For the Quarter Ending March 2026
Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS) Prices in North America
- In North America, the Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS) Price Index showed a moderate upward trend during Q1 2026, supported by steady demand from personal care and cleaning industries.
- The average Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS) Price Index for the quarter remained firm, reflecting balanced supply conditions and stable production output.
- Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS) Spot Price increased gradually as suppliers passed on higher feedstock and energy costs to downstream buyers.
- The Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS) Production Cost Trend remained elevated due to rising prices of lauryl alcohol, sulphuric acid, and other surfactant intermediates.
- Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS) Demand Outlook remained strong, driven by its key downstream uses in shampoos, liquid soaps, detergents, toothpaste, and household cleaning products.
- Demand from the personal care and home care sectors provided consistent baseline consumption throughout the quarter.
- The Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS) Price Index was supported by stable inventory levels and steady procurement from FMCG manufacturers.
- Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS) Price Forecast indicates a stable-to-firm outlook, supported by consistent consumer demand and feedstock cost pressures.
Why did the price of Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS) change in March 2026 in North America?
- Prices increased in March 2026 due to rising feedstock costs, which pushed the Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS) Production Cost Trend higher.
- Steady demand from personal care and detergent industries supported the Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS) Price Index.
- Controlled supply and moderate inventory tightening further contributed to upward pricing momentum.
Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS) Prices in APAC
- In China, the Sodium Lauryl Sulphate Price Index rose by 7.16% quarter-over-quarter, due to feedstock.
- The average Sodium Lauryl Sulphate price for the quarter was approximately USD 2116.33/MT reported FOB.
- Sodium Lauryl Sulphate Spot Price firmed as low inventories and port congestion limited export availability.
- Sodium Lauryl Sulphate Production Cost Trend rose as lauryl alcohol and sulphuric acid prices climbed.
- Sodium Lauryl Sulphate Demand Outlook remained constructive, supported by cosmetics growth and pre-holiday detergent restocking.
- Sodium Lauryl Sulphate Price Forecast anticipates near-term firmness, then moderate correction as feedstock costs normalize.
- Export buying and higher freight elevated the Sodium Lauryl Sulphate Price Index for Shanghai FOB.
- Producers adopted need-based dispatching, thus stabilizing supplies while balancing export commitments and preventing inventory overhangs.
Why did the price of Sodium Lauryl Sulphate change in March 2026 in APAC?
- Feedstock cost inflation from lauryl alcohol and sulphuric acid raised production costs and offers.
- Logistics disruptions and port congestion increased lead times, elevating short-term scarcity and supporting higher prices.
- Strong domestic cosmetics demand and export restocking amplified offtake, tightening availability despite stable baseline production.
Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS) Prices in Europe
- In Europe, the Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS) Price Index exhibited a slightly firm trend during Q1 2026, supported by stable downstream consumption and feedstock cost fluctuations.
- The average Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS) Price Index remained steady, reflecting balanced supply-demand dynamics across the region.
- Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS) Spot Price showed mild increases during early March due to tighter availability and higher import costs.
- The Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS) Production Cost Trend moved upward as lauryl alcohol and sulphuric acid prices remained elevated, alongside higher energy and compliance costs.
- Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS) Demand Outlook remained stable, driven by downstream applications in shampoos, detergents, dishwashing liquids, toothpaste, and industrial cleaning formulations.
- Demand from the cosmetics and household cleaning sectors ensured steady baseline consumption.
- The Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS) Price Index was supported by limited imports and controlled production runs at regional facilities.
- Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS) Price Forecast suggests a stable-to-firm outlook, influenced by feedstock trends and steady FMCG demand.
Why did the price of Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS) change in March 2026 in Europe?
- Prices increased in March 2026 due to higher feedstock and energy costs, which elevated the Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS) Production Cost Trend.
- Supply constraints from import delays and controlled production supported the Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS) Price Index.
- Steady demand from personal care and cleaning product manufacturers reinforced the upward price movement.
For the Quarter Ending December 2025
North America
- In North America, the Sodium Lauryl Sulphate Price Index showed mild softness to stable movement in Q4 2025, as balanced supply and measured downstream procurement shaped pricing. Demand from key surfactant markets such as detergents and personal care remained steady but cautious.
- The average Sodium Lauryl Sulphate Spot Price in major U.S. surfactant hubs was generally flat to slightly lower compared with Q3 levels, reflecting subdued negotiations and adequate regional availability ahead of year-end.
- The Sodium Lauryl Sulphate Production Cost Trend was relatively stable, with stable lauryl alcohol feedstock supply and moderate energy costs helping producers contain cost pressures. Variable transportation and logistics costs had a limited impact on the overall cost base.
- The Sodium Lauryl Sulphate Demand Outlook in North America remained moderate to positive, underpinned by widespread downstream usage in household detergents and cleaners, personal care products (shampoos, body washes, toothpaste), textile processing, and industrial cleaning formulations. The broad adoption of SLS in consumer hygiene and cleaning products continues to sustain baseline consumption.
- The Sodium Lauryl Sulphate Price Forecast for early 2026 suggests range-bound to slightly soft pricing, as downstream buyers focus on inventory optimisation and cautious 2026 sourcing, while feedstock costs are expected to remain contained.
- The Sodium Lauryl Sulphate Price Index in December 2025 edged lower compared to earlier in Q4, as many personal care and detergent manufacturers completed year-end procurement and limited additional spot buying. Higher inventories at distributor and converter levels also reduced urgency for fresh purchases.
Why did the price of Sodium Lauryl Sulphate change in December 2025 in North America?
- The Sodium Lauryl Sulphate Price Index decreased in December because downstream sectors such as detergent, personal care, and industrial cleaning reduced spot demand after meeting planned annual requirements.
- Adequate supply and stable production costs meant there was limited impetus for price increases, keeping spot quotations under pressure.
APAC
- In China, the Sodium Lauryl Sulphate Price Index rose by 5.37% quarter-over-quarter, due to prompt availability constraints.
- The average Sodium Lauryl Sulphate price for the quarter was approximately USD 1975.00/MT, industry benchmark.
- Sodium Lauryl Sulphate Spot Price firmed in December as sulphuric acid spikes reduced available margins.
- Sodium Lauryl Sulphate Price Forecast expects modest gains into January amid pre-holiday restocking activity continuing.
- Sodium Lauryl Sulphate Production Cost Trend worsened; sulphuric acid prices surged, offsetting lauryl alcohol declines.
- Sodium Lauryl Sulphate Demand Outlook is supportive from domestic care and export restocking across Southeast Asia.
- Low port inventories pressured the Sodium Lauryl Sulphate Price Index, prompting seller offers and allocation.
- Provincial environmental inspections reduced operating rates, cutting prompt cargo availability and supporting higher FOB offers.
Why did the price of Sodium Lauryl Sulphate change in December 2025 in APAC?
- Tightened sulphuric acid supply, surging sulphur prices elevated production costs, enabling producers to raise offers.
- Winter environmental inspections reduced coastal operating rates, cutting prompt cargo availability and supporting price increases.
- Robust export enquiries from India and Southeast Asia absorbed supplies, with domestic restocking raising demand.
Europe
- In Europe, the Sodium Lauryl Sulphate Price Index exhibited mild softness to stability through Q4 2025, as balanced regional supply and cautious downstream buying limited price momentum. Key consumer markets such as Germany, France, and the UK continued to absorb SLS volumes across personal care and detergent applications.
- The average Sodium Lauryl Sulphate Spot Price in major European hubs remained relatively steady, with only minor downward adjustments toward year-end as buyers completed annual procurement ahead of 2026 budget cycles. Supply chains were supported by established producers and smooth imports.
- The Sodium Lauryl Sulphate Production Cost Trend was largely contained in Q4 2025. Stable lauryl alcohol feedstock availability and moderate energy prices helped manufacturers manage production costs effectively, preventing sharp cost-driven spikes.
- The Sodium Lauryl Sulphate Demand Outlook in Europe remained moderate to positive, backed by continued usage in personal care products (shampoos, shower gels, toothpaste), household detergents, and industrial cleaners. While regulatory and sustainability trends push some formulators toward milder or eco-friendly surfactants, SLS demand stays resilient in core segments.
- The Sodium Lauryl Sulphate Price Forecast indicates a range-bound to slightly soft trend in early 2026, as subdued downstream restocking and ample inventories continue to restrain aggressive price increases unless feedstock costs or logistics dynamics change.
- The Sodium Lauryl Sulphate Price Index softened modestly in December 2025 as buyers completed their year-end sourcing and reduced spot purchases, allowing distributors and manufacturers to hold more inventory.
Why did the price of Sodium Lauryl Sulphate change in December 2025 in Europe?
- The Sodium Lauryl Sulphate Price Index decreased in December as downstream converters in personal care and cleaning segments fulfilled annual purchases and scaled back spot buying, reducing immediate demand pressure.
- Stable production and feedstock supply meant there was limited upward cost pressure, so suppliers were more inclined to maintain or slightly lower prices to facilitate inventory drawdown and avoid end-of-year stock buildup.
For the Quarter Ending September 2025
North America
- The Sodium Lauryl Sulphate Price Index fell quarter-over-quarter in Q3, reflecting subdued demand from key downstream sectors including personal care, detergents, and industrial cleaners.
- The Sodium Lauryl Sulphate Price Forecast for Q4 2025 suggests a flat-to-soft trend, with limited upside due to cautious restocking and slow recovery in consumer product manufacturing.
- The Sodium Lauryl Sulphate Production Cost Trend remained stable, supported by steady lauryl alcohol feedstock availability and low energy input costs, helping producers maintain margin stability.
- Weekly movements in the Price Index were neutral to soft, with no major supply disruptions reported during the quarter.
- Export activity remained moderate, while domestic consumption was impacted by a slower-than-expected recovery in retail and industrial cleaning segments.
Why did the price of Sodium Lauryl Sulphate change in September 2025 in North America?
- Prices decreased due to low offtake from personal care and detergent manufacturers, despite expectations of seasonal demand improvement.
- Stable feedstock costs and uninterrupted production maintained supply, while high inventories and muted procurement activity kept pressure on prices.
- Buyers adopted a wait-and-see approach, anticipating further price corrections amid weak downstream momentum.
APAC
- In China, the Sodium Lauryl Sulphate Price Index fell by 0.58% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting weak exports.
- The average Sodium Lauryl Sulphate price for the quarter was approximately USD 1874.33/MT, supported by transaction data.
- Sodium Lauryl Sulphate Spot Price showed limited volatility as domestic demand softened and inventories increased.
- Sodium Lauryl Sulphate Price Index movements were constrained by competitive regional imports and logistics costs.
- Sodium Lauryl Sulphate Production Cost Trend remained stable as feedstock lauryl alcohol prices were unchanged.
- Sodium Lauryl Sulphate Demand Outlook is neutral with detergent downstream demand recovering amid cautious procurement.
- Sodium Lauryl Sulphate Price Forecast suggests downside risk absent stronger export orders or feedstock increases.
- Sodium Lauryl Sulphate Price Index reacted to reduced export inquiries and domestic rates among producers.
- Sodium Lauryl Sulphate Spot Price and inventories will guide seller bargaining power and contract negotiations.
Why did the price of Sodium Lauryl Sulphate change in September 2025 in APAC?
- Export demand weakened against competitive regional supplies and higher logistics complexity impacting margins and shipments.
- Stable feedstock and energy costs limited production cost pressure despite slightly higher localized utility expenses.
- Inventories increased modestly while domestic procurement remained conservative, reducing spot market urgency and upward pricing pressure.
Europe
- The Sodium Lauryl Sulphate Price Index declined quarter-over-quarter in Q3, driven by weak demand from personal care, detergent, and industrial cleaning sectors.
- SLS is widely used in shampoos, toothpaste, liquid soaps, household detergents, industrial cleaners, textile processing, and agrochemical formulations due to its strong surfactant and foaming properties.
- The Sodium Lauryl Sulphate Price Forecast for Q4 2025 suggests a flat-to-soft trend, with limited upside due to cautious consumer spending and slow recovery in institutional cleaning demand.
- The Sodium Lauryl Sulphate Production Cost Trend remained stable, supported by consistent lauryl alcohol feedstock availability and moderate energy prices across Europe.
- Weekly movements in the Price Index were neutral to soft, with no major supply disruptions reported during the quarter.
- Export activity remained moderate, while domestic consumption was impacted by sluggish retail demand and delayed restocking by personal care manufacturers.
Why did the price of Sodium Lauryl Sulphate change in September 2025 in Europe?
- Prices decreased due to low offtake from personal care and detergent manufacturers, despite expectations of seasonal demand improvement.
- Stable feedstock and energy costs ensured a steady supply, while high inventories and cautious procurement behavior kept pressure on prices.
- Buyers adopted a wait-and-see approach, anticipating further price corrections amid weak downstream momentum.
For the Quarter Ending June 2025
North America
- The Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS) Price Index in North America trended upward during Q2 2025, supported by consistent demand from personal care and household cleaning sectors.
- Supply remained moderately constrained due to disruptions in trans-Pacific shipments and increased lead times for imported fatty alcohols.
- The Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS) Production Cost Trend showed an uptick, driven by rising prices of sulfuric acid and imported raw materials, including lauryl alcohol.
- The Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS) Demand Outlook stayed firm, buoyed by consistent FMCG production and seasonal product rollouts by major personal care brands.
Why did the price of Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS) change in July 2025 in North America?
- The Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS) Price Index witnessed a modest decline in July 2025.
- Easing trans-Pacific shipping congestion led to improved availability of lauryl alcohol and sulfuric acid, reducing cost pressure.
- Detergent manufacturers slowed restocking activity after aggressive Q2 purchases, softening demand.
- Mild seasonal adjustments in procurement patterns prompted suppliers to make minor price corrections.
Europe
- The Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS) Price Index in Europe rose during Q2 2025 as market participants faced elevated input costs and logistics disruptions tied to port delays in key hubs like Rotterdam and Antwerp.
- Local production was challenged by fluctuating sulfuric acid availability and tighter emissions controls, raising overall operating expenses for SLS manufacturers.
- The Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS) Production Cost Trend increased moderately as EU energy and compliance costs remained high.
- The Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS) Demand Outlook was stable, supported by consistent demand from both industrial-scale detergent producers and premium personal care brands.
Why did the price of Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS) change in July 2025 in Europe?
- The SLS Price Index in Europe remained largely unchanged during July 2025.
- High production costs, including energy and emissions compliance expenses, kept price floors firm.
- Demand slightly weakened in Southern Europe due to seasonal holidays and macroeconomic uncertainty.
- Stable supply and moderate raw material costs prevented further price escalation but did not support a decrease either.
Asia-Pacific (APAC)
- The Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS) Price Index in India increased by 5.1% quarter-over-quarter in Q2 2025, driven by a combination of rising raw material costs and strong demand from FMCG sectors.
- The Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS) Production Cost Trend rose sharply due to higher lauryl alcohol and sulfuric acid prices, as well as increased intra-Asia freight costs, which elevated import expenses.
- Import disruptions from Malaysia and China compounded supply-side tightness, while producers shifted focus to domestic sourcing under cost pressure.
- The Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS) Demand Outlook remained robust, bolstered by rising rural consumption, promotional activities in the personal care segment, and consistent household cleaning product demand.
Why did the price of Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS) change in July 2025 in Europe?
- The Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS) Price Index declined slightly in July 2025.
- The onset of the monsoon season disrupted logistics and delayed FMCG procurement activity.
- While input costs for lauryl alcohol and sulfuric acid remained high, the temporary demand lull led to mild oversupply.
- Manufacturers reduced prices slightly to stimulate off-take and manage inventory levels.
