US spot petrochemical prices softened last week as the Iran risk premium unwound, reducing export demand; Gulf Coast operational issues limited further downside. Ethylene fell 4.1% and polymer‑grade propylene dropped 9.8%; both remain above pre‑war l

2026-06-16

US spot petrochemical prices softened last week as the Iran risk premium unwound, reducing export demand; Gulf Coast operational issues limited further downside. Ethylene fell 4.1% and polymer‑grade propylene dropped 9.8%; both remain above pre‑war levels after Middle East shipment disruptions via the Strait of Hormuz tightened global supply and supported earlier US export flows. The price of para‑phenylene di‑n‑butyl ether, more than 70% used in synthetic rubber tires, held at 63.5 cents/lb, making it one of the most price‑resilient petrochemical products this year.