Over the first three weeks of September 2025, the South Korean Linear Alkylbenzene Sulphonic Acid (LABSA) market has maintained an upward trend on the back of solid downstream demand and strategic supply management.
During the week ending 5th September 2025, prices for LABSA in South Korea increased by 3.6% as downstream demand resumed from the cosmetic, personal care, and detergent sectors. This price increase was capped by steady production rates on stable feedstock, Linear Alkylbenzene (LAB), and benzene costs. While international crude futures edged downwards, manufacturing activity domestically rose by a modest 0.6% in August, implying steady growth of industrial output. The continued global popularity of Korean beauty products supported local and international consumption. Producers were resolute about price offers, while cautious inventory release made supply tighter, which added to LABSA's strength.
In the week ending 12 September, the LABSA price climbed by USD 52.00, a change of 3.51%. The bullish sentiment observed was chiefly the result of strong local demand and light product availability, allowing sellers to push prices higher with very minimal resistance. A relatively strong buying interest was seen in the surfactant sector. In addition, though a regional LAB plant start-up had boosted availability to the feedstock market, resulting in the sharp downward corrections of some Northeast Asian supplier price assessments, South Korean LABSA producers maintained elevated pricing amid comfortable inventory levels and persistent demand.
The trend persisted into the third week, with LABSA increasing by another USD 26.00 or 1.69% as of 19 September. Export-driven demand was a key contributor, as Korean blenders secured large liquid laundry detergent volumes for Vietnam and Indonesia on 17 September, tightening spots. Manufacturing PMIs in ASEAN and China trends held neutral-to-expanding, allowing plants to sustain greater offer levels. Domestically, the transition to low-foam premium detergents on 16 September kept LAS usage consistent, and no shift to ethoxylated alcohol sulfates kept LABSA demand steady.
Contradictory elements, including the 200-ton arrival of LAB feedstock in Busan on 15 September, flat energy tariffs, and stable Korea-ASEAN FTA duty rates often helped constrain costs and grow supply.
Looking ahead, LABSA prices in South Korea are expected to remain firm or continue their upward trend in the coming weeks, supported by sustained export momentum and resilient domestic demand. With detergent orders from Southeast Asia showing no signs of slowing—especially following recent bulk shipments to Vietnam and Indonesia—spot volumes are likely to stay tight. The domestic pivot toward premium low-foam formulations is also expected to uphold LAS consumption, while the absence of substitution to alternative surfactants removes downward pressure on LABSA demand.
Although recent feedstock arrivals and stable energy tariffs may ease cost burdens slightly, they are unlikely to offset the strong pull from international markets for LABSA. As LABSA manufacturers maintain steady operations and buyers remain active, the market is poised for continued strength, with pricing stability underpinned by strategic supply management and favorable demand dynamics.
