Chemical Conversations: US Ethylene Producers Are Prioritizing Ethylene Based Derivative Exports Over Exporting Just Ethylene

Craig Barry, Lead Ethylene and Derivatives Consultant and Amanda Richardson, Global Olefins Analytics Manager for Argus Media will discuss the current trends of US ethylene and ethylene based derivative exports  

• Unlike ethylene which requires special ships and storage, ethylene derivatives can be shipped to many destinations throughout the world at a significantly lower cost.   

• In 2023, the US exported ethylene derivatives to over 100 countries, compared to only a handful of countries importing ethylene from the US. 

• New large gas carriers will reduce the freight cost to export ethylene, but the capital cost for export and import infrastructure will remain high.  

• Argus is forecasting the US will add 2 million ton of new ethylene derivative capacity by 2028. 

 

This podcast is the final episode of a three-part series addressing key market dynamics, the challenges faced by the petrochemical industry, and the future of sustainable practices and investments in the sector.   

You can listen to episode one ‘Strengths and weaknesses of Europe’s ARG ethylene pipeline’ and episode two ‘Energy and commodity podcasts Infrastructure & Shipping Dynamics of Supplying Ethylene from US to Europe’.  

Further details and additional insights are available from Argus' Light Olefins services including: 

• Argus Propylene  

• Argus Olefins Margins  

• Argus Propylene Analytics