For the Quarter Ending March 2026
Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulphate (SLES) Prices in North America
- In the USA, the Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulphate Price Index rose by 2.39% quarter-over-quarter, driven by feedstock pressure.
- The average Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulphate price for the quarter was approximately USD 972.33/MT, per assessments.
- Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulphate Spot Price oscillated in March amid export uncertainty and tighter supply.
- Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulphate Price Forecast points to gains into spring as feedstock inflation sustains cost-push.
- Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulphate Production Cost Trend moved higher because ethylene oxide costs rose materially domestically.
- Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulphate Demand Outlook stayed firm on household and personal care restocking demand patterns.
- Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulphate Price Index entered consolidation March after sharp weekly gains and buyer pushback.
- Inventory across Gulf and Atlantic terminals remained ample, limiting upside while sporadic exports tightened localized availability.
Why did the price of Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulphate change in March 2026 in North America?
- Geopolitical disruptions to shipping routes and port congestion raised freight costs and delayed import schedules.
- Rising ethylene oxide and fatty alcohol input costs exerted upward pressure on production cost structures.
- Precautionary restocking by consumer goods manufacturers and robust personal care demand supported near-term procurement activity.
Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulphate (SLES) Prices in APAC
- In South Korea, the Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulphate Price Index rose 3.6% quarter-over-quarter from feedstock.
- The average Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulphate price for the quarter was approximately USD 1371/MT nominally.
- Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulphate Spot Price held firm while Price Index rose on constrained exports.
- Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulphate Production Cost Trend rose with naphtha and fatty-alcohol logistics raising inputs.
- Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulphate Demand Outlook stays supported by cosmetic exports and seasonal restocking demand.
- Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulphate Price Forecast shows near-term stability with upside if geopolitical disruptions persist.
- Export demand tightened supplies, lifting Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulphate Price Index and constraining spot volumes.
- Domestic Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulphate producers maintained Busan operating rates, supporting supply despite cost pressures.
Why did the price of Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulphate change in March 2026 in APAC?
- Middle East conflict raised crude and naphtha costs, boosting ethylene oxide expenses, SLES production costs.
- Export buyers shifted to Busan offers, depleting local inventories and tightening short term spot availability.
- Shipping delays and port congestion increased lead times and logistics premia, supporting firmer seller pricing.
Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulphate (SLES) Prices in Europe
- In Germany, the Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulphate Price Index rose by 1.93% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting logistical friction.
- The average Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulphate price for the quarter was approximately USD 1745.00/MT, reported.
- Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulphate Spot Price remained range-bound amid balanced supply and modest port congestion supporting Price Index.
- Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulphate Production Cost Trend firmed as ethylene oxide and lauryl alcohol cost pressures transmitted through manufacturers' economics.
- Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulphate Price Forecast indicates modest near-term firmness given supply bottlenecks, then stabilization as logistics improve.
- Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulphate Demand Outlook remains steady with personal care and household cleaning restocking supporting measured offtake.
- Inventory levels stayed adequate though distributors carried elevated stocks after early-quarter restocking, limiting immediate upside for FD Hamburg offers.
- Major German producers operated normally, with plants in Ludwigshafen, Moers and Wesseling sustaining steady exports and production.
Why did the price of Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulphate change in March 2026 in Europe?
- Ethylene oxide costs rose due to geopolitical disruptions and low TTF gas storage, raising production economics.
- Port congestion, yard capacity limits and winter weather constrained distribution, adding logistical premiums supporting marginal price increases.
- Downstream demand steady but cautious; restocking by personal care and household sectors maintained offtake without aggressive spot buying.
For the Quarter Ending December 2025
North America
- In the USA, the Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulphate Price Index rose by 4.44% quarter-over-quarter, due to feedstock tightness.
- The average Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulphate price for the quarter was approximately USD 949.67/MT reported.
- Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulphate Spot Price stayed range-bound this quarter as balanced supply limited transactions.
- Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulphate Price Forecast signalled modest gains then consolidation, aligning with producer guidance.
- Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulphate Production Cost Trend rose modestly amid firmer ethylene oxide input costs.
- Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulphate Demand Outlook remained positive, supported by detergents and personal care procurement.
- Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulphate Price Index reflected inventory drawdowns and steady import flows supporting competitiveness.
- Producer operating rates remained steady, exporters maintained flows, and distributor inventories supported measured price stability.
Why did the price of Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulphate change in December 2025 in North America?
- Channel inventory drawdowns and disciplined producer pricing tightened prompt availability, supporting upward regional price pressure.
- Firmer ethylene oxide feedstock costs increased the production cost base, transmitting upward pressure into contracts.
- Eased trans-Pacific freight yet persistent canal charges balanced landed costs, limiting stronger December price movements.
APAC
- In South Korea, the Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulphate Price Index rose 9.1% quarter-over-quarter, driven by detergents.
- The average Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulphate price for the quarter was approximately USD 1323.33/MT delivered.
- Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulphate Spot Price stability reflected balanced domestic output and steady imports, supporting the Price Index.
- Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulphate Price Forecast indicates modest upside driven by inventory adjustments and seasonal restocking.
- Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulphate Production Cost Trend saw stable lauryl alcohol and ethylene oxide costs, limiting pressure.
- Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulphate Demand Outlook remains steady from detergents and personal care, supporting the elevated Price Index.
- Adequate inventories and consistent export lanes kept Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulphate Spot Price negotiation muted, constraining short-term volatility.
- Domestic producers ran normally, sustaining supply; the Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulphate Price Index therefore showed measured quarterly strengthening.
Why did the price of Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulphate change in December 2025 in APAC?
- Balanced domestic production and steady import arrivals maintained supply, preventing larger December price increases materially.
- Firm downstream detergent and personal care demand supported offers, sustaining December strength despite substitution headwinds.
- Stable lauryl alcohol and ethylene oxide costs limited production cost pressures, restraining further SLES upward movement.
Europe
- In Germany, the Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulphate Price Index rose by 3.89% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting supply and firm demand.
- The average Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulphate price for the quarter was approximately USD 1712.00/MT, based on deliveries.
- Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulphate Spot Price movements tracked steady weekly bids, supporting a stable Price Index and sentiment.
- Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulphate Price Forecast indicates mild gains into early 2026, reflecting seasonality and inventory adjustments.
- Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulphate Production Cost Trend stayed flat as ethylene oxide and lauryl alcohol costs remained stable.
- Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulphate Demand Outlook shows steady demand from personal care and household cleaning sectors, limiting volatility.
- Inventory levels are seasonal, with export demand to the EU and Africa supporting the Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulphate Price Index.
- Major producers maintained steady operating rates, preserving supply and supporting the Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulphate Price Index
Why did the price of Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulphate change in December 2025 in Europe?
- Balanced domestic supply and stable downstream demand left little pricing impetus during December across markets.
- Feedstock ethylene oxide and lauryl alcohol prices remained stable, muting production cost pressures for producers.
- Normal Rhine navigation and routine logistics preserved supply chains while export flows supported prices modestly.
Quarter Ending September 2025
North America
- In USA, the Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulphate Price Index fell nominally by 0.2% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting balanced supply.
- The average Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulphate price for the quarter was approximately USD 909.33/MT.
- Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulphate Spot Price remained rangebound as inventories and logistics limited near-term volatility.
- Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulphate Production Cost Trend shows easing lauryl alcohol and ethylene oxide costs.
- Balanced inventories and moderate export interest kept the Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulphate Price Index stable.
- Domestic producers ran without turnarounds, sustaining supply and supporting Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulphate Price Index.
Why did the price of Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulphate change in September 2025 in North America?
- Adequate domestic supply and steady inventories moderated upward pressure, resulting in marginal net price decline.
- Easing lauryl alcohol and ethylene oxide costs reduced production expenses, suppliers domestically offered lower prices.
- Smooth logistics and muted export demand combined with cautious downstream buying pressured the Price Index.
APAC
- In South Korea, the Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulphate Price Index fell by 2.8% quarter-over-quarter, subdued.
- The average Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulphate price for the quarter was approximately USD 1213.33/MT.
- Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulphate Spot Price showed weekly moves while the Price Index remained range bound.
- Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulphate Production Cost Trend rose amid higher fatty alcohol and EO pressures.
- Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulphate Demand Outlook brightened with retail replenishment and export enquiries supporting volumes.
- Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulphate Price Index movements reflected inventory builds, muted restocking and export demand.
- Producers ran at normal utilization; port stability limited disruptions, constraining swings in domestic Price Index.
Why did the price of Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulphate change in September 2025 in APAC?
- Adequate feedstock availability and plant runs eased supply concerns, enabling sellers to trim offers.
- Seasonal retail replenishment and export enquiries supported demand, offsetting domestic oversupply and price erosion.
- Rising fatty alcohol and EO costs pressured production costs, though currency and logistics remained stable.
Europe
- In Germany, the Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulphate Price Index fell marginally by 0.4% quarter-over-quarter, eased inventories.
- The average Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulphate price for the quarter was approximately USD 1648.00/MT.
- Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulphate Spot Price stayed rangebound while German plants ran at normal utilization.
- Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulphate Production Cost Trend softened as crude-derived and ethylene oxide costs declined.
- Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulphate Demand Outlook subdued with cautious purchasing by personal formulators and retail.
- Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulphate Price Index tracked weekly gains by late September amid balanced supply.
- Low Rhine water levels prompted port accumulation and constrained inland logistics, delaying deliveries across Germany.
Why did the price of Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulphate change in September 2025 in Europe?
- Balanced supply and steady production modestly reduced urgency, while subdued downstream orders limited price upside.
- Easing crude-derived feedstock costs lowered production cost pressures, allowing suppliers to adjust offers downward modestly.
- Low Rhine water levels caused inland transport constraints, prompting port accumulation and cautious procurement activity.
For the Quarter Ending June 2025
North America
- The SLES Spot Price in North America showed steady behaviour throughout Q2 2025.
- This was supported by regular demand from the personal care sector and cleaning product manufacturers.
- From April through June, suppliers maintained stable pricing strategies amidst consistent buying interest and no significant raw material cost shocks.
- The SLES Production Cost Trend remained moderate during the quarter, aided by balanced ethylene oxide and lauryl alcohol feedstock availability.
- The SLES Demand Outlook was firm, especially for liquid detergents and personal hygiene products.
- Moreover, the FMCG brands maintained standard procurement schedules during the quarter.
Why did the price of SLES remain stable in July 2025 in North America?
- In July, the SLES Spot Price remained largely stable due to steady consumption and limited inventory fluctuations.
- The Q3 SLES Price Forecast suggests a potential increase driven by seasonal demand growth in consumer packaged goods.
APAC
- In South Korea, the SLES Spot Price showed slight fluctuations across Q2 2025.
- The quarter began with strong domestic demand in April followed by a declining trend in May.
- Market activity recovered by June as export orders improved slightly, keeping inventories in balance without oversupply.
- The SLES Production Cost Trend remained within expected ranges due to stable regional availability of lauryl alcohol and steady refinery operations.
- Despite soft patches in trade, the SLES Demand Outlook was moderately optimistic due to seasonal consumption patterns in hygiene and personal wash segments
Why did the price of SLES change in July 2025 in APAC?
- The SLES Spot Price saw a marginal dip in July, driven by reduced international buying activity and cautious replenishment behaviour.
- The Q3 SLES Price Forecast suggests marginal declines early in the quarter with signs of potential recovery towards September.
Europe
- The SLES Spot Price in Germany gradually declined across Q2 2025.
- This was due to reduced purchasing activity and sufficient carryover stock in downstream segments.
- Early Q2 saw modest demand for spring cleaning formulations, but May and June brought reduced momentum amid cautious retailer restocking.
- The SLES Production Cost Trend was largely stable, with minor variations in utilities and logistics contributing to production economics.
- The SLES Demand Outlook remained underwhelming, constrained by broader economic concerns and tepid consumer spending on non-essential categories.
Why did the price of SLES change in July 2025 in Europe?
- The SLES Spot Price trended lower in July, reflecting the extended period of limited end-use sector activity and cautious market sentiment.
- The Q3 SLES Price Forecast shows stability with a possible downtrend unless external demand sources provide uplift.
