For the Quarter Ending March 2024
North America
In the the North American market witnessed a decrease in prices compared to the same quarter last year, with a negative percentage change from the preceding quarter. Notably, USA experienced significant fluctuations in Defoamer Surfactant prices throughout the quarter. Weak consumer demand and ample material availability influenced the market, resulting in subdued inquiries and sluggish procurement.
While manufacturing costs remained steady, diminished cost support from upstream raw materials increased production pressures. Moreover, sluggish consumption rates in the first half of the quarter further impacting business operations.
The latest quarter-ending price for Silicon-Based Surfactant FOB USGC in the US has been assessed at USD 2060/MT, reflecting market conditions during the quarter and signaling stability.
APAC
In the APAC region, Overall, the market has experienced a decrease in prices compared to the same quarter last year, with a negative percentage change from the previous quarter. In China, the prices of Defoamer Surfactant have experienced significant changes throughout the quarter. The market has been influenced by weak consumer demand and abundant material availability, resulting in low inquiries and sluggish procurement. The manufacturing costs have remained stable, but the cost support from upstream raw materials has decreased, putting pressure on production costs. Additionally, the Chinese market has been affected by the year-end holidays, with businesses operating at lower rates.
Looking at the overall trends and seasonality, the first quarter of 2024 has seen a decrease in prices compared to the same quarter last year. The percentage change from the previous quarter in 2024 has also been negative, indicating a further decline in prices. However, it is worth noting that there has been no specific information available about the price comparison between the first and second half of the quarter. The latest quarter-ending price stands at USD 1930/MT for Silicon-Based Surfactant FOB Shanghai in China.
Europe
In the European market also observed a decrease in prices compared to the same quarter last year, accompanied by a negative percentage change from the previous quarter. Notably, Germany experienced notable fluctuations in Defoamer Surfactant prices throughout the quarter. The market was influenced by weak consumer demand and abundant material availability, leading to sluggish procurement and subdued inquiries. Despite stable manufacturing costs, reduced support from upstream raw materials heightened production pressures. Additionally, European market dynamics were impacted by reduced business activity during the H1 of the quarter. However, the market dynamics improved towards the second half of the quarter The latest quarter-ending price for Silicon-Based Surfactant FOB Rotterdam in the Netherlands stands at EUR 1840/MT.
For the Quarter Ending December 2023
North America
In the fourth quarter of 2023, the Defoamer Surfactant market in the USA demonstrated mixed sentiments and the prices fluctuated throughout this period. The quarter witnessed substantial impacts on the market, primarily influenced by various factors. Weak demand from downstream sectors, including water treatment, detergent, and other end-use industries, played a pivotal role in shaping market sentiments. The conclusion of the summer season, typically associated with increased demand for surfactants, further intensified the challenges.
Moreover, the influx of low-priced imports exerted downward pressure on prices, given the sluggish nature of consumer inquiries. Nevertheless, the domestic market boasted ample material availability, contributing to constrained procurement and a subsequent price decrease of the product. In the United States, where the most notable price fluctuations occurred in the region, the market exhibited a bearish scenario.
Weak demand persisted, accompanied by unfavorable market sentiments due to economic factors. The deteriorating business confidence led to minimal inquiries from downstream industries.
Albeit in December, a slight improvement in the market was noticed as the pressure from the economic challenges eased. Additionally, high destocking at the end of the month further pressured the prices downward.
APAC
The APAC region experienced a stable market for Defoamer Surfactant in Q4 2023. Sufficient inventories of the product were reported, and domestic manufacturers maintained optimal production rates, leading to a moderate supply. However, the market in China witnessed a bearish trend, with a moderate to high supply of Defoamer Surfactant. The producers in China maintained their usual manufacturing outputs, resulting in adequate supply. The pricing trend in China saw a decrease of 7.9% for Silicon-Based Surfactant (FOB Shanghai), influenced by the market's bearish situation and the availability of sufficient inventories. Looking at the price comparison, there was a significant decrease of 24% in the price of Silicon-Based Surfactant (FOB Shanghai) in China compared to the same quarter of the previous year. Additionally, there was a decrease of 17% in the price of Silicon-Based Surfactant (FOB Shanghai) in China compared to the previous quarter. China, being a major player in the market, experienced a bearish trend with a decrease in prices. The latest price of Silicon-Based Surfactant (FOB Shanghai) in China for the fourth quarter of 2023 was USD 2460/MT. Overall, the stable market conditions, moderate supply, and sufficient inventories contributed to the pricing trends in the APAC region for Defoamer Surfactant in Q4 2023.
Europe
In the fourth quarter of 2023, the Defoamer Surfactant market in Europe demonstrated bearish sentiments and the prices rode the downward trajectory throughout this period. In October, prices experienced a decline attributed to subdued demand from downstream sectors such as paper & pulp, coatings, and water treatment industries. Eurozone manufacturing production witnessed a contraction, marked by a significant decline in new orders. Despite a marginal improvement in the manufacturing PMI, it signaled a continued downturn in the sector. Supply chain operations alleviated as a result of sluggish consumer demand. In November, prices experienced a continued decline, propelled by persistent low demand from downstream industries, as the consumer market observed sufficient material availability in the region. Manufacturing activities remained on a downward trend during this period, despite a slight improvement in the PMI. The supply chain continued to ease, and vendor performance showed improvement amid the ongoing subdued consumer demand and limited market transactions. In December, prices continued to decrease due to persistent subdued demand. Downstream industries maintained weak consumer inquiries, leading to negative market sentiments. High product inventories and destocking activities by consumers were observed. The prices of upstream raw materials dropped, and factory gate deflation persisted. Year-end holidays and destocking contributed to reduced industrial activity, with manufacturing companies slowing down or temporarily suspending operations.
For the Quarter Ending September 2023
North America
In the third quarter of 2023, the Defoamer Surfactant market in the USA demonstrated mixed sentiments and the prices fluctuated throughout this period. In the first two months, amid the ongoing summer season, the demand outlook was positive, and steady inquiries from the downstream water treatment and other end-use industries were registered. As per the government GDP data, the economy improved at an increased pace from July to September, despite higher interest rates, depleted pandemic savings, and high inflation. Overall, the market transactions were usual and the trading atmosphere was normal. Albeit, in September, the prices decreased slightly as the demand conditions stagnated. Consumer inquiries remained weak, particularly with the end of the high-demand summer season and the buyers were mainly focusing on long-term orders. Overall, the market transactions remained sluggish, and limited product procurement was observed overall. Throughout this quarter, high inflation, higher interest rates, and ongoing geopolitical tensions with China also influenced the market sentiments in the region.
APAC
In the third quarter of 2023, the prices of Defoamer Surfactant demonstrated a bullish trend in the Chinese domestic market. The downstream paper & pulp, coatings, and water treatment sectors maintained strong demand. However, companies struggled to keep up output rates in the face of factory gate deflation. According to the official NBS manufacturing PMI, which climbed to 49.3 in July from 49.0 in June, it remained below the 50-point line, indicating a dip in factory activity amid declining new orders and export sales. In terms of production, the cost support from the upstream Palm oil fluctuated throughout this period and was mostly on the upper edge. In September, amid slight ease in the factory gate deflation, the businesses' performance improved in the region. China has considered increasing its budget deficit for 2023 as the government prepared to unleash a new round of stimulus to assist the economy in reaching the official growth target. As of September 2023, the prices of Defoamer Surfactant in China were assessed at USD 3210 per tonne.
Europe
In the third quarter of 2023, the Defoamer Surfactant market in Europe demonstrated mixed sentiments and the prices fluctuated throughout this period. In the initial weeks of Q3, the inflationary pressure impacted the business activities in the region and the consumer demand remained weak amid uncertain economic conditions as high interest rates took a toll on the business conditions. August marked a slight improvement in market sentiments, as there was a modest price increase, attributed to a boost in demand from the downstream paper & pulp, coatings, and water treatment industries. However, the supply side was lacking amid low operating conditions among the manufacturing firms. Come September, Defoamer Surfactant prices in the domestic market increased slightly. This was due to marginal improvement demand and rising production costs driven, in part, by fluctuating natural gas and upstream Crude oil prices in Europe. The manufacturing activities were slow in the region as post the vacation season, the rebound in the market activities was poor due to which, the inventories of the product were high in the domestic market.
For the Quarter Ending June 2023
North America
Defoamer surfactant prices in the US market showed mixed trends in the second quarter of the year on the back of changing market dynamics. The construction industry started the quarter on a sluggish note; however, the industry picked up pace and can be observed from the improvement in the housing market, where inventories declined towards the second half of the quarter. The paints & coatings industry forms the second most-demand segment for defoamer surfactants after the oil & gas industry. Thus, improved offtakes towards the second half of the quarter culminated in a rise in Defoamer surfactant prices. After the conclusion of Q2 2023, Defoamer surfactant prices in the US were assessed at USD 2610 per MT on a FOB basis.
APAC
In the second quarter of 2023, the Chinese market witnessed a notable uptick in the prices of Defoamer Surfactant. This surge was primarily driven by increased demand from downstream industries such as paper and pulp, coating, and water treatment. However, a positive trend was observed in the production costs of Defoamer Surfactant, as the expenses saw a continuous decline. This decline was attributed to the 5.1% drop-in cost support from the upstream Crude Palm oil. On the broader economic front, China's consumer price index showed a continued decline at an annual rate of 0.2 during the same period. This indicated a stable pricing environment for consumers, but factory-gate prices experienced even more significant reductions. This pricing trend posed challenges for manufacturers who were grappling with pricing pressures in the market. The NBS manufacturing purchasing manager's index (PMI) showed a marginal improvement, rising to 49 in June from 48.9 in May, matching market forecasts. However, the index still signified that factory activity had contracted for three consecutive months and remained at the lower end of the 50-point range. This indicated that the manufacturing sector was facing challenges in its recovery, although there was a slight improvement in new orders during the month. In June 2023, Defoamer Surfactant prices in China were assessed at USD 2410 per MT on a FOB basis.
Europe
In Q2 2023, the defoamer surfactant market in Europe was dominated by the oil and gas industry. The increasing demand for defoamers in the oil and gas industry is due to the need to prevent foam formation in oil and gas wells and pipelines. Foam formation can lead to a number of problems, such as reduced oil and gas production, damage to equipment, and safety hazards. Dow Chemicals, in its quarterly report ending June 2023, revealed and highlighted the underwhelming performance of the construction industry. Olefins, aromatics, and others witnessed diminishing margins, weak demand, and limited procurements in the regions amid persistent competition from Asian imports and declining energy prices as Europe has been ahead in its LNG procurements for the upcoming winter, unlike the last year's trend. Defoamer surfactant prices in Europe were assessed at USD 2555 per MT on FD basis after the conclusion of Q2 2023.
For the Quarter Ending March 2023
North America
In the North American region, the Defoamer Surfactant market showcased a mixed pricing trend in the first quarter of 2023. The cost support from the feedstock Palm oil fluctuated throughout this period in the US domestic market. In January, product prices plummeted in the region amidst a lack of market competitiveness and slow procurement rates. Amid the Chinese Lunar New Year Festival, the participation of Asian market players was low. In February, the prices inclined slightly amidst an increase in demand from the downstream paper, pulp, and water treatment industries and increased production rates in the region. In the last month of Q1, the market sentiments stabilized, and the prices declined slightly amidst built-up inventories of the product and moderate downstream demand in the domestic and overseas markets.
APAC
The Defoamer Surfactant market exhibited a bearish pricing trend in the first quarter of 2023, and throughout this period, the overall cost support from the feedstock Palm oil has remained on the lower edge in the Chinese domestic region. In the first month, the prices declined slightly amid higher inventory levels and a sluggish demand outlook from the downstream water treatment and paper manufacturing industries in the region. In the second and third months of Q1, the market observed a sharp drop in spot prices due to stagnant demand for the product and ample stocks of the product. As per the market participants, the production rates dropped in the domestic manufacturing firms. Thus, the market prices of Silicon-Based Defoamer Surfactant FOB Shanghai settled at USD 2439 per tonne at the end of Q1 2023.
Europe
In the European region, the Defoamer Surfactant market showcased a bearish pricing trend in the first quarter of 2023 amidst weaker cost support from the upstream Palm oil. In the first month, the prices were stable amid moderate demand and adequate supply of the product in the region. In the second month, the prices tumbled due to a weaker demand outlook from the downstream paper, pulp, and water treatment industries in the region. The downstream consumers were reluctant for new purchases amid uncertainty regarding economic conditions and inflationary pressure. In the last month of Q1, the prices slipped down further in the region as manufacturing PMI fell amid weaker demand and a drop in input costs in the European region. Thus, the market sentiments for Defoamer Surfactant were observed to be in negative territory in the Q1 of 2023.
For the Quarter Ending December 2022
North America
In the fourth quarter of 2022, the Defoamer Surfactant market in the North American region was ambiguous. As the first half observed substantial operating loads at crucial trading facilities, in contrast, the second half of the quarter was suppressed to a certain extent. The extreme weather disruptions have halted operations and impacted both supply and demand in the domestic market. Although, the demand for Defoamer Surfactant already staggered on lower levels, and it was further hampered by the force majeure in facilities amidst the supply chain and power disruptions. On the supply side, it has also faced several issues regarding transportation facilities. As a ripple effect, the discussions for Defoamer Surfactant have remained on the lower side and consistently subdued throughout the period, with CFR Vancouver discussions assessed at USD 4092 per tonne in December.
Asia Pacific
Overall, the Defoamer Surfactant market in the Asia Pacific region has observed mixed sentiments in the fourth quarter of 2022, differing based on subregions. However, the bearish sentiment is a prominent dominating factor throughout the period. This development has been instigated by the weakened cost support from feedstock that has further coupled with hampered demand in the regional market. The future of palm oil has manipulated the mindset of producers tremendously, and the discussions for Defoamer Surfactant at the spot market consistently fluctuated. At the same time, the low operating loads amidst the COVID surge and restricting the cash outflow have levied a considerable impact on the demand for Defoamer Surfactant in the Asia Pacific region. As a ripple effect, the CFR Busan discussions were assessed at USD 3856 in December 2022.
Europe
In the fourth quarter of 2022, the Defoamer Surfactant market in Europe has substantially pressurized despite observing a substantial surge in offers. Since the market activities resumed in the previous quarter, the downstream players are consistently inquired about Defoamer Surfactant. Although, the decision of the market players and major operating facilities in the values chain decided to reduce the operations to curb high gas prices. As a ripple effect, it levied a considerable impact on the supply-demand for Defoamer Surfactant, and the FD Antwerp discussions for Defoamer Surfactant were assessed at USD 3678 per tonne in December.
For the Quarter Ending September 2022
North America
In the third quarter of 2022, the Defoamer Surfactant market in the North American region slightly staggered downwards. This development is mainly attributed to the ease in the offers in the key feedstock Palm Oil, which has constantly hovered at a historic high since the fourth quarter of 2021. In addition, the demand side support remained adequate to keep the enthusiasm in the spot market buoyed. The market players consistently procure the Defoamer Surfactant to avoid hurricane-related disruption across the value chain. In addition, the rising inflation and the consistently strengthening of the USD presented numerous uncertainties regarding the hike in interest rates. As a ripple effect, the DDP USGC discussions for Defomer Surfactant were assessed at USD 3820 per tonne during the quarter ending September 2022.
Asia Pacific
Overall the Defoamer Surfactant market in the Asia Pacific witnessed mixed sentiments based on demand in the sub-regions during the third quarter of 2022. The Southeast Asian market has remained bearish amidst the lackluster demand and eased cost support from the key feedstock palm oil. Whereas the Chinese market witnessed a staggering upward trajectory in the offers amidst the power rationing and COVID curbs, the manufacturers also controlled the operational rates to sustain netbacks. As a ripple effect, the FOB Shanghai discussions for Defoamere Surfactant settled USD 3800 per tonne during the quarter ending September 2022.
Europe
The Defoamer Surfactant market in the European region witnessed a steep decline in offers during the third quarter of 2022. The limited commercial and economic activities have subdued the market sentiments, and the demand outlook has dropped steeply. At the same time, the cost support from the feedstock has also eased down, and the arbitrage remained dull throughout the first two months of the quarter. Meanwhile, supply from the international market remained snug as several ports in Europe faced major port congestions. However, manufacturers' morale improved in September after the market activities resumed. As a ripple effect, the FD Antwerp discussions for defoamer Surfactant were assessed at USD 3447 per tonne in September.
For the Quarter Ending June 2022
North America
The prices of Defoamer surfactant showcased a stable trend due to elevated upstream prices like palm oil amid the ongoing high inflation rate due to War, which crippled the supplies and shortage of palm oil in the local market. Meanwhile, high logistic costs impacted the costs of the product in the North American region—moreover, increased demand from the downstream industries such as paints, coatings, and cleaning segments. High freight charges made manufacturers in North America revise the Defoamer surfactant costs to maintain offtakes in the domestic market to attain marginal profits. The price of Surfactant defoamer surged by nearly 3% in June in the USA.
APAC
The Asian market of Defoamer surfactant showcased an upward trend throughout Quarter 2 of 2022, backed by the continued surge in demand in the downstream industries such as paints and coatings due to various construction projects initiated by the government in Q2 in the APAC region. The global supply chain experienced few disruptions due to the implementation of lockdown restrictions in China and the high inflation rate due to the ongoing War. Meanwhile, India witnessed an exponential rise in the prices of the product because of expensive shipments amid the shortage of shipping containers and crippled production to satisfy demand from the local market.
Europe
The European price of Defoamer surfactant surged considerably due to the significant rise in the costs of oleochemicals in the Quarter ending June 2022. The firm trend of Defoamer surfactant in Quarter 2 resulted from the ongoing Russia-Ukraine War, which led to a shortage of upstream palm oil and fatty acids. Furthermore, delays in the supply of cargoes from several container terminals' gateways due to the high inflation rate have led to a shortage of inventories. The supply disruption had impacted the traders' profit margins in the region. The price of Defoamer surfactant in the European market witnessed a rise of 3% in June.
For the Quarter Ending March 2022
North America
Defoamer Surfactant showcased an upward trajectory due to increased upstream prices like palm oil amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict which disrupted the supplies and led to the shortage of palm oil in the regional market. Meanwhile, high logistic costs resulted in high demand from downstream industries such as paints, coatings, agriculture. High freight charges compelled manufactures in the North America to revise their offers to attain marginal profits. The price of Surfactant defoamer surged by nearly 2% in the month of March in the USA.
Asia Pacific
Asian market of Defoamer Surfactant showed the upward trend throughout the first quarter of 2022 backed by the robust demand in the downstream industries such as paints and coatings due to announcement of various construction projects to be initiated by government in the month of April. The global supply chain experienced few disruptions due to congestion at several container terminals such as Ningbo in China, which ultimately led to a surge in the prices of Defoamer Surfactant. Meanwhile, India witnessed exponential rise in the prices of the product because of expensive shipments amid the shortage of shipping containers and insufficient production to satisfy demand from the domestic market. Prices of non-silicon Surfactant Defoamer were assessed at USD 2920/MT Ex-Depot Mumbai in the month of March in India.
Europe
Prices of Defoamer Surfactant in Europe rose significantly due to the major rise witnessed in the costs of oleochemicals in the quarter ending March of 2022. Firm trend of Defoamer Surfactant in the first quarter was the result of ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict which led to high prices of upstream palm oil and fatty acids. Furthermore, delays in the supply of cargoes from several container terminals gateways have led to a shortage of the material. The supply disruption impacted the traders’ profit at a strong demand. Prices of Defoamer Surfactant in the European market were assessed at USD 3215.33/MT in the month of March.
For the Quarter Ending December 2021
North America
During the fourth quarter of 2021, the Defoamer Surfactant market in the North American region observed a downward trajectory after the operational rates at the manufacturing facilities in the US restored post-hurricane season. Even with ample cost support from upstream, Defoamer Surfactant domestic market supply has declined because of the healthy market sentiments. The demand for Defoamer Surfactant was seen to be dwindling in the year-end due to less consumption of downstream paints and coatings and agriculture sectors. Thus, the prices of Defoamers Surfactant fluctuated around USD4.01/Kg from October to USD3.5/Kg in December across USA.
Asia Pacific
The Defoamer Surfactant market in the Asia Pacific region witnessed an upturn price trend during the fourth quarter of 2021 because of the tight supply outlook and high import costs leading to the price increase of several other commodities as well as Defoamers Surfactant. The demand increased with the consistent offtakes from the downstream cleaning sectors. The leading market for Defoamers Surfactant from the water and wastewater treatment industry is China. Proportionally, there were bullish market sentiments all around the quarter. Thus, Defoamer Surfactant price rose significantly in the last quarter and settled at USD 2867/MT during the week ending 31st December for Silicon Defoamer Surfactant India.
Europe
During the fourth quarter of 2021, the Surfactant market kept diminishing because of the ongoing energy crisis in the European domestic market. This corresponded to the decline in manufacturing capabilities due to the soaring energy costs. But the demand remained strong along the dropping temperature in the northwest European region from the downstream industrial and municipal wastewater treatment technologies and other cleaning sectors because of the increased awareness coupled with regulatory guidelines and environmental concerns. High demand for eco-friendly defoamers is likely to act as an opportunity for the market in the future. The discussions for the Defoamers Surfactant were settled at USD 3200 per tons, during the quarter ending in December.
For the Quarter Ending September 2021
North America
During the third quarter of 2021, the Defoamer Surfactant market in USA grew with improved production rates. Increased raw material prices and logistics costs resulted in the surge in prices despite improvement in the supply fundamentals. Demand for Defoamer Surfactant was witnessed to be robust due to the high consumption in the downstream paints and coatings and agriculture industries. The supply chain experienced few disruptions due to the approach of hurricane Ida and Nicholas making landfall in southern states which worsened the truck availability for domestic transportation.
Asia
In Asia, the Defoamer Surfactant market outlook witnessed an upwards rally during the third quarter of 2021 backed by the strong demand from the downstream industries backed with pick up in economic activities. In India, an exponential rise in the prices of Defoamer Surfactant was seen due to the expensive imports due to crippled availability of shipping containers and insufficient supply of the product to cater to the domestic demand. Moreover, spike in the raw materials cost also played an important role in supporting values of Defoamer Surfactants during this quarter. Silicon Defoamer Surfactant and Non-Silicon Defoamer Surfactant prices in India settled at USD 2446.66 per MT and USD 1736.65 per MT, witnessing a significant rise since July.
Europe
The European Defoamer Surfactant market experienced mixed sentiments during the third quarter of 2021 due to a halt in the supply of raw materials from the US and Asian countries as an impact of Ida hurricane and congestion on interoceanic trade-routes. The shortages of shipping containers led to the high shipping charges of raw materials which affected the overall market and resulted in increased prices in Europe. Moreover, the demand for Defoamer Surfactant witnessed an upsurge from the downstream Paints and Coatings, Food Processing, water treatment, Pulp and Paper sectors in Q3.
