The global Linear Alpha Olefins (LAO) market exhibited mixed regional trends in June 2025, influenced by stable supply of ethylene, shifting downstream demand, and increasing industrial uses. Demand has been steady across the board for key LAO segments, including LLDPE, HDPE, surfactants, and synthetic lubricants. The markets for surfactants gained traction in part due to Stepan's capacity increase for Alpha Olefin Sulfonates (AOS), and two LAO-based buffers being launched as industrial lubricants, by Clariant and Perstorp. While steady imports supported balanced demand in Asia, soft demand in the U.S. and Europe was realized due to muted activity from the plastics segment and plasticizer uses, notwithstanding innovation in other areas that promoted long-term growth potential.
