Ethylene Market Size, Share, Trends, Industry Analysis Report By Feedstock (Naphtha, Ethane), By Application, By End Use, By Region – Market Forecast, 2025–2034

The ethylene market size is expected to reach USD 339.96 billion by 2034, according to a new study by Polaris Market Research. The report “Ethylene Market Size, Share, Trends, Industry Analysis Report By Feedstock (Naphtha, Ethane), By Application, By End Use, By Region – Market Forecast, 2025–2034” gives a detailed insight into current market dynamics and provides analysis on future market growth.

Ethylene is a colorless, flammable gas with a sweet odor. It is widely used as a key raw material in the petrochemical industry. Ethylene is primarily used to produce polyethylene, the most common plastic, as well as other chemicals such as ethylene oxide and ethylene glycol.

Major petrochemical companies are investing heavily in new ethylene plants, especially in regions with cheap feedstock such as the U.S., Middle East, and parts of Asia. These strategic expansions are aimed at meeting growing global demand and capturing larger market shares. Projects such as ethane crackers in the U.S. Gulf Coast or integrated petrochemical complexes in India and China are examples of how companies are scaling up. Joint ventures and partnerships are further increasing to share costs and access new regions. These investments increase global supply and stimulate competition and innovation across the ethylene value chain, thereby driving the ethylene market growth.

Packaging is one of the largest consumers of ethylene-derived plastics, especially polyethylene. The demand for packaging materials that are strong, lightweight, and flexible grows as online shopping, food delivery, and global trade increase. Ethylene-based films and containers are widely used to protect and preserve goods. The rise of organized retail and supermarkets, particularly in developing countries, is pushing demand for packaged food and beverages. Ethylene’s role in producing high-performance packaging materials makes it crucial to meet this rising demand, fueling market growth.

Ethylene Market Report Highlights

In 2024, the ethane segment led the market share due to its cost-efficiency and high yield in ethylene production through steam cracking.

The automotive segment is anticipated to grow significantly during the forecast period, driven by the use of ethylene in lightweight materials that enhance fuel efficiency and help meet emission regulations.

Asia Pacific led the market in 2024, owing to rapid industrialization, urban expansion, and strong demand from key industries such as packaging, construction, and automotive.

The ethylene market in North America is expected to witness robust growth during the forecast period, supported by abundant shale gas reserves that offer a low-cost supply of ethane, boosting ethylene production

A few global key market players are Borealis, Chevron Phillips Chemical, Dow Chemical, Equistar Chemicals, ExxonMobil, Huntsman, INEOS, LyondellBasell Industries, Mitsubishi Chemical, Mitsui Chemicals, National Iranian Petrochemical, Nova Chemicals, Royal Dutch Shell, and SABIC.

Polaris Market Research has segmented the ethylene market report on the basis of feedstock, application, end use, and region:

By Feedstock (Volume Kilotons; Revenue, USD Billion, 2020–2034)

Naphtha

Ethane

Propane

Butane

Other Feedstock

By Application Output (Volume Kilotons; Revenue, USD Billion, 2020–2034)

Polyethylene

Ethylene Oxide

Ethyl Benzene

Ethylene Dichloride

Others

By End Use (Volume Kilotons; Revenue, USD Billion, 2020–2034)

Building & Construction

Automotive

Packaging

Textiles

Agrochemicals & Agriculture

Others

By Regional Outlook (Volume Kilotons; Revenue, USD Billion, 2020–2034)

North America

U.S.

Canada

Mexico

Europe

Germany

UK

France

Italy

Spain

Russia

Netherlands

Rest of Europe

Asia Pacific

China

India

Japan

South Korea

Indonesia

Malaysia

Australia

Rest of Asia Pacific

Latin America

Argentina

Brazil

Rest of Latin America

Middle East & Africa

UAE

Saudi Arabia

Israel

South Africa

Rest of Middle East & Africa Show more