For the Quarter Ending June 2025
Asia-Pacific (APAC)
• Fatty Alcohol Price Index in APAC showed volatility through Q2 2025, beginning with a modest rise in April, followed by a dip in May, and a rebound in June. Overall, prices rose 1.6% quarter-on-quarter. In April, market stability was driven by balanced supply-demand dynamics, consistent imports from Indonesia, and steady demand from the personal care segment. However, mid-quarter saw bearish pressure amid high inventory levels and weak downstream interest, especially from cosmetics manufacturers reacting cautiously to tariff-related uncertainty. By June, prices rose again as buyers resumed procurement, anticipating potential volatility, and benefiting from steady overseas supply.
• Why did the price of Fatty Alcohol change in July 2025 in China? In early July 2025, prices held steady as downstream demand from cosmetics and personal care segments remained robust. However, rising feedstock palm kernel oil prices due to labor shortages and seasonal rains in Southeast Asia offset potential gains. Balanced inventories and stable import flows supported a rangebound price trend despite broader logistical challenges.
• The Fatty Alcohol Price Forecast for early Q3 indicates a cautiously stable to slightly bullish trend, driven by continued demand from personal care and coatings sectors, increased preference for multifunctional and eco-friendly skincare, and potential tightening in upstream palm-based feedstock availability.
• The Fatty Alcohol Production Cost Trend remained firm across Q2. While freight rates declined in April and May, they rebounded in June due to shipping reroutes, port congestion, and container shortages. Surging palm kernel oil prices in July further pressured margins. Although early quarter logistics relief offered some cost respite, late-quarter disruptions across Asia raised delivery costs.
• Fatty Alcohol Demand Outlook was steady through Q2, with sustained demand from the personal care and cosmetics sectors. Scenario-based skincare and medical aesthetics drove usage in high-end formulations, while coatings demand supported baseline offtakes. Purchasing strategies remained cautious due to trade policy concerns, but product innovation and hybrid cosmetics helped maintain momentum.
• Export activity from China to APAC remained active, though constrained by elevated freight rates and route disruptions. Rerouted vessels via the Cape of Good Hope and congestion at ports like Shanghai led to delivery delays. Despite the logistical strain, consistent output from Southeast Asian producers ensured sufficient availability to meet regional demand.
• Domestic procurement in China stayed resilient, especially in the Yangtze River Delta and Pearl River regions. Rising consumption of scene-based skincare, premium beauty, and eco-conscious coatings supported inland demand. However, uncertainty around the U.S.-China tariff truce prompted buyers to secure inventories ahead of potential cost escalations.
North America
• Fatty Alcohol Price Index in North America rose by 9.9% quarter-on-quarter. The quarter opened with a soft decline in April, reflecting subdued demand and cautious buyer sentiment due to tariff uncertainty. Prices held steady through most of May amid limited activity and adequate inventories but saw a strong rebound in June, supported by tightening supply, rising feedstock costs, and robust downstream restocking, especially from the personal care sector.
• Why did the price of Fatty Alcohol change in July 2025 in the U.S.? In early July 2025, the Price Index remained largely stable. While underlying bullish signals—like tightening terminal stocks, palm-based feedstock inflow constraints, and rising steam utility costs—suggested upward pressure, domestic run rates and import flows stayed balanced. Despite new tariffs on Philippine imports and regional logistics disruptions, muted downstream activity and cautious distributor behavior helped hold prices steady through late July.
• According to the Fatty Alcohol Price Forecast, prices are expected to remain rangebound through mid-Q3. While tariff-related supply-side disruptions and upstream cost increases pose potential upside risk, balanced U.S. manufacturing activity and cautious restocking among detergent and cosmetics buyers could limit immediate gains. Ongoing trade frictions and currency shifts are likely to produce opposing pressures on spot values.
• The Fatty Alcohol Production Cost Trend remained firm throughout Q2. Falling palm oil prices early in the quarter offered temporary relief, but June saw a reversal as feedstock costs climbed sharply due to geopolitical tensions and Southeast Asian supply suspensions. Higher utility tariffs and logistical constraints in July added to cost pressure, though stable gas prices and efficient port activity helped cap escalation.
• The Fatty Alcohol Demand Outlook improved across Q2, with robust interest from personal care, fragrance, and wellness sectors. Retail engagement, brand launches, and digital campaigns fueled upstream procurement. While haircare showed some softness, strong skincare traction and innovative formulations drove offtake. The paints and coatings sector also offered steady demand, backed by infrastructure momentum and preference for low-VOC solutions.
• Imports into the U.S. remained steady through Q2, with container volumes rising 1.8% in June. Key ports like Los Angeles and Long Beach operated efficiently despite broader logistical challenges. However, the 19% U.S. tariff on Philippine fatty alcohols and lengthened Southeast Asian transit times in July introduced new friction points in the import supply chain.
• U.S. production and supply levels held strong through the quarter. Early Q2 output was steady amid low input costs and soft demand, but June saw more aggressive production and restocking as market sentiment improved. Domestic plants covered over 60% of consumption, while the remaining 38% came from imports. As July progressed, balanced fundamentals helped stabilize prices, though tightening inventories and evolving trade conditions warrant close monitoring into Q3.
Europe
• Fatty Alcohol Price Index in Europe rose by 1.0% quarter-on-quarter. The quarter opened with stability in April, supported by consistent supply, balanced market fundamentals, and sustained demand from the personal care sector. May saw a brief downtrend amid public holidays, reduced trading activity, and macroeconomic uncertainties. However, prices rebounded in June as tightening inventories, export restocking, and rising demand from premium skincare and haircare segments pushed spot rates higher.
• Why did the price of Fatty Alcohol change in July 2025 in Europe? In early July 2025, the Price Index edged lower, reflecting a mild correction following June’s gains. Despite steady consumption from personal care and cosmetic industries, rising palm kernel oil feedstock prices and regional labor shortages contributed to slight supply-side tension. However, well-balanced inventories and cautious buyer sentiment amid ongoing trade disruptions kept overall pricing in check.
• The Fatty Alcohol Price Forecast for early Q3 indicates a rangebound to slightly bullish outlook. While steady demand from skincare and haircare is expected to support baseline consumption, elevated logistics costs and feedstock price volatility may create upward pressure. Persistent labor shortages, port strikes, and macroeconomic caution in key EU markets could constrain supply flows, supporting stable to firm pricing momentum.
• The Fatty Alcohol Production Cost Trend stayed mostly stable in Q2, supported by declining palm oil prices through May. However, June brought renewed cost pressure due to tightening upstream availability and higher logistical expenses linked to labor shortages and fuel costs. Producers maintained margin discipline, passing moderate cost increases to downstream buyers during restocking cycles.
• The Fatty Alcohol Demand Outlook in Europe remained steady in Q2, with the personal care sector showing resilience, particularly in the premium skincare and haircare categories. Seasonal replenishment, brand innovation, and sustainability-driven buying supported bulk procurement. Meanwhile, the coatings sector offered modest support, maintaining steady volumes for surfactant applications in eco-friendly formulations.
• European imports and internal trade flows faced disruptions during Q2 due to labor strikes and port congestion at key hubs like Antwerp and Bremerhaven. While palm-based feedstock arrivals remained consistent, extended delivery timelines and transport cost increases weighed on intra-European trade efficiency. Export activity to key markets such as the U.S. and Benelux gained momentum in June, tightening domestic inventories.
• Demand from Germany, Benelux, and Southern Europe turned firmer in late June, driven by restocking for summer personal care product launches and rising export orders. Notable industry events, such as L'Oréal’s acquisition of Medik8, reflected the ongoing shift toward high-performance, ingredient-driven skincare—sustaining demand for fatty alcohols used in emulsification, texture enhancement, and moisture retention.
Middle East
• Fatty Alcohol Price Index in the Middle East rose by 3.3% quarter-on-quarter. The quarter began on a steady note in April, with CFR Gizan prices holding at USD 2965/MT, supported by balanced supply-demand fundamentals and consistent inflows from Southeast Asia. May experienced a notable downturn, reflecting weak demand, elevated inventories, and buyer caution amid trade uncertainties. However, the market rebounded sharply in June, regaining earlier losses as cost pressures mounted from exporting regions and downstream restocking supported firmer pricing.
• Why did the price of Fatty Alcohol change in July 2025 in the Middle East? In early July 2025, the Price Index remained stable, with CFR Gizan prices holding at USD 2970/MT. Despite bullish factors such as strong demand from the personal care segment and rising palm kernel oil feedstock costs driven by tight supply and labor shortages in Southeast Asia, the market-maintained equilibrium. Sufficient inventories and stable import flows kept upward pressure in check, while steady offtakes from cosmetic and hygiene segments supported price stability through mid-July.
• According to the Fatty Alcohol Price Forecast, prices are expected to stay rangebound through Q3, with mild upside potential. Rising upstream costs and supply chain disruptions in Southeast Asia could elevate landed costs. However, firm inventory levels and conservative procurement strategies from downstream buyers—particularly in the personal care and surfactant segments—may limit aggressive gains. The interplay of steady domestic demand and import-based supply is likely to hold the market in balance over the near term.
• The Fatty Alcohol Production Cost Trend showed mixed movement through Q2. Early-quarter declines in logistics costs and freight rates provided cost relief. However, June brought renewed feedstock pressure as palm oil and palm kernel oil prices rose due to geopolitical friction and regional export suspensions. By July, higher shipping and utility costs partially offset previous gains, adding to the cost burden for importers, although port operations remained efficient.
• The Fatty Alcohol Demand Outlook remained muted in early Q2 but improved through June. While sluggish retail performance and soft demand from Chinese tourists weighed on overall consumption, the second half of the quarter saw a pickup in procurement from the home and personal care sectors. Increasing interest in sustainable and multifunctional skincare formulations helped lift offtake for grades like C12-14, particularly in moisturizer, cleanser, and conditioner applications.
• Imports into Saudi Arabia remained steady throughout Q2, with smooth inflows from Indonesia and Malaysia ensuring adequate market coverage. Early-quarter inventory buildup pressured prices, but volumes normalized by June. By July, consistent import rhythm and stable port-side inventory positions provided a buffer against regional volatility and upstream cost shocks, maintaining price stability.
• Domestic supply in Saudi Arabia was predominantly reliant on imports, with over 80% of consumption fulfilled through shipments from Southeast Asia. April and May saw a surplus environment due to earlier inventory accumulation, but June brought stronger drawdowns amid improving demand. As July began, balanced supply-demand fundamentals helped stabilize prices. However, rising feedstock costs and evolving export patterns in Asia warrant careful monitoring for potential Q3 fluctuations.
For the Quarter Ending March 2025
North America
In Q1 2025, the price trend for Fatty Alcohol in North America underwent notable fluctuations. January began with prices at USD 2840/MT, witnessing a bearish phase due to subdued demand from the personal care sector and declining palm oil prices. This downward trend was influenced by supply dynamics, with surpluses in exporting nations like Indonesia and Malaysia leading to thin trading activity.
February continued the downward trajectory, driven by global economic uncertainty and a cautious market sentiment. High inventories and concerns about seasonal palm oil shipments exacerbated the price decline, even as the personal care sector maintained a steady demand for Fatty Alcohol products.
In March, however, Fatty Alcohol prices reversed course. This shift was fueled by increased production costs and heightened demand, as buyers sought to secure supplies amidst concerns over future availability. The positive momentum in the personal care industry, which is a primary driver of Fatty Alcohol demand, helped bolster prices as consumer spending on wellness products remained strong, signaling a recovery in the market.
APAC
In Q1 2025, Fatty Alcohol prices in the APAC region experienced significant volatility. January opened with prices at USD 2610/MT, driven by a bearish sentiment fueled by weak demand from the personal care sector, along with falling palm oil prices that depressed overall market conditions. The thin trading activity reflected a cautious approach from buyers, who favored a 'need-based' purchasing strategy amid uncertainties.
In February, Fatty Alcohol prices declined further due to ample inventories and subdued demand. The sentiment was negatively impacted by expectations of lower palm oil shipments, leading to excessive caution in the market and further price pressures.
March saw a turnaround, with prices increasing significantly. This recovery was primarily attributed to supply constraints from maintenance shutdowns in major producing countries like Malaysia and Indonesia, combined with a boost in demand from the personal care sector. Buyers were more active in making spot purchases, responding to steady consumption. Overall, the quarter highlighted the intricate relationship between supply dynamics and market demand in shaping Fatty Alcohol pricing trends.
Europe
In Q1 2025, Fatty Alcohol prices in the European region reflected considerable fluctuations influenced by market dynamics. January began with a bearish trend, driven by thin trading activity and low demand from the personal care sector. The decline in palm oil prices, a key feedstock for Fatty Alcohol, compounded this downward pressure.
February saw a significant price decline due to subdued market demand and global economic uncertainty. The Fatty Alcohol market experienced a cautious trading dynamic, with buyers hesitant to make large purchases, further exacerbated by high inventories and weak demand from end-use industries.
In March, prices rebounded, primarily due to supply constraints and rising raw material costs. Producers implemented price increases driven by positive market sentiment, aiming to enhance margins after previous reductions. Demand from the personal care sector remained robust, with increasing consumer focus on premium products, thereby solidifying the upward price trend as supply concerns persisted. Overall, Q1 2025 illustrated a responsive market adjusting to changing supply and demand dynamics.
For the Quarter Ending December 2024
North America
In Q4 2024, the North American Fatty Alcohol market, particularly in the USA experienced significant price volatility primarily linked to global palm oil price fluctuations. October began with price increases driven by consistent personal care demand despite lower Malaysian palm oil production, higher exports, and increased inventories. The Indonesian CPO price hike foreshadowed rising production costs for US manufacturers. Supply chain disruptions, including port congestion and longer lead times, added to cost pressures.
November saw continued price increases due to surging palm oil prices from stronger Asian demand, declining Malaysian production, and higher crude oil prices. The tighter market, influenced by lower Malaysian palm oil stocks and Indonesian supply shifts, contributed to this upward trend. Strong US personal care sector growth further supported demand.
December started with a slight price increase due to Malaysian flooding and Indonesian policy changes. However, late December brought a bearish reversal due to thin trading, weakened demand, and decreasing palm oil prices. Increased Indonesian export taxes also played a role. The year ended with lower prices, potentially stimulating future demand.
US market participants faced considerable challenges from volatile feedstock prices, impacting production costs and pricing strategies. Supply chain disruptions and economic uncertainties created an unpredictable environment. The US personal care sector, while showing resilience, had to manage higher costs due to increased palm oil prices, necessitating strategic pricing and inventory management.
APAC
Q4 2024 was marked by significant price instability in the APAC Fatty Alcohol market, particularly in China was primarily influenced by the fluctuations in palm oil prices globally. October saw prices rise in China, supported by consistent personal care demand despite a Malaysian crude palm oil production dip. Higher palm oil inventories and increased exports contributed to this. Freight costs also saw a decline. The robust Indian palm oil demand, driven by domestic consumption and holiday season restocking, further bolstered prices.
November witnessed continued price increases, fueled by higher palm oil prices due to increased demand from India and China coupled with production declines and a prolonged dry season in Malaysia. Global crude oil price increases and new tariffs also played a role. Strong demand from China's personal care sector, particularly for surfactants, contributed significantly. The tighter market, reflected in lower Malaysian palm oil ending stocks, provided additional upward momentum. Indonesia also showed supply tightening.
December initially saw a 1.5% price rise in China, driven by rising palm oil futures influenced by Malaysian supply disruptions due to severe flooding and Indonesian policy changes (B40 implementation). However, late December showed a bearish trend due to thin trading activity, subdued personal care demand, and declining palm oil prices. The Indonesian increase in export tax and levy also played a role, shifting buyer focus to Malaysia.
Europe
The European Fatty Alcohol market in Q4 2024, with a focus on Germany, experienced price fluctuations largely mirroring global palm oil trends. October began with stable Fatty Alcohol prices due to steady personal care demand and sufficient supply, despite lower Malaysian palm oil production and higher exports. However, increased Indonesian CPO reference prices hinted at future cost increases.
November saw price increases driven by rising palm oil costs resulting from stronger demand in Asia, Malaysian production declines, and higher crude oil prices. A tighter market, influenced by lower Malaysian palm oil stocks and Indonesian supply dynamics, contributed to this. Early December brought a rise in prices due to Malaysian flooding and Indonesian policy changes, but late December shifted to a bearish trend. Thin trading, weaker demand, and declining palm oil prices, combined with increased Indonesian export taxes, caused this drop.
Market participants faced significant challenges due to volatile feedstock prices, influencing production costs and pricing strategies. Economic uncertainty in Europe, coupled with fluctuating demand and supply chain disruptions, created an unpredictable environment. The mixed performance of the European personal care sector, facing rising costs and cautious consumer spending, further impacted demand for Fatty Alcohol.
MEA
The last quarter of 2024 witnessed considerable price volatility in the MEA Fatty Alcohol market, particularly Saudi Arabia was chiefly linked to changes in global palm oil prices. October saw prices surge due to increased demand from China and India, coupled with lower Malaysian production and new tariffs. Strong domestic demand for surfactants in the personal care sector further fueled the increase. November continued this upward trend, exacerbated by severe flooding in Malaysia disrupting palm oil supply and Indonesian policy changes.
However, December marked a significant shift. Thin trading, weaker demand from the personal care sector, and a sharp decline in palm oil prices due to global oversupply, and reduced demand from major importers (India, China) caused a substantial price correction. High palm oil inventories in Malaysia and Indonesia compounded this bearish trend. Currency fluctuations and global economic uncertainty also contributed.
Market participants faced considerable challenges adapting to the extreme price swings, impacting procurement, inventory management, and profitability. The volatile quarter highlighted the market's sensitivity to palm oil price fluctuations, emphasizing the need for effective risk management strategies to counter supply chain disruptions, policy changes, and broader economic conditions. The quarter ended with a Fatty Alcohol price of USD 3025/MT CFR Gizan.
For the Quarter Ending September 2024
North America
Throughout Q3 2024, the North American region witnessed a stable pricing environment for Fatty Alcohol, with minimal fluctuations in market prices. The consistency in prices can be attributed to the ongoing queries from downstream personal care industries. The steady market conditions and plentiful supply of upstream palm oil assured adequate supply to fulfil demands from the downstream Personal Care sector. This consistent price trend for fatty alcohol illustrated the industry's balanced supply and demand dynamics.
In the USA, which experienced the most significant price changes within North America, Fatty Alcohol prices remained relatively consistent throughout the third quarter. However, the percentage change from the previous quarter in 2024 was only 1%, indicating a minor fluctuation. The comparison between the first and second half of the quarter showed no significant price variations, further emphasizing the stable pricing environment.
The quarter-ending price of Fatty Alcohol C12-15 DEL Louisiana in the USA stood at USD 1950/MT, underscoring the prevailing stability in the market.
APAC
In Q3 2024, the APAC Region witnessed a significant increase in Fatty Alcohol prices, with China experiencing the most substantial price changes. The market for fatty alcohol was experiencing an upward trend due to several factors. Increased inquiries from the downstream Personal Care business have bolstered market sentiment, while limited finished stocks from exporting countries like Indonesia and Malaysia have contributed to rising demand. Sufficient palm oil availability has supported production. Improved market transactions in the surfactant industry and reduced inflationary pressures in foreign markets have also encouraged increased purchases of fatty alcohols by end-use industries. These factors collectively suggested a positive outlook for fatty alcohol prices. From the previous quarter in 2024, prices surged by 9%, indicating a continuous upward trend. Notably, there was a significant 15.2% price difference between the first and second half of the quarter, emphasizing the dynamic nature of the market. The latest quarter-ending price for Fatty Alcohol C12-14 - CFR Shanghai was recorded at USD 2020/MT, showcasing the persistent upward trajectory. Overall, the pricing environment in China has been positive, driven by increasing demand and adequate supply, leading to a stable and prosperous market outlook.
Europe
Throughout Q3 2024, the Fatty Alcohol market in Europe experienced a period of increasing prices, driven by several key factors. The Personal Care sector downstream has had consistent demand, as evidenced by its moderate levels of inquiries. However, manufacturers have decreased their purchasing efforts in response to the holiday season and scheduled maintenance shutdowns, which have temporarily reduced operating levels. Despite these changes, there was still enough palm oil available to meet the downstream sectors' demands. Considering upstream, the prices of palm oil have been on the higher side leading to higher production costs. In comparison to the previous quarter in 2024, there was a 4% price increment, demonstrating a continued growth trajectory. Notably, within the Netherlands, the market experienced the most significant price changes, with a 2% increase observed in the second half of the quarter compared to the first half. The quarter-ending price of Fatty Alcohol C12-14 FOB Rotterdam in the Netherlands stood at USD 2570/MT, reflecting a positive and increasing pricing environment in the region.
MEA
In Q3 2024, the MEA region experienced a significant uptrend in Fatty Alcohol prices, with Saudi Arabia notably reflecting the highest price changes. Increased demand from the downstream Personal Care industry has boosted market sentiment, while limited finished goods supply from Malaysia and Indonesia has contributed to rising demand. On the upstream side, increasing palm oil prices have pushed up the production costs of fatty alcohol, further contributing to the price hike in the domestic market. These factors were collectively responsible for the surge in Fatty Alcohol prices. Additionally, compared to the previous quarter in 2024, prices surged by 8%, indicating a consistent upward trajectory. Notably, the second half of the quarter saw a 13.4% price increase, emphasizing the strengthening market sentiment. Saudi Arabia, in particular, experienced significant price fluctuations, culminating in the quarter-ending price of USD 2130/MT for Fatty Alcohol C12-14 - CFR Gizan. This price surge underscored the positive pricing environment prevalent in the region, driven by strong demand and limited supplies.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
1. What is the current price of Fatty Alcohol in APAC?
By the end of Q2 2025, Fatty Alcohol prices in China stood at approximately USD 2920/MT CFR Shanghai.
2. What is the current price of Fatty Alcohol in North America?
By the end of Q2 2025, Fatty Alcohol prices in the USA stood at approximately USD 3220/MT DEL Louisiana.
3. What is the current price of Fatty Alcohol in Europe?
By the end of Q2 2025, Fatty Alcohol prices in Germany stood at approximately USD 2930/MT CFR Hamburg.
4. What is the current price of Fatty Alcohol in the Middle East?
By the end of Q2 2025, Fatty Alcohol prices in Germany stood at approximately USD 2970/MT CFR Gizan.
5. Why did Fatty Alcohol prices change in July 2025?
o APAC: Prices remained stable as robust personal care demand and steady imports balanced against higher palm kernel oil costs and logistics uncertainty.
o North America: Prices held firm despite bullish pressures from tariffs and rising costs, as cautious downstream activity and steady inventories prevented price hikes.
o Europe: Prices saw mild correction after June’s rebound, with steady demand and well-balanced stock levels moderating feedstock-driven supply-side tension.
o Middle East: Stable prices persisted amid strong personal care demand and elevated feedstock costs, buffered by consistent import flows and healthy inventory levels
