The Asian Defoamer Surfactant market has registered steady improvement in the second week of May 2025 due to improving industrial activity, the recovery of regional logistics, and relaxing US-China trade tensions. Prices and demand for defoamer surfactants continue to be stable to slightly bullish, supported by increasing usage in the paints, coatings, paper, and chemical processing industries.

During the week ending on 9^th May, market mood was upbeat, driven by the better flow of raw materials in the Intra-Asia corridor. Business between China, Taiwan, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, and Malaysia remained robust, facilitating the timely supply of raw materials used in defoamer surfactant manufacturing. As supply chains regained footing from previous breakdowns and festive closures, manufacturers were able to sustain production uniformity.

A surge in freight costs to Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam, based on the closure of Ramadan and the impending Songkran Festival, has made little difference to delivery schedules but reflects increased regional activity. For defoamer surfactant manufacturers, this has helped to fuel procurement and end-use distribution, especially within the textile and coatings industries, where demand has remained firm.

Meanwhile, the recent US-China tariff accord that came into effect on May 14 will have the US lowering tariffs on Chinese imports from 145% to 30%, and China reducing its tariffs on US products to 10%. Temporary (lasting 90 days only), but the action has already started relieving cost pressures for chemical importers, including those supplying raw materials for defoamer surfactant production. Uncertainity is still hovering, particularly with the US now looking at imposing fresh tariffs on other countries in Asia from July.

Defoamer surfactant market remains supported by firm feedstock prices, specifically fatty alcohols, which are fundamental in high-performance defoamer formulations. Fatty alcohols from natural or synthetic origins are a major raw material used in most non-silicone and EO/PO-based defoamers to aid in surface tension management and foam inhibition. Firmness in fatty alcohol prices reflects stable supply and stable demand from the wider oleochemical industry.

Defoamer Surfactant producers are operating plants prudently, with emphasis on inventory management and demand-matched supply. This approach has served to keep the defoamer surfactant market away from oversupply and maintain price stability. As the production gradually moves out of China to other Southeast Asian countries, supply chains are becoming diversified, which sustains long-run resilience.

Prospects forward, the Asia defoamer surfactant market is expected to ride on a steady to moderate growth path during Q2, if raw material prices (particularly fatty alcohols) and logistics are favorably priced. Ongoing trade negotiations and regional collaboration will be instrumental in supporting momentum in this critical chemical segment.