For the Quarter Ending September 2025
North America
• In USA, the Defoamer Surfactant Price Index fell by 4.10% quarter-over-quarter, supported by rising imports.
• The average Defoamer Surfactant price for the quarter was approximately USD 1862.67/MT, reflecting stable import parity.
• Balanced import flows pressured Defoamer Surfactant Spot Price despite steady industrial consumption and logistics easing.
• Short-term Defoamer Surfactant Price Forecast remains flat, with modest downside risk from continued import oversupply.
• Stable silicone oil feedstock supported the Defoamer Surfactant Production Cost Trend, limiting upstream cost pressures.
• Cautious procurement constrained restocking, shaping the Defoamer Surfactant Demand Outlook towards steady, need-based purchases only.
• High import volumes increased inventories and weighed on the Defoamer Surfactant Price Index, pressuring spot.
• Operations at major suppliers remained normal; weak export demand left Defoamer Surfactant Price Index subdued.
Why did the price of Defoamer Surfactant change in September 2025 in North America?
• Uninterrupted imports flooded US warehouses, increasing availability, creating downward pressure across Defoamer Surfactant domestic prices.
• Lower freight rates reduced import costs, easing cost-push influences on Defoamer Surfactant Production Cost Trend.
• Steady downstream consumption, cautious procurement, manageable logistics limited upward pressure on Defoamer Surfactant Price Index.
APAC
• In China, the Defoamer Surfactant Price Index fell by 2.20% quarter-over-quarter in Q3 2025 notably.
• The average Defoamer Surfactant price for the quarter was approximately USD 1716.67/MT, FOB Shanghai level.
• China's Defoamer Surfactant Spot Price remained range-bound as the Price Index signalled limited volatility nationwide.
• Defoamer Surfactant Price Forecast points to modest downside risk from exports and steady domestic inventories.
• Defoamer Surfactant Production Cost Trend stayed neutral as silicone oil and alcohol costs remained stable.
• Defoamer Surfactant Demand Outlook is moderate, supported by textiles, paper, coatings and water treatment sectors.
• Inventories and export tempered the Defoamer Surfactant Price Index as freight declines eased cost pressure.
• Major manufacturers operated at steady utilization, minimizing outages and supporting stable Defoamer Surfactant Price Index.
Why did the price of Defoamer Surfactant change in September 2025 in APAC?
• High producer run-rates maintained supply during September, exerting downward pressure amid weaker overseas demand overall.
• Stable feedstock costs limited cost-push effects, preventing substantial price increases despite moderate domestic demand strength.
• Improved logistics and lower intra-Asia freight reduced export transaction costs, softening export-driven pricing in September.
Europe
In Europe, the Defoamer Surfactant Price Index showed a mixed trend through Q3 2025—firming in mid-quarter before easing slightly in September.
• Defoamer Surfactant Spot Price increased during July and August due to solid demand from the pulp and paper, paint and coatings, and wastewater treatment sectors amid high production activity.
• By September, Spot Price softened modestly as downstream consumption normalized and inventories replenished across Western and Central Europe.
• Defoamer Surfactant Production Cost Trend remained largely steady throughout Q3 2025, driven by stable silicone oil, mineral oil, and fatty alcohol feedstock prices, as well as reduced freight costs.
• Defoamer Surfactant Price Forecast suggests continued mixed movement into Q4 2025—steady industrial operations will support the market, though slower construction and coating demand may limit further gains.
• Defoamer Surfactant Demand Outlook remains balanced; while industrial and paper-processing sectors sustained steady uptake, paint and construction demand moderated due to seasonal slowdowns.
• Domestic European producers maintained strong operating rates, ensuring adequate supply and keeping the Price Index from significant volatility.
• Lower logistics costs and improved import availability from Asia kept overall pricing competitive, despite moderate energy cost fluctuations.
Why did the price of Defoamer Surfactant change in September 2025 in Europe?
• In September 2025, the Defoamer Surfactant Price Index decreased slightly as industrial activity and downstream procurement slowed following peak summer production cycles.
• Softer consumption from paint and coating manufacturers and high product availability contributed to the mild decline in Spot Price.
• With the Production Cost Trend largely stable, the September movement reflected weaker demand rather than any cost escalation.
For the Quarter Ending June 2025
North America
• The USA Defoamer Surfactant Price Index was steady for the month of Q2 2025 and did not see significant movement in the Defoamer Surfactant Spot Price.
• The price was stable because of consistent demand from industrial cleaning and wastewater treatment markets, as well as equilibrium inventory conditions and stable feedstocks.
• The trend for Defoamer Surfactant Manufacturing cost was moderate, underpinned by low energy costs and stable supply of silicone oils and fatty alcohols.
• The Surfactant Demand for Defoamer was robust, supported by the development of infrastructure, steady municipal water treatment operations, and industrial cleaning uses.
• The Defoamer Surfactant Price Forecast for Q3 2025 remains neutral to slightly bullish, depending on seasonal industrial demand recovery.
Europe
• The Defoamer Surfactant Price Index in Europe declined slightly in Q2 2025 due to oversupply and sluggish demand across key sectors.
• The price decreased as downstream demand from construction, coatings, and paper sectors failed to pick up as anticipated.
• The Defoamer Surfactant Production Cost Trend moved slightly downward due to improved raw mat
• Serial sourcing and cost-efficient imports from Asia.
• The Defoamer Surfactant Demand Outlook stayed soft across most regions in Europe, with delayed infrastructure recovery and cautious purchasing behaviour.
• The Defoamer Surfactant Price Forecast suggests weak momentum ahead unless macroeconomic sentiment improves and downstream offtake increases.
Asia-Pacific
• The Defoamer Surfactant Price Index in India was firm in Q2 2025, with the Defoamer Surfactant Spot Price holding stable on the back of consistent downstream demand.
• The price remained stable due to rising demand from wastewater treatment and industrial manufacturing, offset by easing input costs and improved logistics.
• The Defoamer Surfactant Production Cost Trend remained neutral as feedstock prices like propylene glycol and fatty alcohols showed minimal volatility, and shipping costs declined.
• The Defoamer Surfactant Demand Outlook was strong, underpinned by urban wastewater treatment expansion and increased chemical usage in sectors like textiles and coatings.
• The Defoamer Surfactant Price Forecast points to slight increases in Q3 2025 as government infrastructure initiatives ramp up and water reuse targets grow more urgent.
For the Quarter Ending March 2025
North America
In Q1 2025, Defoamer Surfactant prices in North America continued to follow the uptrend, with some upward pressure driven by growing demand in industrial sectors. Early January saw prices holding steady, supported by moderate demand in wastewater treatment, paper, and textiles.
Input costs were somewhat higher due to stable crude oil prices, but this did not result in significant price fluctuations. As the quarter progressed, industrial activity picked up, particularly in the water treatment sector, leading to increased demand for defoamer surfactants. The rise in manufacturing demand and tightening supply contributed to a slight uptick in prices by mid-February, though the market remained cautious with some buyers hesitant to engage in large-scale procurement.
By March, prices continued to remain stable, aided by steady raw material availability, but the overall sentiment remained subdued as the market awaited clearer signals of economic recovery. While demand remained steady, the pace of growth was moderate, and the market showed resilience amidst regional economic uncertainties and cautious trading behavior.
APAC
In Q1 2025, Defoamer Surfactant prices in China moved northwards, with minor fluctuations driven by varying demand conditions. Early in January, prices held steady due to a balance between increased industrial and household activities, especially in the growing water treatment sector, and the easing of input costs from lower crude oil demand. The market faced a slowdown during the Lunar New Year break, affecting overall activity. Prices surged towards the end of January and into February, supported by heightened manufacturing and wastewater treatment demand, along with stockpiling efforts ahead of the holiday. Despite weaker growth in downstream sectors like textiles and pulp, the feedstock price for fatty alcohols remained stable, contributing to the price stability. By March, prices stayed steady, bolstered by ongoing demand from industrial sectors, particularly wastewater treatment, and steady raw material prices. While market sentiment remained cautious with buyers hesitant to make large purchases, the overall trend showed resilience, fueled by improving economic conditions and the growing demand for wastewater management solutions amid rising populations and water usage.
Europe
In Q1 2025, Defoamer Surfactant prices in Europe exhibited bullish market dynamics, with slight fluctuations influenced by regional demand dynamics and feedstock costs. At the start of the year, prices remained stable, as lower crude oil prices provided some relief to manufacturers, while demand from industrial sectors like wastewater treatment and pulp and paper showed steady growth. However, the market faced some challenges during the Lunar New Year period, as reduced activity in Asia affected overall supply chains. Prices saw a slight uptick in late January and February, driven by stockpiling efforts and growing demand from the manufacturing and water treatment industries. Feedstock prices for fatty alcohols remained stable, contributing to the price stability. As March unfolded, defoamer surfactant prices continued to hold steady, underpinned by consistent demand, especially in wastewater management, and steady raw material costs. Despite cautious buying behavior, the market demonstrated resilience, with demand for water treatment solutions rising alongside the growing need for sustainable wastewater management in urban and industrial sectors.
For the Quarter Ending December 2024
North America
In Q4 2024, defoamer surfactant prices in North America remained slightly on the positive side, driven by steady demand from key industries such as wastewater treatment, textiles, and paper. The region saw an increase in environmental regulations, pushing industrial sectors to adopt sustainable practices, which, in turn, supported the demand for defoamer surfactants.
Although the price of crude oil remained lower, mitigating some production cost pressures, supply chains faced moderate disruptions, primarily due to ongoing port congestion. Despite these challenges, local suppliers managed to maintain a consistent flow of materials, and seasonal factors, such as colder weather, played a role in stabilizing market conditions. The demand from the water treatment sector continued to grow as industries focused on improving wastewater management and recycling processes to meet regulatory standards.
While input costs remained stable, the limited demand from the petrochemical sector continued to influence the overall market sentiment. Overall, the defoamer surfactant market in North America displayed stability with moderate growth, supported by regulatory trends and the ongoing push for sustainability.
APAC
In Q4 2024, defoamer surfactant prices in the APAC region remained stable, with modest fluctuations influenced by local demand and supply dynamics. The market saw strong demand from industries such as wastewater treatment, textiles, paper, and pulp, driven by increasing environmental regulations and a focus on sustainability.
As industries sought to minimize their environmental impact, the need for effective water recycling and wastewater treatment solutions boosted the demand for defoamer surfactants. On the supply side, the market was relatively moderate, with supply chain issues easing compared to previous months. However, congestion at major ports in Southeast Asia continued to cause delays, while crude oil prices remained low, alleviating cost pressures on defoamer surfactant production. The ample availability of raw materials, coupled with seasonal factors like the monsoon season, contributed to the overall price stability in the region.
Despite these positive factors, challenges persisted in the downstream petrochemical sector, limiting broader growth. Nevertheless, the growing focus on sustainable practices and increased industrial activity helped maintain stable demand for defoamer surfactants throughout the quarter.
Europe
In Q4 2024, the European defoamer surfactant market experienced bullish behaviour, with prices holding steady due to balanced supply and demand dynamics. The demand for defoamer surfactants remained strong, particularly from wastewater treatment, paper, and textile industries, as tightening environmental regulations and an increasing focus on sustainability continued to drive growth in these sectors.
The water treatment sector saw heightened demand due to industrial activity and seasonal factors like the winter months, which boosted the need for effective water management solutions. The drop in crude oil prices offered relief to production costs, contributing to price stability in the region. The supply chain remained tighter amidst the congestion and the strike throughout the quarter impacting the supply flow.
Despite these positive conditions, the European market faced challenges due to the broader economic slowdown, particularly in the petrochemical sector, which dampened growth prospects. Nonetheless, the ongoing demand for water treatment solutions and sustainability-focused industrial practices helped maintain a stable defoamer surfactant market across Europe throughout the quarter.
