For the Quarter Ending September 2025
North America
• In the USA, the Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonic Acid Price Index rose by 2.70% quarter-over-quarter, post-maintenance.
• The average Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonic Acid price for the quarter was approximately USD 1798.67/MT, reported.
• Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonic Acid Spot Price remained range-bound amid balanced inventories and cautious buyer procurement.
• Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonic Acid Price Forecast indicates upside risk as Gulf-Coast maintenance temporarily tightens supply.
• Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonic Acid Production Cost Trend remained muted, supported by stable LAB and benzene.
• Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonic Acid Demand Outlook stays steady, driven by detergent and personal care replenishment.
• Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonic Acid Price Index reacted to Illinois hub inventory draws, prompting firmer regional offers.
• Illinois hub inventories declined under one week, prompting pre-quarter restocking by detergent and cleaner formulators.
Why did the price of Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonic Acid change in September 2025 in North America?
• Mid-September Gulf-Coast maintenance and hurricane barge delays temporarily reduced spot availability and tightened regional supply.
• Stable LAB and benzene limited cost pressures, while high freight and strong dollar constrained exports.
• Low spot liquidity and cautious buyers reduced offtake, keeping inventories balanced and price momentum subdued.
APAC
• In South Korea, the Linear-Alkylbenzene-Sulfonic-Acid Price Index rose by 3.6% quarter-over-quarter, supported by downstream demand.
• The average Linear-Alkylbenzene-Sulfonic-Acid price for the quarter was approximately USD 1433.33/MT FOB on average basis.
• Linear-Alkylbenzene-Sulfonic-Acid Spot Price strengthened on tight prompt availability while Production Cost Trend remained subdued recently.
• Linear-Alkylbenzene-Sulfonic-Acid Price Index, Price Forecast and Demand Outlook signal near-term firmness amid potential regional inflows.
• Demand Outlook indicates steady FMCG procurement, seasonal restocking and gradual downstream recovery thereby supporting offers.
• Producer run-rate discipline and logistics maintained balanced availability, limiting spot volatility amid firm export demand.
• Inventory levels stayed adequate but cautious releases preserved tighter prompt volumes, supporting seller price discipline.
• Port operations remained smooth, easing logistics risks while export enquiries continued steadily absorbing Korean production.
Why did the price of Linear-Alkylbenzene-Sulfonic-Acid change in September 2025 in APAC?
• Export order increases to ASEAN and Indonesia tightened prompt availability, supporting price gains in September.
• Stable LAB feedstock and benzene costs kept production cost pressures low, reducing downward price risk.
• Disciplined plant operations and adequate inventories, coupled with smooth logistics, limited sudden supply-induced price reversals.
Europe
• In Germany, the Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonic Acid Price Index rose 8.8% quarter-over-quarter, driven by logistics.
• The average Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonic Acid price for the quarter was approximately USD 1561.33/MT value.
• Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonic Acid Spot Price remained supported by detergent run rates and constrained availability.
• Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonic Acid Production Cost Trend stayed stable despite higher LAB feedstock inventory consumption.
• Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonic Acid Price Forecast shows modest autumn gains supported by seasonal restocking logistics.
• Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonic Acid Demand Outlook remains cautious, subdued FMCG purchasing and muted exports weighing.
• Inventory levels remained comfortable, but export demand variability and port congestion influenced downstream procurement timing.
• Intermittent outages at regional sulfonation units tightened prompt availability despite overall high European utilization rates.
Why did the price of Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonic Acid change in September 2025 in Europe?
• Supply tightness from Sasol maintenance and port congestion reduced immediate availability, supporting prices in September.
• Rising LAB feedstock prices increased production cost pressure, though inventories softened immediate pass-through effects somewhat.
• Demand remained steady but cautious; weaker exports and logistical delays limited stronger upward price momentum.
MEA
• In Saudi Arabia, the Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonic Acid Price Index fell by 4.41% quarter-over-quarter, easing tensions.
• The average Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonic Acid price for the quarter was approximately USD 1313.67/MT reported.
• Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonic Acid Spot Price remained firm; domestic offtake increased and offers tightened availability.
• Observed feedstock weakness affected the Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonic Acid Production Cost Trend, easing conversion expenses.
• Export demand softness constrained the Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonic Acid Demand Outlook, limiting sellers' pricing power.
• Inventory buffers and port logistics tempered volatility in the Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonic Acid Price Index.
• Stable producer run-rates supported supplies while export enquiries shaped the Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonic Acid Price Forecast.
• Market remained cautious; Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonic Acid Price Index showed muted movement despite regional noise.
Why did the price of Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonic Acid change in September 2025 in MEA?
• Domestic production met local needs while subdued export enquiries reduced short-term upward pressure on margins.
• Feedstock benzene and LAB shifts altered production costs; port compliance raised logistical expenses.
• Buyers delayed purchases amid seasonal slowdown, currency headwinds, damping spot demand recovery.
For the Quarter Ending June 2025
North America
• The Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonic Acid (LABSA) Price Index in the USA declined by 0.7% quarter-over-quarter in Q2 2025.
• LABSA prices remained largely steady throughout April and May, supported by balanced market fundamentals and moderate demand from household and industrial cleaning product manufacturers.
• Domestic production operated at stable rates, with no major supply chain disruptions, and feedstock costs for Linear Alkylbenzene (LAB) remained unchanged during most of the quarter.
• The cleaning product segment displayed stable but uninspired consumption, with downstream buyers avoiding bulk procurement due to inflationary concerns and broader macroeconomic caution.
• Overall, the LABSA Price Index in North America followed a flat to slightly bearish trend in Q2, driven by subdued demand and cautious inventory management.
Why did the Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonic Acid Price change in July 2025 in North America?
• In July 2025, LABSA prices in the USA remained stable to slightly decline as demand stayed soft and there was no cost-side push from feedstocks.
• Ample domestic supply and lackluster downstream activity contributed to the muted pricing environment.
Europe
• The Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonic Acid (LABSA) Price Index in Germany surged by 14.4% on a quarter-over-quarter basis in Q2 2025.
• The quarter began with constrained supply and elevated feedstock LAB costs, which pushed production costs higher and sparked upward price momentum.
• European cleaning product manufacturers ramped up purchasing in anticipation of summer demand, further tightening market availability during May and early June.
• Exports to North Africa and Eastern Europe added further strain on regional inventories, reinforcing the bullish pricing direction.
• Overall, the LABSA Price Index in Europe followed a strong bullish trajectory in Q2, with prices peaking toward the end of June before leveling off.
Why did the Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonic Acid Price change in July 2025 in Europe?
• In July 2025, LABSA prices in Europe declined, reversing previous gains due to improved availability, lower restocking interest, and weaker-than-expected summer demand from downstream users.
Asia Pacific (APAC)
• The Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonic Acid (LABSA) Price Index in South Korea declined by 1.5% quarter-over-quarter in Q2 2025.
• LABSA prices in April and early May were stable, backed by steady demand and adequate domestic production, with no major feedstock price volatility.
• Export activity was modest, and local demand from detergent and personal care product makers was consistent but not robust enough to drive price increases.
• Toward late June, competitive pricing from regional suppliers, especially in Southeast Asia and India, added downward pressure to the South Korean market.
• Overall, the LABSA Price Index in APAC displayed a mild bearish trend through Q2, largely due to tepid demand and intensified regional supply competition.
Why did the Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonic Acid Price change in July 2025 in APAC?
• In July 2025, LABSA prices in South Korea remained stable, with balanced supply-demand dynamics and no significant fluctuations in feedstock pricing or regional trade flows.
Middle East & Africa (MEA)
• The Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonic Acid (LABSA) Price Index in Saudi Arabia increased by 7.1% quarter-over-quarter in Q2 2025.
• During April and May, prices climbed sharply due to rising feedstock LAB costs, plant turnarounds, and strong demand from the detergent sector during the summer season.
• Seasonal heat conditions further boosted demand for cleaning products, while domestic supply tightened amid maintenance and limited import availability.
• June saw a reversal in sentiment as geopolitical easing, ample regional inventories, and demand saturation led to a price correction.
• Overall, the LABSA Price Index in MEA followed a bullish trend in early Q2, followed by a correction phase toward the end of the quarter.
Why did the Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonic Acid Price change in July 2025 in MEA?
• In July 2025, LABSA prices in Saudi Arabia declined due to reduced downstream consumption and oversupply from regional and international markets.
• Demand fatigue and excess availability led to bearish pricing sentiments across MEA.
For the Quarter Ending March 2025
North America
In Q1 2025, the Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonic Acid (LABSA) market in North America saw a price decline, with prices falling in January and February. The main drivers of this downturn were reduced demand from downstream industries like detergents and cleaning agents, which typically slow down after the holiday season, combined with a drop in feedstock LAB prices. Seasonal factors and cooler weather further contributed to weaker consumption, while an abundant supply in the market kept prices from rising despite soft demand.
However, in March 2025, LABSA prices began to stabilize. Demand picked up slightly, particularly from cleaning and detergent sectors, while export markets remained steady. Increased purchasing activity in anticipation of potential price hikes due to new tariffs and inflationary pressures helped balance the market. Despite these concerns, there were no significant disruptions in supply, keeping prices stable.
Overall, the LABSA market in North America saw a 12% decrease in prices in Q1 2025 compared to Q4 2024. While there was some recovery in March, challenges such as trade policy uncertainties and inflationary pressures continue to impact the market outlook, leading to cautious market behavior.
APAC
In Q1 2025, the LABSA market in the APAC region experienced a fluctuating pricing trend shaped by seasonal demand variations, steady feedstock costs, and subdued export activity. January saw a marginal decline in LABSA prices due to weak downstream consumption from the detergent and cleaning sectors, influenced by holiday slowdowns and colder weather, while stable LAB prices and ample inventories kept supply steady. February witnessed relatively unchanged pricing as the market settled into balance, with muted demand and sufficient stock levels limiting price movement. Export demand remained soft, particularly from key buyers like China, adding to the sluggish momentum. However, in March, prices began to rise due to consistent domestic consumption and tighter supply conditions. The detergent and personal care sectors maintained strong procurement, while production costs held firm, supporting price stability. Although inflationary pressures and shipping cost fluctuations added some uncertainty, the market displayed resilience, particularly towards the end of the quarter. By March 2025, LABSA prices FOB Busan rose by 0.6%, though overall Q1 2025 prices were down 2% compared to Q4 2024. Market participants remain cautiously optimistic, with price direction likely hinging on feedstock trends and the pace of downstream demand recovery.
EUROPE
In Q1 2025, the European LABSA market exhibited a gradual recovery from the sharp downturn seen in Q4 2024. January saw a marginal price decline, pressured by soft demand, lower feedstock LAB costs, and high inventory levels. Seasonal slowdowns and weak exports further limited buying activity. However, market conditions improved in February, supported by a rebound in demand for detergents and cleaning products as industrial operations picked up. Rising feedstock prices and supply constraints in parts of Europe contributed to an upward pricing trend. March sustained this momentum, with consistent downstream consumption and elevated production costs driving prices higher. Inflationary pressures and supply chain disruptions, including weather-related logistical issues, added complexity to the market. Despite stronger domestic demand, the overall price trend for the quarter still reflected a 9% decrease compared to Q4 2024. The quarter ended with a 1.8% price increase in March, following gains in February after a subdued January. Market participants remain cautious as inflation, exchange rate volatility, and uneven demand recovery across Europe continue to influence purchasing decisions and pricing stability heading into Q2.
MEA
In Q1 2025, the LABSA market in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) displayed mixed performance, driven by shifting demand patterns and feedstock cost fluctuations. January saw a marginal decline in prices due to lower Linear Alkylbenzene (LAB) costs and ample supply, with post-holiday slowdowns and subdued export activity adding to the downward pressure. However, domestic demand from detergents and cleaning agents remained steady. In February, prices rose as overseas demand improved and rising LAB costs pushed production expenses higher. Strong export momentum and stable consumption supported this uptrend. March continued this pattern, with export interest remaining firm and domestic procurement consistent, despite inflationary pressures driven by increased housing, food, and utility costs. Although rising inflation threatened input cost stability, demand fundamentals in both domestic and international markets helped maintain a balanced outlook. Overall, LABSA prices in the MEA region fell by 5% compared to Q4 2024. Yet, by March 2025, Spot Ex-Jeddah prices increased 0.6% from February, highlighting a modest but steady recovery in the regional LABSA market, supported by stable supply and gradually improving demand.
For the Quarter Ending December 2024
North America
In Q4 2024, the North American Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonic Acid (LABSA) market experienced a downward pricing trend, reflecting a 10% decrease compared to Q3. Prices remained relatively stable at the start of the quarter, supported by a balanced supply-demand situation and steady feedstock costs. However, demand from downstream sectors, particularly detergents and cleaning products, remained weak due to seasonal slowdowns and reduced consumer spending during the holiday season.
Additionally, logistical challenges, including labor strikes and port congestion, added to supply chain pressures but did not disrupt overall supply levels. Despite easing freight rates and a moderate recovery in crude oil prices, these factors were insufficient to stimulate significant demand growth. The overall market sentiment remained cautious, with weak domestic demand compounded by subdued export opportunities. Manufacturing conditions showed signs of stabilization, with a slowdown in new orders and production, contributing to the general pricing moderation.
By the end of the quarter, the price for LABSA FOB Illinois stood at USD 1983/MT, marking a decrease from the previous quarter. The ongoing trade uncertainties and seasonal demand fluctuations continued to challenge market participants, leaving limited prospects for recovery in the near term.
APAC
In Q4 2024, the Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonic Acid (LABSA) market in the APAC region displayed a mixed trend. Prices initially rose in October, driven by stable demand and firm feedstock costs, but declined in the following months due to seasonal factors and weak downstream consumption. In early November, the LABSA market remained stable, with balanced supply-demand conditions and steady production, despite moderate-to-low demand from the detergent sector. Seasonal slowdowns and weak consumer sentiment, exacerbated by the year-end holidays, tempered market activity. Supply remained sufficient, with stable feedstock prices and steady inventories, despite some logistical challenges, such as rising shipping costs and concerns over regional trade disruptions. By the end of November, demand remained subdued, and prices faced downward pressure. In December, pricing remained under strain due to low downstream demand and excess inventory, though mild recovery was expected as the winter season progressed. By the end of the quarter, LABSA prices FOB Busan stood at USD 1410/MT, reflecting a 3% increase compared to Q3 2024. Despite occasional supply disruptions, the market remained relatively stable, with recovery prospects closely tied to the pace of downstream demand recovery and broader regional economic conditions.
Europe
In Q4 2024, the European Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonic Acid (LABSA) market faced an 11% decrease in prices, primarily driven by weak demand and ongoing economic challenges. The market remained subdued, with moderate demand from downstream sectors such as detergents and industrial cleaners, influenced by seasonal factors like reduced consumption following peak demand months. Despite logistical disruptions, including port congestion at Hamburg, the market saw sufficient supply due to steady domestic production and adequate inventory. Weak industrial activity, reflected in Germany’s contracting manufacturing sector, contributed to the overall demand stagnation. Additionally, geopolitical tensions and inflationary pressures further dampened market sentiment. Throughout the quarter, prices saw a consistent downward trend, with the LABSA FOB Hamburg price ending at USD 1310/MT. These developments underline the challenges faced by market participants, like weak economic indicators, reduced demand, and logistical disruptions combined to suppress price growth. With limited signs of recovery, the LABSA market is likely to experience further pressure in the near term, as supply and demand conditions remain imbalanced amid broader regional uncertainties.
MEA
In Q4 2024, the Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonic Acid (LABSA) market in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region experienced a notable decline in prices, reflecting a 10% decrease compared to Q3. This downward trend was influenced by several factors, including weak demand from downstream sectors such as detergents and cleaning agents, which typically slow down toward the year's end. The market also faced an oversupply situation, with stable feedstock prices for LAB and sluggish demand from key international markets like Asia and Europe. Seasonal factors further exacerbated the situation, as production rates reduced in anticipation of the holiday season, resulting in lower consumption of LABSA. Despite the challenges, Saudi Arabia's market remained relatively stable, with prices ending the quarter at USD 1296/MT for Spot EX-Jeddah. Additionally, moderate supply levels and consistent domestic demand for LABSA helped maintain stability, despite logistical issues and rising freight rates. The market participants are adjusting to a cautious outlook, expecting stable but weak demand in the coming months. The decrease in prices highlights the ongoing struggles for producers, facing a tough environment amid low consumption and supply-side pressures.
