SLES Prices Exhibit Pessimistic Trends in the US and Asian Markets Amidst Weak Demand

In November 2023, both American and Asian regions experienced a downtrend in Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulphate (SLES) prices. The decrease in the US market is primarily linked to subdued demand from both domestic and international markets within the downstream surfactant and personal care industries. This is compounded by excess product stocks caused by supply disruptions in the Panama Canal. Meanwhile, the Asian market witnessed a decline in demand due to an economic slowdown and relatively low demand from China. Additionally, the decrease in the cost of the feedstock Ethylene Oxide alleviated cost pressures on the product.

During this month, there was a 1% reduction in the price of  SLES in the United States. This decline can be attributed to a significant drop in the cost of its feedstock, Ethylene Oxide, which itself is a consequence of the decreasing upstream Crude oil in the US. Furthermore, the lackluster demand for SLES from the downstream surfactant industry in European and Asian markets contributed to the price decrease. On the supply side, product availability has been abundant in the domestic market due to disruptions in the supply chain caused by low water levels in the Panama Canal, leading to increased stock in the US market. Additionally, another feedstock, Fatty Alcohol, experienced a price surge in the region this month. This increase is linked to the rising cost of upstream Palm oil, driven by increased demand. However, despite these factors, prices are negatively affected by a scarcity of new purchases from global businesses, which results from elevated stocks and a decline in demand strength.

A similar market trend for SLES was observed in the Asian market, which caused a 2% decline in cost in China attributed to reduced demand. Other Asian markets, including India and South Korea, also experienced a similar downward trend in the SLES market during this timeframe due to subdued demand in the region. The depreciation in the cost of the feedstock Ethylene Oxide influenced the price by easing production costs for SLES in the Asian market. Conversely, feedstock Fatty Alcohol witnessed a price surge as the cost of imported upstream Palm oil increased. This was driven by a slight rise in Malaysian palm oil, supported by November export volumes that surpassed expectations. Furthermore, the Asian market received support from Indonesia, which implemented higher Palm oil export duties. However, the overall market sentiments for SLES remained bearish amid sufficient stocks and limited buying activities.

According to ChemAnalyst, the price of SLES is anticipated to decline in December in the global market due to ample stock availability and subdued demand. The expected depreciation in the feedstocks Ethylene Oxide and Fatty Alcohol prices may also impact the price trajectory of SLES in the USA and Asian markets. The market is expected to rebound in January and February 2024 as the demand may surge along with an increase in the feedstock Ethylene Oxide and Fatty Alcohol prices, which may impose cost pressures on SLES production.