The global Linear Alkyl Benzene (LAB) market showed mixed trends for the last week of June 2025. Prices fell in China due to weak LABSA demand and lower benzene costs, while India saw a sharp rise driven by anti-dumping duties on imports. European markets remained stable with balanced supply and demand.
The global LAB market moved in different directions across regions during the week ending June 27, 2025. In China, LAB prices went down because demand was weak and benzene, a key raw material, became cheaper. On the other hand, prices in India rose sharply after the government introduced anti-dumping duties on LAB imports from Iran and Qatar. At the same time, LAB prices in European countries like Germany, Italy, the UK, and Spain remained stable as supply and demand stayed balanced.
In China, LAB prices fell by 3.3% this week, bringing an end to recent price gains. This drop came as feedstock benzene prices declined along with global crude oil. Demand from the downstream LABSA industry also slowed, which is common at the end of the month. At the same time, earlier buying had built up inventories, and interest in Chinese exports from nearby Asian countries was low. As a result, traders lowered their prices. Many buyers are now holding off until July, waiting to see new offers before committing to larger purchases.
India’s LAB market saw prices go up by 8.3% in the Delhi NCR region during the week ending June 27, 2025. This increase came after the government announced anti-dumping duties on LAB imports from Iran and Qatar starting June 23, 2025, for the next five years. The decision was made because these imports were being sold at very low prices, which was harming Indian manufacturers. With cheaper imports now limited, local suppliers took the opportunity to raise their prices. At the same time, demand from LABSA producers stayed steady, and with less competition in the market, domestic companies were able to keep prices firm.
In Europe, LAB prices stayed flat across Germany, Italy, the UK, and Spain. The market was well-balanced, with no major changes in supply or demand. LABSA producers kept buying at normal levels, and export activity stayed mostly unchanged. With no big disruptions or cost increases, sellers kept their prices stable. Most buyers and sellers remained cautious, watching the global market but avoiding any sudden moves.
According to ChemAnalyst, the LAB market is expected to move in different directions depending on the region. In China, prices might keep going down unless demand from the LABSA sector picks up or global oil prices become more stable. In India, prices are likely to stay firm because the new anti-dumping duties are cutting down on cheaper imports, giving local producers more room to keep prices up. In Europe, prices are expected to stay the same unless there are big changes, like rising energy costs or new economic policies. Overall, traders worldwide will continue to monitor feedstock prices, government trade rules, and seasonal buying trends to decide their next steps in the LAB market.
