For the Quarter Ending December 2025
North America
• In the USA, the Fatty Alcohol Price Index fell by 9.52% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting inventory pressure.
• The average Fatty Alcohol price for the quarter was approximately USD 3117.00/MT across domestic transactions.
• Fatty Alcohol Spot Price remained rangebound as balanced imports and domestic consumption sustained transactional activity.
• Fatty Alcohol Price Forecast indicates modest downside into early Q1 due to lower restocking activity.
• Fatty Alcohol Production Cost Trend saw upward pressure from firmer palm kernel oil costs regionally.
• Fatty Alcohol Demand Outlook is cautious: detergents curb spot buying while personal care offers support.
• Fatty Alcohol Price Index recorded softer benchmarks amid moderated imports, higher inventories, tariff-influenced flows regionally.
• Producers' operating variances and mixed export demand, alongside logistical shifts, collectively moderated near-term supply tightness.
Why did the price of Fatty Alcohol change in December 2025 in North America?
• Seasonal procurement reductions and year-end inventory management lowered buying interest, tempering upward price pressure somewhat.
• Firmer palm kernel oil increased production costs, but diversified sourcing and inventories limited immediate pass-through.
• Tariff-driven Asian export adjustments and moderated import volumes reduced net US spot demand in December.
APAC
• In Indonesia, the Fatty Alcohol Price Index fell by 10.62% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting oversupply and weaker end-use demand.
• The average Fatty Alcohol price for the quarter was approximately USD 1736.67/MT, reflecting moderated regional FOB values.
• Indonesia's Fatty Alcohol Spot Price drifted lower amid ample inventories, pressuring FOB offers and dealers to discount.
• Fatty Alcohol Price Forecast indicates downside pressure through year end, constrained by stable production and cautious buying.
• Fatty Alcohol Production Cost Trend eased as Palm Kernel Oil softened, reducing cost support for regional producers.
• Fatty Alcohol Demand Outlook remains subdued as detergent and personal care restocking pauses, lowering spot purchases.
• Export demand weakness and steady domestic output kept the Fatty Alcohol Price Index under pressure this quarter.
• Major plant operating rates remained steady, inventories comfortable, and competitive Asian offers pressured regional FOB benchmark levels.
Why did the price of Fatty Alcohol change in December 2025 in APAC?
• Oversupply from steady Indonesian and Malaysian production increased spot availability, weighing on prices late December.
• Palm Kernel Oil softened, easing production costs, while logistics remained normal reducing upward price pressure.
• Buyers held inventories ahead of year end shutdowns, lowering spot demand and pressuring transactional levels.
Europe
• In Germany, the Fatty Alcohol Price Index fell by 8.44% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting year-end demand weakness.
• The average Fatty Alcohol price for quarter was approximately USD 2218.00/MT across C12-14 and C16-18.
• Fatty Alcohol Spot Price remained pressured; Price Index showed downward bias amid abundant Asian imports.
• The Fatty Alcohol Price Forecast indicates declines into January as year-end destocking reduces transactional momentum.
• Fatty Alcohol Production Cost Trend eased as coconut oil softened, lowering cost-push pressure on producers.
• Fatty Alcohol Demand Outlook remains subdued, supported by cosmetics but constrained by weaker detergent buying.
• Fatty Alcohol Price Index movements tempered by steady inventories and softer exports across European hubs.
• Regional operating rates remained normal, although logistics slowdowns and freight costs marginally influenced Price Index.
Why did the price of Fatty Alcohol change in December 2025 in Europe?
• Increased import availability from Asia and eased coconut oil costs expanded supply, pressuring December prices.
• Downstream buyers reduced spot purchases during year-end, weakening demand and limiting upward price support effectively.
• Freight and energy costs remained firm, but overall production cost relief from feedstock weighed more.
MEA
• In Saudi Arabia, the Fatty Alcohol Price Index fell by 2.6% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting oversupply pressures.
• The average Fatty Alcohol price for the quarter was approximately USD 2862.67/MT, reflecting import stability.
• Balanced supply and cautious buying kept Fatty Alcohol Spot Price steady, limiting transactional volumes overall.
• Regional Fatty Alcohol Price Forecast points to declines into December, pressured by Asian export competition.
• Falling PKO prices eased the Fatty Alcohol Production Cost Trend, trimming manufacturing cost pressures for exporters.
• Fatty Alcohol Demand Outlook remained moderate as detergents and personal care supported baseline industrial offtake.
• Inventory build and exports weighed on the Fatty Alcohol Price Index, prompting downward CFR adjustments.
• Higher freight and year-end logistics costs, combined with steady plant output, tempered near-term price recovery.
Why did the price of Fatty Alcohol change in December 2025 in MEA?
• Steady Asian production and oversupply amid soft PKO prices reduced upward pressure on domestic prices.
• Easing feedstock costs offset higher freight and energy, leaving producers with constrained margin support now.
• Downstream restocking softened toward year-end, reducing transactional volumes despite stable baseline industrial consumption and promotions.
For the Quarter Ending September 2025
North America
• In USA, the Fatty Alcohol Price Index rose by 5.61% quarter-over-quarter amid increased cost support due to rise in feedstock prices.
• The average C12-15 Fatty Alcohol price for the quarter was approximately USD 3249.00/MT on DEL Louisiana basis.
• Balanced inventories limited Fatty Alcohol Spot Price volatility despite Asian export disruptions and constrained feedstock.
• Moderate operating rates and resilient cosmetics demand underpin the Fatty Alcohol Demand Outlook into Q3.
• Rising palm kernel quotations pushed the Fatty Alcohol Production Cost Trend, pressuring margins for producers.
• Logistics delays and seasonal freight shifts influenced the Fatty Alcohol Price Index, tightening near-term availability.
• Buyers engaged selective restocking, shaping the Fatty Alcohol Price Forecast, and limiting abrupt price swings.
• Steady paints and coatings demand plus imports helped keep the Fatty Alcohol Price Index range bound.
Why did the price of Fatty Alcohol change in September 2025 in North America?
• Reduced palm kernel availability due to lowered Asian exports, elevating upstream costs, and constraining North American supply.
• Consistent cosmetics and coatings consumption sustained demand, offsetting downward pressure despite logistical and freight frictions.
• Moderate inventories and restocking by buyers stabilized trade, limiting volatility across domestic and import channels.
APAC
• In Indonesia, the Fatty Alcohol Price Index fell by 6.18% quarter-over-quarter, due to firm availability of supplies and softened demand.
• The average Fatty Alcohol price for the quarter was approximately USD 1943.00/MT, reflecting balanced supply dynamics.
• Moderate run-rates and improved hydrogenation pressured the Fatty Alcohol Spot Price despite stabilizing Price Index.
• Fatty Alcohol Price Forecast suggests modest volatility ahead as feedstock uncertainty and logistics affect markets.
• Palm Kernel Oil pressures reversed earlier declines, lifting the Fatty Alcohol Production Cost Trend regionally.
• Fatty Alcohol Demand Outlook remains supported by cosmetics and paints, sustaining offtake despite price softness.
• Elevated inventories and mixed export demand kept the Price Index subdued, limiting upside for sellers.
• Moderate domestic run-rates and coconut oil inflows raised availability, intensifying transactional pressure across buying desks.
• Port congestion and freight volatility intermittently tightened supply, but intra-Asia trade flows mitigated severe shortages.
Why did the price of Fatty Alcohol change in September 2025 in APAC?
• Adverse weather and palm kernel harvest disruptions reduced feedstock availability, raising production costs and support.
• Persistent port congestion and rerouted shipping increased freight costs, intermittently constraining shipments, and domestic availability.
• Firm cosmetics and coatings demand supported offtake, but healthy coconut oil inventories inflows stabilized prices.
Europe
• In Germany, the Fatty Alcohol Price Index rose by 1.95% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting modest seasonal support.
• The average C12-14 Fatty Alcohol price for the quarter was approximately USD 3151.67/MT on FOB Hamburg basis.
• Fatty Alcohol Spot Price stayed range bound as cosmetics and paint demand provided consistent interest.
• Fatty Alcohol Price Index recorded modest gains, constrained by logistics challenges, and manufacturing operating rates.
• Fatty Alcohol Production Cost Trend increased due to tighter coconut and rapeseed oil supplies.
• Fatty Alcohol Demand Outlook remains firm from personal care and paints, supporting consumption and restocking.
• Fatty Alcohol Price Forecast anticipates modest volatility driven by feedstock recovery, inventory adjustments, and freight.
• Fatty Alcohol Price Index sensitivity noted; export flows, seasonal restocking, and labor shortages constrained availability.
Why did the price of Fatty Alcohol change in September 2025 in Europe?
• Balanced demand from cosmetics and coatings offset moderate supply tightness, keeping Fatty Alcohol prices stable.
• Rising rapeseed oil costs increased Fatty Alcohol production costs, constraining margins, limiting output.
• Logistics disruptions, port labor shortages, and seasonal maintenance reduced flows, elevating localized tightness and discipline.
MEA
• In Saudi Arabia, the Fatty Alcohol Price Index rose by 1.09% quarter-over-quarter, supported by Asian supply constraints.
• The average Fatty Alcohol price for the quarter was approximately USD 2938.33/MT, reflecting stable values.
• Fatty Alcohol Spot Price remained range-bound amid weak imports and sluggish offtake, supporting short-term stability.
• Fatty Alcohol Price Forecast indicates modest upside risks from logistics disruptions and looming feedstock tightness.
• Fatty Alcohol Production Cost Trend rose as palm kernel oil supply constraints increased input quotations.
• Fatty Alcohol Demand Outlook remains firm, driven by cosmetics and paints consumption supporting industrial requirements.
• Fatty Alcohol Price Index stability reflected balanced inventories, steady imports, and restocking across regional distributors.
• Export demand softness and lower Asian operating rates constrained supply, prompting buying and inventory accumulation.
Why did the price of Fatty Alcohol change in September 2025 in MEA?
• Asian weather disruptions and feedstock shortages reduced exports from Asia, tightening short-term availability significantly for domestic buyers.
• Higher feedstock palm kernel oil quotations and elevated freight raised cost support and resulted in cost pressures.
• Steady domestic consumption in cosmetics and paints balanced imports, producing muted price movement this quarter.
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.
