US Linear Alpha Olefin Prices Slide 17.1% on Soft Demand and High Inventories

US Linear Alpha Olefin Prices Slide 17.1% on Soft Demand and High Inventories

Jonathan Stroud 17-Jul-2026

US Linear Alpha Olefin (LAO) markets ended June with a bearish tilt as ample regional supply and softer downstream demand pressured FOB US Gulf levels. Ethylene costs declined sharply early, trimming feedstock expenses and supporting runs; mid-month higher operating rates and export availability expanded inventories. Late June saw weaker procurement from domestic and international buyers, with comfortable onshore volumes sustaining selling momentum through month-end. The tone remained bearish as downstream buyers delayed purchases, leaving traders to clear surplus cargoes amid tepid demand support. Weakness in LAO-consuming sectors weighed on sentiment; polyethylene comonomer purchases eased as resin margins stayed under pressure, and lubricant buyers remained cautious. Export inquiries from Latin America and Europe softened as buyers favored existing inventories. C20 and C10 blends fell roughly seventeen percent. Near-term outlook for Linear Alpha Olefin remains mixed, with weakness likely before an autumn rebound. Outlook hinges on demand recovery, export inquiry levels, and broader logistics or geopolitical developments.

Selenis has effectively manufactured recycled PET chips using terephthalic acid sourced from Circ®, a textile-to-textile recycler based in Virginia. The chip production took place through a series of batches at Selenis' pilot plant in San-Giorgio, Italy. By utilizing inputs recovered from polycotton textile waste, Selenis has created high-quality PET chip, which has been further processed into DTY yarn. This yarn will play a crucial role in product development as Circ prepares for additional capsule launches. Selenis is leveraging the success of this initial collaboration phase and is committed to advancing towards an offtake partnership to support Circ's inaugural industrial facility. Eduardo Santos, Head of Corporate Strategy at Selenis, remarked that the monomer synthesis showed a performance comparable to virgin terephthalic acid. He expressed optimism about the consistent quality of Circ's monomer output and anticipated future commercial success. Santos pointed out that the Circ partnership complements Selenis's existing mission and goals for a more sustainable textile industry. He further stated their anticipation of expanding upon this collaboration and providing support for Circ's forthcoming commercial production trials.

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