For the Quarter Ending December 2025
North America
• The Alpha Olefin Sulfonate Spot Price generally remained within a range-bound corridor during the quarter, supported by steady supply from domestic producers and stable inventories, even though selective downstream restocking provided intermittent upticks in spot enquiries.
• The Alpha Olefin Sulfonate Production Cost Trend in the U.S. was influenced by relatively stable LAO feedstock prices, though energy cost fluctuations and logistics expenses kept cost bases moderately elevated; this limited the extent of price cuts despite softening demand toward year-end.
• The Alpha Olefin Sulfonate Demand Outlook for late 2025 was mixed: detergent and personal care formulators-maintained baseline purchases, but institutional and industrial demand softened in November–December due to seasonality and inventory management ahead of 2026 budgeting.
• According to industry analysis, North America surfactants demand remains significant, with surfactant categories like AOS expected to grow due to innovation and sustainability focus, underpinning longer-term structural demand even amid short-term pricing moderation.
• The Alpha Olefin Sulfonate Price Forecast heading into Q1 2026 suggests a continued range-bound or modest recovery pattern, contingent on feedstock (especially linear alpha olefin) dynamics and renewed downstream ordering post-holiday.
Why did the price of Alpha Olefin Sulfonate change in December 2025 in the USA?
• Moderate year-end restocking by key detergent and personal care manufacturers provided fleeting support to the Alpha Olefin Sulfonate Price Index, helping to prevent sharp declines.
• Stable but softening downstream demand through late Q4 kept upward pressure limited, as formulators optimized inventories ahead of new contracts in 2026.
• Feedstock cost stability (LAO and related intermediates) helped cap production cost pressures, meaning producers were less inclined to push significant price increases, contributing to a more disciplined pricing environment.
APAC
• In India, the Alpha Olefin Sulfonate Price Index fell by 2.32% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting seasonal demand.
• The average Alpha Olefin Sulfonate price for the quarter was USD 1566.45/MT per internal assessment.
• Alpha Olefin Sulfonate Spot Price firmed in December reflecting import constraints, freight and port congestion.
• Alpha Olefin Sulfonate Price Forecast indicates modest near-term firmness supported by restocking and domestic production.
• Alpha Olefin Sulfonate Production Cost Trend increases from coal-based power tariffs and environmental compliance expenses.
• Alpha Olefin Sulfonate Demand Outlook positive as detergent and personal-care offtake strengthened ahead of festivals.
• Alpha Olefin Sulfonate Price Index moderated as inventories at domestic plants below two weeks supply.
• Major producers operated runs, but LAO feedstock constraints and import parity influenced regional trade margins.
Why did the price of Alpha Olefin Sulfonate change in December 2025, APAC?
• Imported linear alpha-olefin shortages and port congestion tightened supplies, raising landed costs and supporting pricing.
• Environmental compliance and volatile coal-based power tariffs increased conversion costs, compressing margins and price support.
• Premium detergent restocking and freight delays lifted procurement urgency, sustaining spot enquiries and upward pressure.
Europe
• The Alpha Olefin Sulfonate Price Index in Europe edged down marginally on a quarter-over-quarter basis in Q4 2025, reflecting softer bulk detergent demand and cautious procurement by FMCG formulators toward year-end.
• The average Alpha Olefin Sulfonate Spot Price during the quarter was assessed within a stable-to-slightly-lower band, as ample regional inventories offset upstream volatility.
• Key downstream uses of Alpha Olefin Sulfonate in Europe continued to include household detergents, liquid laundry formulations, dishwashing liquids, shampoos, shower gels, and industrial cleaners, where AOS is valued for high foaming, biodegradability, and good hard-water performance.
• The Alpha Olefin Sulfonate Production Cost Trend remained mixed, as softer linear alpha-olefin (LAO) feedstock costs were partly offset by elevated natural gas prices and persistent labor and compliance costs across Western Europe.
• The Alpha Olefin Sulfonate Demand Outlook stayed neutral to slightly weak during October–November, with private-label detergent producers limiting spot purchases amid sufficient contract coverage and high finished-goods inventories.
• The Alpha Olefin Sulfonate Price Forecast for early 2026 suggested limited upside, with expectations of range-bound pricing unless feedstock LAO values or energy costs rebound sharply.
• By December, the Alpha Olefin Sulfonate Price Index showed signs of stabilization as buyers returned for selective restocking ahead of the new fiscal year, preventing steeper quarterly declines.
Why did the price of Alpha Olefin Sulfonate change in December 2025 in Europe?
• Year-end restocking by detergent and personal-care formulators provided short-term support, slowing the earlier quarterly decline in the Alpha Olefin Sulfonate Price Index.
• Lower LAO feedstock costs reduced upstream pressure, limiting producers’ ability to push prices higher despite steady offtake.
• Elevated winter energy costs and logistics expenses kept conversion costs firm, encouraging suppliers to defend spot offers rather than discount aggressively.
For the Quarter Ending September 2025
North America
• The average Alpha Olefin Sulfonate (AOS) prices remained relatively firm QoQ in Q3 2025, despite mixed demand signals.
• Alpha Olefin Sulfonate Spot Price held steady amid regulatory shifts favoring biodegradable surfactants.
• Forecast for Alpha Olefin Sulfonate Price Forecast remains cautiously optimistic amid eco-trend acceleration and premium segment growth.
• Demand Outlook shows mixed pace; personal care and household sectors sustain AOS consumption alongside industrial cleaning.
• Market dynamics include regulatory push for low-sulfate formulations and steady AOS supply supporting Spot Price stability.
• Premium and eco-labeled product expansion may drive Price Index gains into Q4.
• Competitive pressure from alternative green surfactants may moderate AOS Price Index upside.
Why did the price of Alpha Olefin Sulfonate change in September 2025 in North America?
• Supply remained stable with consistent LAO feedstock availability and smooth domestic production.
• Cost pressures were contained due to firm but non-escalating LAO prices, supporting AOS pricing floor.
• Demand dynamics shifted toward premium, eco-friendly, and low-sulfate segments, sustaining overall AOS consumption in North America.1.1s
APAC
• In India, the Alpha Olefin Sulfonate Price Index fell 7.33% QoQ in Q3 2025, reflecting urban demand softness.
• The average Alpha Olefin Sulfonate price for the quarter was approximately USD 1603.65/MT.
• Alpha Olefin Sulfonate Spot Price remained under pressure amid softened detergent demand.
• Alpha Olefin Sulfonate Spot Price softened as urban demand cooled, affecting Price Index readings.
• Forecast for Alpha Olefin Sulfonate Price Forecast remains cautious amid inventory rebalancing and festival-season restocking.
• Production Cost Trend signals stable input costs in India, supporting Price Index resilience.
• Demand Outlook shows mixed pace; rural expansion sustains AOS consumption alongside premium segments.
• Market dynamics include steady imports from USA/Singapore and logistics stability supporting Spot Price volatility.
• Rural demand uplift and festive season restocking may shape Price Index gains into Q4.
• Eco-friendly trend pressures AOS use; competitive substitutes may cap Price Index rises.
Why did the price of Alpha Olefin Sulfonate change in September 2025 in APAC?
• Supply remained stable with smooth port operations and steady imports from USA and Singapore.
• Cost pressures were modest despite higher freight, contributing to price softening in Q3 2025.
• Demand dynamics shifted toward rural and premium segments, dampening overall AOS consumption in APAC.
Europe
• In Europe, the Alpha Olefin Sulfonate Price Index softened modestly QoQ in Q3 2025, amid broader petrochemical sector weakness.
• The average Alpha Olefin Sulfonate price for the quarter was pressured by declining LAO feedstock costs.
• Alpha Olefin Sulfonate Spot Price faced downward pressure from global LAO oversupply and softer industrial volumes.
• Forecast for Alpha Olefin Sulfonate Price Forecast remains guarded amid macroeconomic headwinds and inventory adjustments.
• Demand Outlook shows mixed pace; personal care and eco-labeled segments sustain AOS consumption alongside household applications.
• Market dynamics include REACH-driven substitution, steady AOS adoption in premium formulations, and LAO oversupply impacting Spot Price.
• Sustainability tailwinds and festive restocking may support selective Price Index recovery into Q4.
• Competitive green alternatives and volume declines in industrial cleaning may limit AOS Price Index gains.
Why did the price of Alpha Olefin Sulfonate change in September 2025 in Europe?
• Supply remained ample with global AOS oversupply and smooth regional sulfonation capacity.
• AOS cost pressures eased due to downward-trending LAO feedstock prices, contributing to AOS price softening in Q3 2025.
• Demand dynamics remained resilient in personal care and eco-segments but were offset by broader volume declines in industrial and household applications.
For the Quarter Ending June 2025
North America
• Alpha Olefin Sulphonate AOS prices in the USA remained firm in Q2 2025, driven by steady demand from personal care and I&I (Industrial & Institutional) cleaning sectors.
• In April, improved domestic surfactant production and moderate upstream costs supported balanced market sentiment.
• May brought moderate price gains due to seasonal demand increases and tighter inventories from Midwest suppliers.
• June showed stable pricing as detergent formulators ramped up pre-summer production and institutional contracts renewed.
• Imports from Asia, especially South Korea and Singapore, remained consistent, though high freight rates slightly pressured margins.
Why did the price of AOS change in July 2025 in North America?
• Steady demand from I&I cleaning, especially in hospitality and healthcare sectors.
• Seasonal homecare consumption peaked in late spring, driving bulk orders.
• Supply stayed tight in Midwest hubs due to plant turnarounds and cautious stock replenishment.
• Import pricing remained sensitive to Asia–Pacific shipping lane congestion and fuel surcharges.
Asia-Pacific
• AOS prices in India rose by 2.15% in Q2 2025, settling at INR 149,000/MT.
• April saw strong FMCG-led demand growth, especially in rural regions, with upstream costs slightly easing.
• May experienced tighter supply, delayed shipments, and higher global freight, which pushed prices up.
• June posted a 0.68% price increase as rural demand and institutional consumption remained firm.
• Imports from the USA and Singapore arrived smoothly, and domestic logistics remained congestion-free throughout the quarter.
Why did the price of AOS change in July 2025 in Asia-Pacific?
• Rural demand outpaced urban growth, especially in personal care and home cleaning segments.
• Disrupted transport issues and freight inflation.
• Steady import flows and disciplined inventory practices in June maintained availability.
• Partnerships with e-commerce platforms helped expand Tier 2–3 city penetration for AOS-based products.
Europe
• AOS prices in Germany edged higher in Q2 2025, supported by firm home and personal care demand and constrained local supply.
• April saw moderate price increases due to sluggish recovery in surfactant output amid high energy prices.
• May demand rose in the personal care segment, but freight costs from Asia added pressure.
• In June, institutional cleaning demand increased across healthcare and education, helping sustain overall price levels.
• Import reliance on Southeast Asian and U.S. suppliers continued, with minor delays from Hamburg port congestion.
Why did the price of AOS change in July 2025 in Europe?
• Home and personal care segments remained primary demand drivers.
• Local surfactant production was challenged by feedstock price volatility and high utility costs.
• Port congestion and inland transport disruptions slowed the replenishment of stocks.
• Summer contract renewals with industrial clients supported demand resilience.
For the Quarter Ending March 2025
North America
In Q1 2025, the Alpha Olefin Sulfonate (AOS) market in North America experienced a softening in prices during January and February. This was largely due to subdued demand from key downstream sectors such as detergent and cleaning agents, which typically see a seasonal slowdown following the holiday period. Cooler weather further dampened consumption patterns, while healthy inventory levels and ample supply across the region prevented any significant upward movement in prices.
By March, the market began to show signs of stabilization. Demand recovered modestly, driven by increased purchasing from the detergent segments. Export markets also remained stable, supporting the overall market balance. Buyers showed increased interest amid speculation of potential cost increases related to new trade policies and inflationary pressures. Despite this, supply levels remained sufficient, helping to prevent any sharp price fluctuations.
While March offered some relief, the outlook remained cautious. Ongoing concerns over economic stability, inflation, and potential shifts in trade policy continued to influence buying behavior. Market participants maintained a wait-and-see approach, focusing on managing inventories while monitoring evolving supply chain conditions heading into the next quarter.
APAC
In Q1 2025, Alpha Olefin Sulfonate (AOS) prices in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region declined by 4% compared to Q4 2024. Early in the quarter, prices fell due to seasonal factors such as reduced manufacturing ahead of the Lunar New Year and subdued demand from the detergent and surfactant sectors. Manufacturing contraction, high inventories, and cautious buying further weighed on the market. Despite stable production and effective supply chain operations, weak demand drove the bearish trend. Mid-quarter, prices began to recover as manufacturing activity resumed and downstream sectors like detergents entered their spring production phase. This rebound was supported by improved logistics, steady raw material availability, and stronger retail sales. However, concerns about inflation and cautious restocking tempered the momentum. In March, prices surged sharply amid tightening supply and strong demand from Asia, the Middle East, and the U.S. Domestic sentiment improved due to supportive policies, including tax cuts and reduced import duties. Seasonal hygiene needs and rising consumer confidence also contributed to the upward trend. Despite easing logistics costs, supply limitations and global trade uncertainties constrained production. By quarter-end, AOS Ex-Delhi (India) was priced at USD 1734/MT.
Europe
In Q1 2025, the European Alpha Olefin Sulfonate (AOS) market showed signs of recovery following a subdued close to the previous year. January saw prices under pressure due to weak demand, high inventories, and seasonal slowdowns in consumption across detergent and cleaning agent segments. Export activity remained limited, and buyers maintained cautious procurement strategies amid ongoing economic uncertainty. Conditions began to improve in February, supported by a steady rebound in demand from key downstream sectors gained momentum. Supply constraints in some parts of Europe, along with firm raw material and transportation costs, contributed to an upward pricing trend as the quarter progressed. March continued this trajectory, with consistent consumption and logistical challenges, including weather-related disruptions, adding to the complexity of supply dynamics. Inflationary pressures and exchange rate volatility also influenced production and purchasing decisions. By the end of the quarter, AOS prices had firmed, supported by stronger domestic demand and tighter supply. However, market participants remained cautious, anticipating that lingering economic uncertainties and uneven recovery across regions may impact stability heading into Q2.
