For the Quarter Ending September 2025
North America
• In United States, the Ammonium Lauryl Sulphate Price Index rose quarter-over-quarter in Q3 2025, driven by increasing production costs.
• Production costs for Ammonium Lauryl Sulphate increased, with PPI rising 2.6% year-over-year in August 2025 for raw materials.
• The 3.0% CPI year-over-year in September 2025 also contributed to higher operational costs for ALS production.
• Demand for Ammonium Lauryl Sulphate was supported by a 5.42% year-over-year increase in retail sales in September 2025.
• Fatty alcohol, sulfur, and natural gas feedstock costs, critical for ALS, all showed upward trends in Q3 2025.
• Industrial production grew only 0.1% year-over-year in September 2025, suggesting weak manufacturing activity for ALS applications.
• A low 4.3% unemployment rate in September 2025 bolstered ALS demand, despite consumer confidence declining to 94.2.
• Supply constraints for fatty alcohol and ammonia in Q3 2025 contributed to upward pressure on Ammonium Lauryl Sulphate prices.
Why did the price of Ammonium Lauryl Sulphate change in September 2025 in North America?
• Producer Price Index rose 2.6% year-over-year in August 2025, increasing raw material costs for ALS.
• Fatty alcohol and natural gas feedstock costs showed an upward trend towards the end of Q3 2025.
• Robust consumer spending, with retail sales up 5.42% year-over-year in September 2025, supported demand.
Europe
• In Germany, the Ammonium Lauryl Sulphate Price Index fell quarter-over-quarter in Q3 2025, influenced by declining producer prices.
• Ammonium Lauryl Sulphate production costs decreased in Q3 2025, with producer prices falling 1.7% year-over-year in September.
• Fatty alcohol feedstock costs fluctuated in Q3 2025, declining in July but facing rising palm kernel/coconut oil.
• Demand for personal care products, a key driver for Ammonium Lauryl Sulphate, strengthened in Germany during Q3 2025.
• Germany's industrial production declined 1.0% year-over-year in September 2025, negatively impacting overall industrial demand.
• Retail sales in Germany rose modestly by 0.2% year-over-year in September 2025, indicating slight improvement in consumer purchasing.
• The Manufacturing Index in Germany was contracting in Q3 2025, reflecting a slowdown in overall manufacturing activity.
• Consumer Price Index rose 2.4% year-over-year in September 2025, while unemployment remained stable at 6.3%.
Why did the price of Ammonium Lauryl Sulphate change in September 2025 in Europe?
• Producer prices fell 1.7% year-over-year in September 2025, reducing Ammonium Lauryl Sulphate production costs.
• Fatty alcohol feedstock costs fluctuated in Q3 2025, with initial declines offset by rising palm kernel/coconut oil.
• Industrial production declined 1.0% year-over-year in September 2025, weakening overall demand for chemical inputs.
APAC
• In China, the Ammonium Lauryl Sulphate Price Index rose quarter-over-quarter in Q3 2025, driven by elevated feedstock costs and supply constraints.
• Production costs increased due to upward pressure on sulfuric acid and volatile coal costs for ammonia in Q3 2025.
• Demand was supported by a 3.0% year-on-year increase in retail sales and 6.5% industrial production growth in September 2025.
• However, the Manufacturing Index was Contracting in September 2025, signaling a slowdown in overall factory activity.
• Consumer Price Index decreased by 0.3% and Producer Price Index declined by 2.3% year-on-year in September 2025.
• Consumer confidence stood at 89.6 in September 2025, indicating consumer pessimism and reduced willingness to spend.
• Supply of domestic sulfuric acid was constrained, and ammonia plant shutdowns limited availability in China during Q3 2025.
• The Ammonium Lauryl Sulphate price forecast suggests continued stability or slight increases due to persistent cost and supply factors.
Why did the price of Ammonium Lauryl Sulphate change in September 2025 in APAC?
• Sulfuric acid raw material costs faced upward pressure from elevated sulfur prices in Northeast Asia during Q3 2025.
• Volatile coal costs influenced domestic ammonia prices, increasing production expenses in China throughout Q3 2025.
• Domestic sulfuric acid supply constraints and ammonia plant shutdowns limited product availability in Q3 2025.
