For the Quarter Ending June 2025
Asia-Pacific (APAC)
• Fatty Alcohol Ethoxylates Price Index in APAC rose by 9% quarter-on-quarter, with FAE 3 Mole EO CFR Ningbo quotes reaching USD 2889/MT in early July 2025. The quarter showed price swings—starting with a small increase in April due to limited supply, a drop in May from too much stock and weak buying, and a strong rise in early July helped by tight feedstock availability and steady use in key industries.
• Why did the price of Fatty Alcohol Ethoxylates change in July 2025 in APAC? In early July 2025, prices kept rising, pushed up by ongoing shipping delays, high raw material (fatty alcohol) costs, and strong demand from the coatings and cosmetics sectors. Even with mixed performance in personal care, steady interest in natural and multi-use products kept demand healthy.
• The Fatty Alcohol Ethoxylates Price Forecast for early Q3 2025 suggests prices will stay stable or rise further, supported by tight feedstock supply due to weather issues affecting palm oil output, possible policy changes in Malaysia, and ongoing transport problems. Continued demand from paints, coatings, and high-end skincare is also expected to keep prices firm.
• The Fatty Alcohol Ethoxylates Production Cost Trend remained elevated and volatile, reflecting higher fatty alcohol input prices due to upstream palm oil constraints and reduced availability from key producers in Malaysia. These challenges were compounded by soaring freight rates, inland delays, and maritime rerouting driven by geopolitical tensions, collectively squeezing producer margins.
• Fatty Alcohol Ethoxylates Demand Outlook in APAC was stable to positive, supported by firm downstream activity in eco-friendly paints, personal care formulations, and premium skincare products. The coatings sector saw consistent demand for FAEs as dispersing and wetting agents in water-based systems, while consumer preference for mild, non-ionic ingredients reinforced their use in cosmetic emulsions. Southeast Asia, in particular, showed strong offtake as freight normalization eased cross-border movement.
• China’s export performance for FAEs showed resilience through Q2 2025, buoyed by strategic inventory buildup, pre-tariff shipments, and consistent demand from Southeast Asian partners, particularly in industrial and cosmetics applications.
• Domestic consumption in regions like the Yangtze Delta and Southern China remained robust, driven by innovation-led demand in high-performance paints and skincare. Seasonal trends, along with renewed focus on sustainability and hybrid product formulations, supported firm consumption across paints, cosmetics, and personal care sectors, ensuring steady market momentum for Fatty Alcohol Ethoxylates into Q3 2025.
North America
• Fatty Alcohol Ethoxylates Price Index showcased a bullish trend, and prices increased quarter-on-quarter in North America. The quarter began with a firm upward trend in April, driven by tight feedstock availability and elevated palm kernel oil prices. Prices sustained gains into May and June, supported by steady demand from cleaning and personal care sectors alongside supply-side constraints.
• Why did the price of Fatty Alcohol Ethoxylates change in July 2025 in the U.S.? In early July 2025, the Price Index remained elevated. Continued demand from hygiene, I&I (industrial and institutional) cleaning, and personal care applications provided a solid consumption base. At the same time, higher freight costs and lingering delays in Asian shipments contributed to firm pricing levels despite some normalization in inventory positions across distributors.
• According to the Fatty Alcohol Ethoxylates Price Forecast, prices are likely to remain on the higher side through mid-Q3 2025. Firm input costs, particularly for ethylene oxide and natural fatty alcohols, combined with cautious restocking from downstream sectors, could sustain pricing momentum. However, any easing in logistical constraints or an unexpected drop in palm oil values may temper the upside.
• The Fatty Alcohol Ethoxylates Production Cost Trend remained elevated in Q2 due to strong feedstock values and tight upstream availability, particularly for natural fatty alcohols derived from palm oil. Freight and container rates, although improved from previous highs, remained above historical averages. As a result, production margins were squeezed despite high operating rates.
• The Fatty Alcohol Ethoxylates Demand Outlook stayed firm through Q2 2025. Demand was underpinned by strong usage in personal care, cleaning agents, and emulsifiers for cosmetic formulations. While premium cosmetics and haircare products saw only modest recovery, mass-market skincare and wellness categories recorded solid gains, helping support downstream pull and contributing to rising spot activity.
• Imports into the U.S. rose steadily through Q2, with container throughput climbing by 1.8% in June 2025 at key ports including Los Angeles, Long Beach, and Tacoma. Despite these logistical improvements, delays in Asian outbound shipments and re-routing challenges maintained moderate import pressure, contributing to tightness in domestic availability and sustaining price gains.
• U.S. production and supply levels were stable to slightly constrained in Q2, with producers responding cautiously to demand trends and input cost pressures. While some ramp-up occurred in anticipation of peak seasonal demand, tighter raw material availability and extended lead times on imports limited stock builds. This created a competitive procurement environment, supporting higher offer prices and maintaining market buoyancy.
Europe
• Fatty Alcohol Ethoxylates Market Trend in Europe turned bullish through Q2 2025. Initial tightness in feedstock availability, combined with improving downstream confidence and easing port congestion, contributed to renewed optimism in the market. Strengthening demand from personal care and industrial segments, alongside strategic restocking, supported firmer sentiment by quarter-end.
• Why did the Fatty Alcohol Ethoxylates trend shift in July 2025 in Europe? In early July 2025, the market maintained upward momentum, driven by steady consumption in skincare, home care, and cleaning product formulations. With logistics improving across key ports and inventories gradually normalizing after Q2 drawdowns, buyers returned cautiously, anticipating further demand growth amid seasonal upswings and restocking needs.
• The Fatty Alcohol Ethoxylates Market Forecast for early Q3 suggests a continued bullish outlook, underpinned by resilient personal care demand, expanding use in high-performance and eco-friendly formulations, and the easing of logistics constraints across European trade corridors. Market participants remain alert to possible supply-side disruptions, which could add further upward pressure in the near term.
• The Fatty Alcohol Ethoxylates Production Cost Trend rose in Q2, reflecting firm feedstock values and sustained inland transport bottlenecks. Despite some softening in upstream vegetable oil markets, producers faced elevated conversion and freight costs, especially across inland Europe where driver shortages, Rhine-level disruptions, and cross-border inefficiencies persisted.
• The Fatty Alcohol Ethoxylates Demand Outlook strengthened across the region, particularly in the personal care and cleaning sectors. Science-led skincare, premium haircare, and concentrated cleaning agents continued to see healthy traction, supported by consumer demand for efficacy, sustainability, and multifunctionality. Industrial formulations for institutional and commercial hygiene applications further added to the positive demand trend.
• European imports and internal trade flows showed signs of normalization, with improved cargo movement through Hamburg, Rotterdam, and Le Havre. Nonetheless, lead times remained extended due to high global shipping activity and selective sourcing from Asia. Inventory management became more strategic, as downstream buyers anticipated tighter market conditions through the remainder of Q3.
• Demand from Germany, France, and Central Europe rebounded modestly in June, as easing inflationary concerns and seasonal product launches lifted buyer confidence. Ongoing innovation in dermo cosmetics and green formulations—alongside a push for sulfate-free, bio-based surfactants—continued to attract strong interest, reinforcing bullish sentiment in Fatty Alcohol Ethoxylates.
For the Quarter Ending March 2025
North America
In Q1 2025, the price trend for Fatty Alcohol Ethoxylates in the North American region, particularly the U.S. displayed a consistent downward trajectory. January began with prices declining due to significantly reduced palm oil costs and high inventory levels impacting raw material pricing. This bearish sentiment was amplified by the cosmetics sector's challenges, particularly Revolution Beauty's forecasted sales drop, contributing to lowered demand.
February saw prices drop an additional amid continued economic uncertainty. Buyers focused on immediate restocking needs rather than bulk purchases, thus prolonging the downward price trend. The strain was compounded by falling shipping rates and weak demand from the Personal Care sector, reflecting broader consumer spending issues.
By March, prices fell further driven by excess inventory and uncertainty from new tariffs. Flagging demand in the cosmetics market added to the downward pressure, despite steady performance in certain segments. Overall, the quarter's pricing trend for Fatty Alcohol Ethoxylates highlighted the robust influence of raw material costs, economic conditions, and sector-specific challenges on market dynamics.
APAC
In Q1 2025, the price trend for Fatty Alcohol Ethoxylates in China displayed pronounced fluctuations driven by varying supply and demand dynamics. January commenced with a significant price decline, attributed to lower raw material costs and subdued demand from the personal care sector. The drop in Fatty Alcohol Ethoxylates prices, influenced by oversupply and weakened consumer spending, contributed to a bearish market sentiment.
February continued the downward trajectory with prices decreasing as a consequence of ongoing oversupply and cautious purchasing behavior amid economic instability. Reduced shipment costs and a weakened demand for personal care further exacerbated this trend, prompting manufacturers to lower prices in a bid to stimulate slight increases in demand.
A notable shift occurred in March, where prices surged, driven by limited supply due to maintenance outages in key producing regions and rising raw material costs. This price rebound coincided with increased activity in spot purchases, indicating a revitalized demand from the personal care sector, particularly attributed to the ongoing shift to e-commerce in China.
Europe
In Q1 2025, the European Fatty Alcohol Ethoxylates market experienced a notable decline in prices. The quarter began with January prices under pressure from surplus supplies and reduced demand, resulting in an initial drop attributed to economic uncertainty and mixed performance across sectors.
February followed with prices decreasing significantly as buyers remained cautious, prioritizing immediate restocking and displaying reluctance for larger purchases. Despite some growth in the cosmetics sector, particularly for luxury and sustainable products, broader trade tensions and lower demand from critical markets dampened the overall outlook.
March saw an additional decline in pricing, constrained by high inventories and imposed tariffs adding to market apprehension. Moreover, the cosmetics sector faced headwinds from shrinking consumer sentiment and strategies focused on core premium brands, further complicating the demand landscape. While the overall manufacturing environment adjusted to lower input costs, the subdued market sentiment led to limited buying activity in the Fatty Alcohol Ethoxylates market.
In a nutshell, the quarter’s trend reflected a combination of economic instability and sector-specific challenges, significantly impacting price stability for Fatty Alcohol Ethoxylates in the European region.
For the Quarter Ending December 2024
North America
The North American Fatty Alcohol Ethoxylates market experienced a significant price surge throughout Q4 2024. The surge in prices stemmed from its’ reliance on palm oil as a key raw material.
October's price increase was driven by higher global palm oil costs due to reduced Malaysian production and robust Asian demand. November witnessed a sharp rise, caused by severe Malaysian floods disrupting palm oil supply and Indonesian policy changes restricting availability. The upward trend continued in December, with a further price increase in US Fatty Alcohol Ethoxylates market, driven by persistently tight global palm oil supplies and strong US personal care sector growth. Increased demand for premium products and higher input costs further contributed to this price pressure.
Overall, Q4 2024 showed a consistently strong upward price trend for Fatty Alcohol Ethoxylates in North America, strongly influenced by global palm oil market instability. The robust US personal care sector demand strongly indicated significant price increases throughout the quarter. The market's vulnerability to global palm oil price fluctuations and broader inflationary pressures on raw material costs was clearly demonstrated.
APAC
The APAC fatty alcohol ethoxylates market, specifically in China, experienced a volatile Q4 2024. October and November saw significant price increases driven by palm oil market instability. However, December witnessed a dramatic price reversal due to a confluence of factors: weak global demand, high inventories, policy adjustments, and currency fluctuations. While the Chinese personal care sector showed moderate growth, the overall market trend was dominated by the palm oil market's volatility.
October and November saw significant increases driven by soaring palm oil costs due to high demand (India, China), Malaysian production issues (dry season, tariff, flooding), Indonesian policy changes (B40), and increased export levies. Strong personal care demand and a slight ethylene oxide price rise also contributed.
However, December brought a dramatic 26% price drop. This reversal stemmed from weakened global edible oil demand (economic concerns), high importer inventories, and policy adjustments. The bearish market sentiment, high palm oil stockpiles in Malaysia and Indonesia, and currency fluctuations (stronger Malaysian ringgit) created a supply glut, overshadowing the impact of high ethylene oxide prices. Despite moderate growth in China's personal care sector, the overall quarterly trend was dominated by the palm oil market's dramatic shift.
Europe
The European Fatty Alcohol Ethoxylates market, exhibited a strong upward price trend throughout Q4 2024, largely mirroring the volatility in the palm oil market.
The European Fatty Alcohol Ethoxylates market experienced an upward price trend in October. The primary driver was the increase in palm oil costs due to factors such as increased demand from India and China, production declines in Malaysia (dry season, new tariff), and low Indonesian stock levels. While specific data for Fatty Alcohol Ethoxylates is unavailable, the strong correlation with palm oil prices suggests a considerable price increase. The strong personal care demand in Germany likely contributed to this upward pressure, as Fatty Alcohol Ethoxylates are key ingredients in many personal care products.
November saw a significant price increase for Fatty Alcohol Ethoxylates in Europe. The jump in Fatty Alcohol Ethoxylates prices was fueled by Malaysian flooding, Indonesian policy changes (B40 implementation), and increased export taxes in Indonesia. The increased demand for Malaysian palm oil, caused by Indonesia's policy changes, impacted Fatty Alcohol Ethoxylates. The mixed performance of the European personal care sector—festive shopping boosting retail but rising input costs negatively affecting manufacturers, influencing the market dynamics for Fatty Alcohol Ethoxylates.
Elevated prices persisted in December for Fatty Alcohol Ethoxylates Indonesia’s low palm oil inventories and biodiesel policies, which created a tight supply situation for Fatty Alcohol Ethoxylates. Despite moderate year-end demand in the personal care sector, the overall supply constraints stemming from the palm oil market's instability-maintained price levels.
For the Quarter Ending September 2024
North America
In Q3 2024, the pricing landscape for Fatty Alcohol Ethoxylates in North America displayed a mixed trend, influenced by varying demand across sectors, raw material costs, and supply chain dynamics.
The quarter began with elevated prices, driven by robust demand from the detergent and personal care sectors. Increased inquiries led to supply constraints, particularly as manufacturers faced challenges in sourcing adequate palm oil, a key raw material. Higher crude palm oil (CPO) prices contributed to this upward pricing pressure. Later, a stabilization in prices was observed, as the market adjusted to earlier demand spikes. Although inquiries remained steady, supply levels improved, allowing for better inventory management among producers. The price fluctuations in raw materials, particularly CPO, continued to exert influence, but the overall market sentiment suggested a balancing of supply and demand.
In the second half of the quarter, prices experienced a slight uptick again due to renewed demand, particularly in personal care applications. However, concerns about palm oil production, stemming from seasonal impacts and climatic factors, led to uncertainty in the market. While some segments reported price increases, others faced pressure to maintain competitiveness amid fluctuating costs.
APAC
In Q3 2024, prices for Fatty Alcohol Ethoxylates demonstrated a marked upward trajectory, driven by heightened demand from downstream Personal Care industries and fluctuating palm oil costs. July saw prices on the higher end, supported by increased inquiries from the surfactant and detergent sectors. The crude palm oil (CPO) reference price rose from USD 778.82 in June to USD 800.75, a 2.3% increase, fueled by rising palm oil exports and anticipated duty hikes in India. In August, prices stabilized amid adequate supply, with Malaysian palm oil stocks peaking at 1.88 million metric tons, up 7.34%. The CPO reference price increased to USD 839.53, a 4.6% rise. September continued the upward trend, with prices rising due to steady demand in the personal care sector. Despite a 3.8% decline in CPO output, stocks increased by 10.91%, pushing the reference price to USD 893.64, a 6.4% increase. In China specifically, the pricing trend exhibited a consistent upward trajectory throughout Q3 2024. The quarter recorded a notable percentage change of 4% from the previous quarter, with a further 3% increase noted between the first and second halves of the quarter. The quarter-ending price for Fatty Alcohol Ethoxylates CFR Ningbo in China stood at USD 2051/MT, reflecting the prevailing positive sentiment in the pricing environment. Overall, Q3 2024 concluded with a positive outlook, supported by robust market dynamics and strategic supply considerations.
Europe
The European market for Fatty Alcohol Ethoxylates experienced a mixed pricing landscape during Q3 2024. While consistent demand from the Personal Care sector provided a stable foundation, seasonal factors and rising production costs led to fluctuations. The Personal Care sector, a key downstream consumer, maintained steady demand, reflected in moderate inquiry levels for Fatty Alcohol Ethoxylates. However, manufacturers began to scale back their purchasing activities in anticipation of the holiday season and due to scheduled maintenance shutdowns. These factors led to temporary reductions in production levels across the industry. Despite these operational adjustments, the availability of palm oil remained sufficient to meet the needs of downstream sectors. However, prices for palm oil have been on the higher side, which contributed to increased production costs for Fatty Alcohol ethoxylate manufacturers. This pressure on costs has led to upward pricing adjustments in the market. In nutshell, the Q3 2024 pricing trend for Fatty Alcohol Ethoxylates in Europe reflected a complex interplay between steady demand from the personal care industry, seasonal production adjustments, and rising raw material costs. As manufacturers navigate these dynamics, prices are expected to remain elevated, influenced by the ongoing costs of palm oil and market conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
1. What is the current price of Fatty Alcohol Ethoxylates (FAE) in APAC?
By the end of Q1 2025, Fatty Alcohol Ethoxylates (FAE) prices in China stood at approximately USD 2889/ CFR Ningbo.
2. Why did Fatty Alcohol Ethoxylates (FAE) prices change in July 2025?
o APAC: Prices likely increased slightly, as ongoing shipping delays, high fatty alcohol feedstock costs, and steady consumption in coatings and cosmetics maintained upward price momentum. Despite uneven demand in personal care, interest in natural and multifunctional products helped support regional consumption.
o North America: Prices likely stabilized at a high level, as firm demand from hygiene, I&I cleaning, and mass-market skincare balanced out easing logistical costs and slight inventory normalization. Continued feedstock tightness and cautious restocking by buyers kept pricing sentiment elevated.
o Europe: Prices likely stabilized slightly, as production levels normalized and inventories improved after Q2 drawdowns. While earlier restocking by buyers in the pharmaceutical and coatings sectors curbed fresh spot activity, steady consumption in skincare and home care products supported firm baseline demand.
3. How do regional markets differ in FAE demand?
• APAC: Strong growth driven by cosmetics, paints, and rising hygiene awareness.
• North America: Stable demand from personal care, cleaning, and institutional use.
• Europe: Increasing shift toward eco-friendly, sulfate-free, and multifunctional products, especially in skincare and household care.
