Propylene Price Index movements were influenced by freight fluctuations, maintenance-related supply tightness and regional import competitiveness.
• Inventory builds and thin derivative offtake restrained spot liquidity, keeping sellers competitive and pressuring headline Price Index.
Why did the price of Propylene change in December 2025 in APAC?
• Maintenance turnarounds marginally tightened supply, but diversified imports prevented significant price relief in December period.
• Higher intra-Asia freight and crude uptick supported offers slightly, offset by weak polypropylene demand pressures.
• Distributors held ample stocks and converters delayed purchases, sustaining oversupply and limiting upward Price Index momentum.
Europe
• In Germany, the Propylene Price Index fell by 12.14% quarter-over-quarter, driven by weak downstream demand.
• The average Propylene price for the quarter was approximately USD 788.67/MT, reflecting subdued offtake and elevated inventory levels.
• Port congestion and high inventories kept the Propylene Spot Price pressured despite intermittent supply disruptions.
• Market projections reflect upside risks; the Propylene Price Forecast shows limited recovery into early 2026.
• Lower crude reduced feedstock costs; the Propylene Production Cost Trend thereby softened manufacturing margins modestly.
• Soft polypropylene demand restrained offtake; the Propylene Demand Outlook remains subdued through the restocking season.
• Export competitiveness and stronger dollar weighed on offers; the Propylene Price Index continued downward pressure.
• Major domestic plants operated near steady rates; intermittent maintenance affected regional inflows and spot availability.
Why did the price of Propylene change in December 2025 in Europe?
• Port congestion limited exports and inbound flows while supporting localized price stability amid weak demand.
• Rising feedstock crude oil marginally increased manufacturing costs even as overall downstream consumption remained soft.
• High inventories across distributors and subdued polypropylene purchasing created excess supply pressuring spot prices further.
MEA
• In Saudi Arabia, the Propylene Price Index rose by 3.47% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting tighter merchant availability.
• The average Propylene price for the quarter was approximately USD 854.00/MT, per aggregated trade reports.
• Propylene Spot Price stayed range-bound as steady cracker runs and comfortable terminal stocks limited volatility.
• Propylene Price Forecast indicates modest upside near-term as seasonal restocking and Indian liftings support demand.
• Propylene Production Cost Trend softened on subsidised propane feedstock, reducing PDH cash costs and margins.
• Propylene Demand Outlook remains weak with polypropylene converters lowering run rates and destocking limiting purchases.
• Propylene Price Index showed short-term firmness due to new polypropylene off-take despite ample regional inventories.
• Logistics improvements reduced export congestion while planned maintenance and PDH additions balanced merchant supply pressures.
Why did the price of Propylene change in December 2025 in MEA?
• Balanced cracker and PDH runs kept monthly output steady, preventing sharp supply disruptions in December.
• Subsidised propane feed costs lowered production expenses, offsetting crude volatility and supporting stable domestic economics.
• Cleared port backlogs and eased freight aided exports, but weak Asian polypropylene demand restrained buying.
South America
• In Brazil, the Propylene Price Index fell by 19.83% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting oversupply and weak demand.
• The average Propylene price for the quarter was approximately USD 660.33/MT, reflecting subdued buying activity.
• Propylene Spot Price softened on heavy imports and distributor destocking, depressing the regional Price Index.
• Propylene Price Forecast suggests near-term softening amid inventory overhang and muted converter procurement volumes.
• Propylene Production Cost Trend eased as lower crude and naphtha reduced manufacturing costs for imports.
• Propylene Demand Outlook remains weak with polypropylene converters delaying purchases and maintaining lean inventories ahead.
• Export parity, freight variations and currency shifts influenced landed costs and the Propylene Price Index.
• High US export availability and ample inventories pressured spot liquidity, constraining trade volumes and pricing.
Why did the price of Propylene change in December 2025 in South America?
• Uninterrupted import flows and abundant US exports reduced supply tightness, weighing on prompt market prices.
• Lower crude and naphtha costs trimmed manufacturing expenses, contributing to softer landed Propylene Price Index readings.
• Weak polypropylene demand and converter destocking limited buying interest, prompting sellers to discount spot offers.
For the Quarter Ending September 2025
North America
• In the USA, the Propylene Price Index declined by 6.4% quarter-over-quarter, from supply outages and higher feedstock costs.
• The average Propylene price of polymer grade for the quarter was approximately USD 739.6/MT, reflecting regional inventory adjustments.
• Propylene Price Forecast suggests upside as Propylene Production Cost Trend rises with crude price recoveries.
• Propylene Demand Outlook remains subdued; the Price Index is supported only by sporadic low downstream polypropylene procurement.
• Inventory accumulations and reduced export flows pressured Spot Price liquidity.
• Downstream polypropylene weakness constrained buying, limiting upstream lift.
• Major plant maintenance and force majeure events reduced flows; recoveries will shape Propylene Price Index.
Why did the price of Propylene change in September 2025 in North America?
• Planned maintenance and force majeure incidents across Gulf Coast curtailed domestic supply availability in September.
• A rebound in crude benchmarks raised feedstock costs, lifting Propylene Production Cost Trend, pressuring offers.
• Muted downstream demand and cautious buying limited volume uptake despite supply tightening and logistical concerns.
APAC
• In Japan, the Propylene Price Index fell by 9.6% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting oversupply and weak demand.
• The average Propylene price for the quarter was approximately USD 962.67/MT from CFR Nagoya data.
• Propylene Spot Price softened as Korean offers, maintenance and muted terminal buying pressured prompt markets.
• Propylene Price Forecast suggests upside for seasonal restocking, tempered by ample inventories and cautious buyers.
• Propylene Production Cost Trend rose with crude rebound, increasing pressure despite feedstock and lower freight.
• Propylene Demand Outlook remains subdued as polypropylene converters operate conservatively, purchasing only for immediate needs.
• Propylene Price Index weakness reflected inventories, competitive exports from Korea and Middle East, cautious buyers.
• Market expectations for range-bound trading near Price Index levels until clear downstream demand recovery emerges.
Why did the price of Propylene change in September 2025 in APAC?
• Curtailments and maintenance in South Korean plants reduced available exports, tightening short-term supply into Japan.
• Rising crude benchmarks increased production costs, providing cost-push support despite subdued downstream polypropylene demand persistently.
• Lower freight rates and ample inventories eased premiums, while buyers remained cautious avoiding stock rebuilds.
Europe
• In Germany, the Propylene Price Index fell by 7.27% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting weaker downstream demand conditions.
• The average Propylene price for the quarter was approximately USD 884.33/MT, based on spot flows.
• Propylene Spot Price volatility reflected logistics bottlenecks intermittently tightening availability and supporting inland premium spikes.
• Propylene Price Forecast expects firmness as seasonal restocking and isolated outages offset weak converter buying.
• Propylene Production Cost Trend rose with crude rebounds, increasing manufacturing costs and supporting seller offers.
• Propylene Demand Outlook stayed weak as polypropylene converters destocked and reduced offtake across end-use sectors.
• Propylene Price Index movements reflected inventory accumulation, elevated imports and freight and insurance cost pressures.
• Propylene Spot Price responded to port congestion and Rhine constraints, tightening inland availability and premiums.
Why did the price of Propylene change in September 2025 in Europe?
• Localized outages and maintenance tightened regional supply, triggering mid-September offer increases despite muted downstream buying.
• Crude oil price rebound raised production costs, applying upward pressure on propylene offers and spreads.
• High inventories, persistent destocking and muted converter procurement limited broader rallies despite logistical tightness regionally.
MEA
• In Saudi Arabia, the Propylene Price Index fell by 1.51% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting modest cost-driven weakness.
• The average Propylene price for the quarter was approximately USD 825.33/MT, reflecting FOB averages and muted trading.
• Propylene Spot Price remained range-bound amid balanced supply and weak downstream orders, anchoring the Price Index.
• Propylene Production Cost Trend weakened with crude oil easing early quarter then rose due to geopolitical support.
• Propylene Demand Outlook stayed subdued as polypropylene converters operated below seasonal norms, limiting restocking and export demand.
• Propylene Price Forecast indicates modest upside near-term as maintenance outages tighten supply against weak derivative consumption.
• High inventories at terminals and competitive Asian offers capped upside, keeping the Propylene Price Index contained.
• PDH and cracker maintenance reduced availability briefly, while Aramco feedstock allocations supported stable PDH operations.
Why did the price of Propylene change in September 2025 in MEA?
• Supply constraints due to maintenance and refinery outages tightened propylene availability, lifting near-term price pressure.
• Rising crude benchmarks late September increased manufacturing costs, supporting offers despite weak downstream demand persistently.
• Logistics and export softness, including tariff impacts and summer lull, reduced export demand and restrained trading activity.
South America
• In Brazil, the Propylene Price Index declined by 5.8% quarter-over-quarter, due to constrained seaborne exports.
• The average Propylene price for the quarter was approximately USD 823.6/MT on CFR Santos basis.
• Brazilian Propylene Spot Price softened mid-quarter as ample US exports and easing crude feedstock pressured.
• Propylene Price Forecast anticipates modest autumn recovery if maintenance outages sustain tighter seaborne supply tightness.
• Propylene Production Cost Trend declined as crude rebounds decrease upstream manufacturing expenses for export-oriented feedstock.
• Propylene Demand Outlook stayed weak with converters limiting purchases and avoiding inventory rebuilds, reducing uptake.
• Propylene Price Index volatility reflected maintenance outages, tariff disruptions and seasonally subdued polypropylene downstream consumption.
• Port inventories and comfortable terminal stocks capped upside while export arbitrage and freight affected competitiveness.
Why did the price of Propylene change in September 2025 in South America?
• US maintenance outages and export constraints tightened supply into Brazil, supporting quarterly Propylene Price Index.
• Weak polypropylene demand and cautious converter procurement limited monomer uptake, offsetting supply tightness and pressures.
• Feedstock crude swings and tariff distortions raised production costs and export arbitrage, influencing spot balance.
For the Quarter Ending June 2025
Asia-Pacific (APAC)
• The Propylene Price Index in APAC declined by 5.1% over Q2 2025 compared with Q1. Prices settled at USD 876/MT, Propylene FOB Qingdao by the end of June.
• Prices fell amid robust supply, rising refinery and PDH operating rates, and weak downstream demand. Holiday-related slowdowns and tariff uncertainties further limited market activity.
• Why did the price of Propylene change in July 2025 in APAC?
• Prices remained flat in early July due to continued supply surplus and muted demand. Despite rising feedstock costs and port congestion, low buying interest from the downstream plastic and PP sectors kept pricing subdued.
• The Propylene Production Cost Trend was influenced by rising crude oil prices and stable-to-high plant utilization. However, increased inventory and limited demand offset cost pressure, keeping prices soft.
• The Propylene Demand Outlook was bearish. A seasonal slowdown, muted trade post-holidays, and cautious procurement amid tariff concerns reduced restocking across Asia.
• Export momentum of Propylene weakened as regional oversupply and subdued global demand limited foreign buying, despite competitive prices.
• Domestic procurement in APAC was conservative, shaped by oversupply, high inventories, soft polypropylene and polymer consumption, and ongoing trade friction.
North America
• The Propylene Price Index in North America declined by 15.5% over Q2 2025 compared with Q1. Prices settled at USD 803/MT, Propylene Polymer Grade DEL US Gulf by the end of June.
• Prices trended downward throughout Q2 due to persistently weak downstream demand, ample inventories, and subdued buying activity despite rising crude oil costs.
• Why did the price of Propylene change in July 2025 in North America?
• Prices held steady in early July as abundant stockpiles and sluggish demand from polypropylene converters countered any impact from elevated logistics costs or isolated supply disruptions.
• The Propylene Production Cost Trend was shaped by a recovery in upstream crude oil prices, yet the impact was offset by oversupply and reduced polypropylene plant operating rates. Force majeure events early in Q2 created a brief tightening but had a limited sustained effect.
• Propylene Demand Outlook remained soft. Downstream converters showed minimal interest due to global trade uncertainty, weak end-use demand, and cautious procurement strategies post-tariff announcements.
• The export momentum of Propylene was poor amid weak overseas interest and more competitive import alternatives from Asia and the Middle East.
• Domestic procurement in North America was conservative, shaped by declining business and consumer confidence, reduced polypropylene production, and inflationary pressures on manufacturing costs.
Europe
• The Propylene Price Index in Europe declined by 3.5% over Q2 2025 compared with Q1. Prices settled at USD 928/MT, FD Hamburg by the end of June.
• Prices remained under pressure due to persistent downstream weakness, ample inventories, and cautious procurement from converters, who avoided building stock amid sluggish orders.
•  Why did the price of Propylene change in July 2025 in Europe?
• Prices remained flat in early July despite ongoing port congestion and elevated freight rates. Downstream polypropylene demand stayed soft, and the absence of new tariff shocks or refinery outages prevented any significant market movement.
• The Propylene Production Cost Trend was shaped by fluctuating crude oil prices and rising logistics expenses. However, high refinery operating rates and increased PDH output maintained robust propylene availability throughout the quarter.
• The Propylene Demand Outlook was weak. A seasonal slowdown, paired with post-Eid market inertia, sluggish polymer demand, and cautious restocking behavior, kept procurement minimal.
• Export momentum of Propylene declined as Asian and Middle Eastern imports remained more competitive, with a stronger euro and soft European prices dampening export interest.
• Domestic procurement in Europe was subdued, driven by inflation, trade policy uncertainty, and weak end-market demand across the automotive, packaging, and construction sectors.
Middle East & Africa (MEA)
• The Propylene Price Index in MEA declined marginally by 1.3% over Q2 2025 compared with Q1. Prices settled at USD 835/MT, FOB Al Jubail by the end of June.
• However, Prices were largely steady, supported by counterbalancing forces—rising production costs due to fluctuating crude oil values and weak demand from the downstream polypropylene segment.
• Why did the price of Propylene change in July 2025 in MEA?
• Prices held flat in early July as buyers remained cautious post-Eid. Downstream PP demand was slow to recover, and despite lower spot availability due to maintenance, market sentiment stayed neutral amid uncertain cost fundamentals.
• The Propylene Production Cost Trend was mixed. While crude oil prices rose in early June, they declined toward the end of the month, negating cost pressure. Maintenance at key units briefly constrained supply but was offset by high inventories and lower downstream off-take.
• Propylene Demand Outlook remained weak due to religious holidays, subdued restocking, and a lack of post-Eid recovery in the downstream sectors. Buyers' delayed decisions amid global trade uncertainty and inflationary pressures.
• Export momentum of Propylene remained underwhelming as trade with Asian markets faced logistical delays, tariff burdens, and seasonal buying slowdowns, limiting shipment activity.
• Domestic procurement in MEA was muted. Soft regional plastic and packaging demand, ample local inventory, and religious observances shaped a conservative buying strategy through most of Q2.
South America
• The Propylene Price Index in South America declined by 14.3% over Q2 2025 compared with Q1. Prices settled at USD 887/MT, Propylene Polymer Grade CFR Santos by the end of June.
• Prices were under persistent pressure due to soft downstream demand, ample inventory levels, and a surge in low-cost imports—particularly from the USA.
• Why did the price of Propylene change in July 2025 in South America?
• Prices remained relatively stable in early July, as buyers continued to adopt a cautious approach. Despite marginal cost pressure from rising feedstock crude oil values in exporting regions, the oversupplied market and sluggish downstream demand prevented any significant upward momentum.
• The Propylene Production Cost Trend was influenced by rising feedstock costs in the USA, but these were largely offset by low manufacturing costs and weak end-user demand. A force majeure at Chevron Phillips in Port Arthur briefly reduced outbound supply, but Brazil’s inventory levels remained sufficient.
• Propylene Demand Outlook was subdued, affected by limited activity in key industries like automotive and construction, as well as cautious procurement strategies due to tariff-related uncertainties and falling consumer confidence.
• Export momentum of Propylene into Brazil remained strong from the USA, but local demand was weak, and higher inventories kept downstream consumption low. Influxes of lower-priced cargoes pressured regional producers.
• Domestic procurement in Brazil was cautious. Buyers remained on the sidelines amid bearish downstream conditions, elevated stock levels, and hesitancy linked to the global trade environment and continued tariff volatility.
For the Quarter Ending March 2025
North America
In the first quarter of 2025, Propylene prices in North America have been marked by a downward trend, followed by an uptrend. Initially, in January, propylene prices in the USA increased as global demand surged ahead of the Lunar New Year, and domestic suppliers faced tight availability. Quarterly, the propylene prices in the USA have increased by 2.2% as compared to the last quarter of 2024.Â
However, in February 2024, propylene prices started to decline due to lower crude oil prices, prompting manufacturers to lower their propylene offers. The easing of supply chain pressure and steady recovery in inventory levels contributed further to the downward market trend.
By March, the market remained under bearish pressure as uncertainty around trade policies and potential tariffs dampened market sentiment. Even though downstream polypropylene prices saw temporary increases, actual demand failed to pick up, keeping buyer activity subdued. The textile and polyester sectors also faced significant demand challenges, with buyers hesitant to make large purchases due to market uncertainty and high stock levels.
APAC
The Q1 2025, Propylene prices in the APAC region have been marked by a downward trend, followed by an uptrend. At the beginning of January, Propylene prices in Thailand increased due to tight supply from South Korea, and higher feedstock crude oil prices which increased production costs. This created a bullish environment, although the gains were capped by low activity from the downstream polypropylene sector. Quarterly, the propylene prices in Thailand have increased by 3.7% as compared to the last quarter of 2024. By February, Propylene prices in Thailand had decreased due to the Lunar New Year led to a widespread business slowdown. With reduced operating rates in the downstream polypropylene industry and lower crude oil prices, manufacturing costs dropped. Supply conditions improved slightly due to lower freight charges and balanced exports from South Korea, but overall demand remained weak. In March, the trend continued with persistent weak demand from the polypropylene and polyester sectors, combined with uncertainty caused by global trade policies and tariff concerns, which began to weigh on the market.Â
Europe
The Propylene prices in Europe in Q1 2025 witnessed an inclined trend of 11.1% as compared to the fourth quarter of 2024. Despite the lackluster demand, the propylene prices in Germany continued to gain strength throughout Q1 2025, mainly supported by supply-side challenges. Persistent production issues, logistical bottlenecks, and shipping route diversions prevented the market from cooling off. In January 2025, reduced production rates across Europe, frequent planned and unplanned plant shutdowns, and lower operational levels at polymer and petrochemical facilities placed pressure on available inventories. Cracker run rates remained low, and inventory data pointed to significant weekly declines, further indicating reduced material availability. Logistical hurdles worsened the situation, with vessel shortages and high port congestion, particularly in Hamburg, slowing down the movement of goods during February 2025. Despite, demand from the downstream polymer and polypropylene sectors remained subdued, propylene prices in Germany have continued to remain bullish to settle at USD 1053/MT, Propylene FD Hamburg during the concluding week of March 2025.Â
MEA
The first quarter of 2025 in the MEA region witnessed an upward trend of 2.9% in Propylene prices, as compared to the fourth quarter of 2024. In January, Propylene prices in Saudi Arabia increased with healthy trading activity, supported by restocking efforts ahead of the Lunar New Year. However, the market remained cautious due to shifts in demand, ongoing geopolitical tensions, and seasonal factors. Several production units, including major plants like NATPET and Petro Rabigh, announced maintenance shutdowns, further limiting the availability of propylene. Additionally, regional tensions in the Middle East, particularly involving shipping routes in the Red Sea, contributed to delays and higher freight costs. However, propylene prices in Saudi Arabia started to decline in March due to weaker demand from the downstream sectors, particularly polypropylene and polyester. The approach of Ramadan in March also led to a decline in market activity, as business hours shortened, and consumer sentiment softened. While demand did increase slightly in February due to seasonal expectations, it did not fully materialize as anticipated.
South America
In the first quarter of 2025, propylene prices in South America experienced a mixed trend, beginning with an increase and followed by a steady decline. In January, propylene prices in Brazil rose as global demand picked up ahead of the Lunar New Year, and domestic supply remained tight. Overall, propylene prices in Brazil saw a quarterly increase of 5.9% compared to the final quarter of 2024. However, this upward momentum reversed as falling crude oil prices prompted producers to reduce their propylene offers. Additionally, improved inventory levels and easing supply chain constraints added to the downward pressure on the market. By March, bearish market conditions persisted. Growing uncertainty over trade policies and potential tariffs weakened market confidence. Despite a brief rise in downstream polypropylene prices, actual demand remained lackluster, with buyers showing limited interest. The textile and polyester sectors also struggled with subdued demand, as many buyers refrained from placing large orders due to high inventory levels and overall market caution.Â