For the Quarter Ending December 2025
APAC
• In Indonesia, the Fatty Alcohol Ethoxylates Price Index fell by 12.80% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting ample supply.
• The average Fatty Alcohol Ethoxylates price for the quarter was USD 2363.00/MT, CFR Tanjung Priok.
• Regional Fatty Alcohol Ethoxylates Spot Price eased as supply flexibility offset transient demand and congestion.
• Fatty Alcohol Ethoxylates Price Forecast shows modest near-term weakness before seasonal recovery, influenced by feedstock Fatty Alcohols.
• Lower palm kernel oil reduced the Fatty Alcohol Ethoxylates Production Cost Trend, easing margin pressure.
• Fatty Alcohol Ethoxylates Demand Outlook steady, personal care and coatings supporting consumption, limiting price rebounds.
• High inventories and steady exports suppressed the Fatty Alcohol Ethoxylates Price Index despite logistical tightness.
• Moderate operations at regional plants supported supply, pressuring FAE Spot Price and compressing margins.
Why did the price of Fatty Alcohol Ethoxylates change in December 2025 in APAC?
• Falling palm kernel oil and fatty alcohol feedstock costs lowered production expenses, pressuring December prices.
• Improved import flows and normalized logistics increased liquidity, reducing seller pricing power and softening realizations.
• Downstream demand from personal care and coatings is insufficiently offset by abundant supply and falling costs.
North America
• In the USA, the Fatty Alcohol Ethoxylates market trend softened quarter-over-quarter, reflecting inventory pressure and cautious buying.
• The average market trend for the quarter remained stable across domestic transactions, supported by balanced imports and ongoing consumption in detergents, personal care, and industrial applications.
• Spot activity stayed rangebound as transactional movement continued without major fluctuations, reflecting steady demand and controlled import flows.
• The market trend forecast points to modest downside into early Q1 due to lower restocking activity and seasonal procurement reductions.
• Production cost trends saw upward pressure from firmer palm kernel oil and ethoxylation-related input costs, though diversified sourcing and inventories limited immediate pass-through.
• Demand outlook is cautious: detergent and household applications tempered spot activity, while personal care and industrial sectors provided some support.
• The overall market trend showed softer benchmarks amid moderated imports, higher inventories, and tariff-influenced Asian flows.
• Producers’ operational variances, mixed export demand, and logistical factors collectively moderated near-term supply tightness.
Why did the price of Fatty Alcohol change Ethoxylates in December 2025 in North America?
• Seasonal procurement reductions and year-end inventory management lowered buying interest, limiting upward momentum.
• Firmer energy costs increased production expenses, but stock levels and alternative sourcing prevented full pass-through.
• Tariff-driven Asian export adjustments and moderated import volumes reduced net US spot activity.
Europe
• In Europe, the Fatty Alcohol Ethoxylates market trend weakened quarter-over-quarter, reflecting year-end demand softness and cautious procurement.
• The overall market trend for the quarter remained under pressure across major ethoxylate grades, supported by adequate regional supply and steady imports.
• Spot market activity stayed subdued, as abundant availability and reduced buying interest limited any short-term recovery.
• The market trend forecast points to further softness into January, as year-end destocking and slower restocking reduce transactional momentum.
• Production cost trends eased slightly, supported by softer fatty alcohol and coconut oil feedstock costs, which reduced cost-push pressure on producers.
• Demand outlook remained mixed, with personal care and industrial cleaners offering support, while detergent demand stayed weak.
• The market trend was further tempered by comfortable inventories and subdued export activity across key European hubs.
• Regional operating rates stayed normal, while logistics delays and firm freight costs had a limited influence on overall market movement.
Why did the price of Fatty Alcohol Ethoxylates change in December 2025 in Europe?
• Increased availability from imports and lower fatty alcohol feedstock costs expanded supply, weighing on the market trend.
• Downstream buyers reduced spot activity during the year-end period, weakening demand and limiting recovery.
• Firm freight and energy costs persisted, but feedstock cost relief had a stronger influence on overall market direction.
For the Quarter Ending September 2025
APAC
• In Indonesia, the Fatty Alcohol Ethoxylates Price Index fell by 3.58% quarter-over-quarter, due to oversupply in the regional market.
• The average Fatty Alcohol Ethoxylates 3 Mole EO price for the quarter was approximately USD 2710/MT on CFR Tanjung Priok basis.
• Fatty Alcohol Ethoxylates (FAE) Spot Price in Asia showed a consistent downward trend across the quarter, reflecting subdued market activity and declining raw material costs.
• The Price Index dropped month-over-month, influenced by oversupply conditions, and reduced buying interest from key downstream sectors.
• Fatty Alcohol Ethoxylates (FAE) Production Cost Trend eased during Q3 2025, driven by falling prices of fatty alcohol feedstocks such as palm kernel and coconut oil, along with improved energy cost stability.
• The Fatty Alcohol Ethoxylates (FAE) Demand Outlook remained soft, with limited growth in personal care, textile processing, and industrial cleaning sectors—key downstream applications for FAE.
• In September 2025, the Price Index decreased further due to excess inventories, weak seasonal demand, and competitive pricing pressure from regional suppliers.
• Fatty Alcohol Ethoxylates (FAE) Price Forecast suggests continued softness into Q4 2025 unless demand rebounds from the home care and agrochemical sectors.
• Asian producers-maintained output levels, but export competitiveness weakened due to lower global prices and sluggish domestic consumption.
• Sustainability initiatives and demand for biodegradable surfactants may offer long-term support, but short-term pricing remains under pressure.
Why did the price of Fatty Alcohol Ethoxylates change in September 2025 in APAC?
• Feedstock costs declined due to lower palm kernel and coconut oil prices, reducing production expenses.
• Oversupply and high inventory levels led to competitive pricing among regional producers.
• Weak seasonal demand from personal care and textile sectors softened procurement activity, pushing the Price Index downward.
North America
• Fatty Alcohol Ethoxylates (FAE) Spot Price in North America followed a downward trajectory throughout Q3 2025, reflecting weak market fundamentals and declining raw material costs.
• The Price Index dropped month-over-month, driven by sluggish demand from downstream sectors and competitive pricing pressure from offshore suppliers.
• Fatty Alcohol Ethoxylates (FAE) Production Cost Trend eased during the quarter due to falling prices of fatty alcohol feedstocks such as synthetic alcohols and natural oils, along with lower energy costs.
• The Fatty Alcohol Ethoxylates (FAE) Demand Outlook remained muted, with limited growth in home care, industrial cleaning, and textile processing—core applications for FAE in the region.
• In September 2025, the Price Index decreased further as domestic inventories remained high and procurement slowed amid cautious buying behavior.
• Fatty Alcohol Ethoxylates (FAE) Price Forecast indicates continued softness into Q4 2025 unless demand recovers from the agrochemical and personal care segments.
• North American producers maintained steady output but rising import volumes from Asia added pressure to domestic pricing.
• Sustainability trends and demand for eco-friendly surfactants may support long-term growth, though short-term pricing remains under stress.
Why did the price of Fatty Alcohol Ethoxylates change in September 2025 in APAC?
• Feedstock costs declined due to lower synthetic and natural alcohol prices, reducing production costs.
• High inventory levels and cautious procurement led to subdued buying activity and price competition.
• Weak demand from home care and industrial cleaning sectors softened market momentum, pushing the Price Index downward.
Europe
• In September 2025, the Price Index decreased further due to excess inventories, weak seasonal demand, and competitive pricing pressure from regional suppliers.
• Fatty Alcohol Ethoxylates (FAE) Spot Price in Europe declined steadily throughout Q3 2025, reflecting weak market fundamentals, and falling raw material costs.
• Fatty Alcohol Ethoxylates (FAE) Production Cost Trend eased during the quarter due to lower prices of fatty alcohol feedstocks such as rapeseed and palm kernel oil, along with stabilized energy costs.
• The Fatty Alcohol Ethoxylates (FAE) Demand Outlook remained soft, with limited growth in personal care, textile auxiliaries, and industrial cleaning—core downstream applications in the region.
• In September 2025, the Price Index decreased further as domestic inventories remained high and procurement slowed amid cautious buying behavior.
• Fatty Alcohol Ethoxylates (FAE) Price Forecast indicates continued softness into Q4 2025 unless demand rebounds from the agrochemical and home care sectors.
• European producers-maintained output but rising import volumes from Asia added pressure to domestic pricing and weakened export competitiveness.
• Sustainability initiatives and demand for biodegradable surfactants may support long-term growth, though short-term pricing remains under stress.
Why did the price of Fatty Alcohol Ethoxylates change in September 2025 in Europe?
• Feedstock costs declined due to lower rapeseed and palm kernel oil prices, reducing production expenses.
• High inventory levels and cautious procurement led to subdued buying activity and price competition.
• Weak demand from personal care and textile sectors softened market momentum, pushing the Price Index downward.
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.
