In the week ending 4 July 2025, Linear Alkyl Benzene Sulphonic Acid (LABSA) prices made varied moves across key global markets, as a result of local supply variances, as well as cost factors and demand circumstances.
In India, LABSA prices gained 0.2%, as there was market pressure following supply chain limitations due to recent maintenance shutdowns at key manufacturing and production facilities. While production began to normalize, lower inventories from the previous weeks created slight lingering upward price pressure. However, the robust availability of LABSA globally and the steady supply chain from imports moderated any retail price increase. On the demand side, consumption was stable as both rural and urban consumer demand remained consistent due to continued household use of detergents and cleaning products. Overall market sentiment was balanced.
In China, LABSA prices remained unchanged through the week as the supply and demand remained balanced. The feedstock LAB price was stable, allowing sellers not to have pressure on their costs. Exports remained good to Southeast Asian countries, with the recent positive signs from China–U.S. trade discussions helping bolster optimism. However, the global economy is sluggish and does not support exporting large volumes. Domestic consumption levels from the cleaning sector were moderate and continued to support equilibrium within the price.
The U.S. LABSA market also remained stable, reflecting relatively steady production economics and stable feedstock costs. U.S. domestic manufacturers experienced market stability and no price pressure in the short term. Internationally, demand from Latin America and Southeast Asia had grown to routine, and U.S. LABSA exports remained at a stable volume with no price/market impacts. Overall, with manageable inventory and no logistics or raw material issues, the U.S. LABSA market maintained stable pricing for the week.
In contrast, LABSA prices in Germany fell by 1.3 %. LABSA and feedstock LAB production remained constant, with foreign demand—primarily from Eastern Europe and Southeast Asia—tapered. Uncertainty about the future of the surfactant market caused some importers to delay new purchases. Ultimately, less foreign interest and a stable domestic supply led many suppliers to exercise modest price concessions to invigorate demand. Overall, the fundamentals have remained stable.
As per ChemAnalyst, LABSA prices are likely to remain relatively stable in the near term. India might see some mild relaxation in pricing as supply recovers, while China and the U.S. are expected to have stable fundamentals. Germany could see minimal downward pressure amid low export demand, though gains in international buying would likely limit any downside.
