Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonic Acid (LABSA) Price Trend and Forecast

LABSA Regional Price Overview

Get the latest insights of Linear Alkyl Benzene Sulphonic Acid (LABSA) Price Trend in different regions across the world (Asia, Europe, North America, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa).

Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonic Acid Price Trend for the Q2 of 2024

Asia

In the Asian market, particularly in China, linear alkyl benzene sulfonic acid prices saw a gradual increase over the second quarter of 2024. The slight price uptick in LAB at the end of April, influenced by seasonal demand from the surfactant industry as the summer season approached, set the tone for linear alkyl benzene sulfonic acid pricing as well. The sustained demand for surfactants, fueled by warmer weather and increased outdoor activities, bolstered the production of linear alkyl benzene sulfonic acid.
 

Linear Alkyl Benzene Sulphonic Acid (LABSA) Price Chart

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This trend was further supported by both domestic and overseas demand, as downstream industries ramped up production in response to the favorable weather conditions and the approach of significant Asian festivals. The stability in supply chains post-Chinese New Year, achieved through fleet optimization and adherence to blank-sailing programs, also contributed to the steady demand for linear alkyl benzene sulfonic acid, ensuring that its prices remained aligned with the upward trajectory of LAB throughout the quarter.

Europe

In Europe, linear alkyl benzene sulfonic acid prices experienced a similar upward trend. The onset of warmer weather across the UK and EU regions led to increased consumption of surfactants, particularly in cleaning products and personal care items, which are key applications for linear alkyl benzene sulfonic acid. The rebound in manufacturing activities, coupled with a surge in new orders reaching a seven-month high, further amplified the demand for LAB and, consequently, linear alkyl benzene sulfonic acid.

The positive economic trajectory in Europe, marked by improved consumer confidence and revised GDP forecasts, exerted additional upward pressure on linear alkyl benzene sulfonic acid prices. The close correlation between LAB and LABSA pricing meant that as LAB prices edged higher due to seasonal demand and improved economic conditions, linear alkyl benzene sulfonic acid prices followed suit, reflecting the strong demand across the region.

North America

In North America, particularly in the US, linear alkyl benzene sulfonic acid prices mirrored the rising trend of LAB during the second quarter of 2024. The warmer weather in April led to increased demand for surfactants from the downstream cleaning and personal care industries, which rely heavily on linear alkyl benzene sulfonic acid. This demand was further bolstered by increased outdoor activities, construction, and consumer spending, all of which are typical drivers of surfactant consumption during warmer months.

Although the upstream feedstock Benzene experienced a bearish trend during this period, it did not significantly impact linear alkyl benzene sulfonic acid prices in the short term. Instead, linear alkyl benzene sulfonic acid prices continued to rise in line with LAB, supported by heightened overseas inquiries and robust international demand for surfactant products. This consistent demand helped maintain the upward price trajectory of LABSA throughout the quarter despite potential concerns about the impact of declining feedstock costs in the upcoming period.

Analyst Insight

According to Procurement Resource, the price of Linear Alkyl Benzene Sulfonic Acid is estimated to align closely with its feedstock market dynamics and procurement rates of the downstream industries.
 

Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonic Acid (LABSA) Price Trend for the Q1 of 2024

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Asia

Throughout the first quarter of 2024, the linear alkyl benzene sulfonic acid market in the Asian markets demonstrated remarkable stability, primarily influenced by a balanced interplay between consumer demand and trader supply dynamics. This equilibrium effectively maintained price stability which was influenced by the stability in the price of feedstock linear alkyl benzene, contributing to the overall pricing consistency particularly in Saudi Arabia.

On the other hand, the Chinese and Indian markets witnessed a substantial increase in linear alkyl benzene sulfonic acid prices due to heightened demand from the surfactant industry, particularly with the onset of the summer season. This surge in demand outpaced the available supply, resulting in a bullish market scenario. However, the supply constraints and reduction of industrial activities in the initial months of the quarter raised concerns in the initial phase of the quarter, but quick rebound of Chinese market post-holiday season, supported the uptrend of linear alkyl benzene sulfonic acid prices.

Europe

In the first quarter of 2024, Europe experienced an uptick in linear alkyl benzene sulfonic acid prices due to elevated feedstock LAB and upstream benzene costs, despite steady demand from the surfactant and other downstream industries. The Red Sea crisis compounded trade challenges, extrapolating travel times and elevating freight costs. Although the European manufacturing activities showed slight improvement, business activity remained below the threshold level, with decreased new business inflows.

On the contrary, the cost of petrochemical materials such as crude oil, naphtha and natural gas inclined at a noticeable pace, supporting an uptrend in the pricing patterns of linear alkyl benzene sulfonic acid. Additionally, the onset of Chinese New Year also disrupted the Asian supplies of LABSA as manufacturers scale back operations, further straining the existing inventories of the European countries.

North America

In the US market, the first quarter of 2024 witnessed an increase in linear alkyl benzene sulfonic acid primarily influenced by the rising cost of its feedstock chemicals. The escalating production costs and fluctuating prices of crude oil throughout the quarter further fostered a bullish trend in the linear alkyl benzene sulfonic acid market. Increased demand for LABSA from overseas markets like Europe and Mexico coincided with the issues in the trading sector caused by the disruption of the Red Sea route, signaling a positive shift in market dynamics. The additional stability in the upstream market further supported linear alkyl benzene sulfonic acid price trends.

Analyst Insight

According to Procurement Resource, the price trend of Linear Alkyl Benzene Sulfonic Acid is estimated to further thrive in the upcoming quarters as the positive sentiments of the downstream industries and rising cost of feedstock linear alkyl benzene will favor an uptrend in the pricing patterns of linear alkyl benzene sulfonic acid.
 

Linear Alkyl Benzene Sulphonic Acid (LABSA) Price Trend for the October - December of 2023

Asia

The sudden decline in the cost of benzene, which serves as the feedstock for Linear Alkyl Benzene Sulphonic Acid (LABSA), caused its price trend to fall throughout the fourth quarter of 2023. Additionally, there was a significant reduction in demand from the downstream detergents and soap industries while the production rates kept on rising. This imbalance was somehow equalized during the initial stages, but soon, the inventories surpassed the demand and caused the Linear Alkyl Benzene Sulphonic Acid (LABSA) prices to decline.

Europe

The lowering in the cost of production due to the decline in benzene prices resulted in the weak momentum of Linear Alkyl Benzene Sulphonic Acid (LABSA) price trend. The demand for Linear Alkyl Benzene Sulphonic Acid (LABSA) also failed to revive the market dynamics, and with an eventual decrement in the crude oil costs, the Linear Alkyl Benzene Sulphonic Acid (LABSA) prices found it difficult to sustain in the region. Further, the growing tension in the supply chains due to the Isarel-Hamas war and the disruption of Red Sea supply routes led to a fall in export volumes and also in the Linear Alkyl Benzene Sulphonic Acid (LABSA) price trend.

North America

The North American market was also in line with the global decline in the cost of benzene as the cost of crude oil took a downward turn. The region registered a double-digit percentage depreciation in the cost of sulphuric acid, too, which is another valuable feedstock of the material. Additionally, the subdued demand due to the winter season from both domestic and overseas sectors and the eventual rise in inventory levels pushed the traders to quote market-appropriate prices of Linear Alkyl Benzene Sulphonic Acid (LABSA). Further, as seen in the European countries, North America also witnessed an export struggle due to unfavorable conditions in the Panama Canal, which was another addition to the list of challenges for the Linear Alkyl Benzene Sulphonic Acid (LABSA) price trend.

Analyst Insight

According to Procurement Resource, the price trend of Linear Alkyl Benzene Sulphonic Acid (LABSA) are estimated to continue their oscillating journey as the downstream industries are not showing any considerable interest in the sector, and dipping cost of feedstock materials also do not project a favorable future.
 

Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonic Acid (LABSA) Price Trend for the July - September of 2023

Asia

Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonic Acid price trend exhibited positive fluctuations throughout the given period of the third quarter of the year 2023. Since the sulphonation of linear alkyl benzene yields Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonic Acid, their price trend too closely align with each other. The downstream demands posed by the detergent and herbicide industries were also supportive of the positive market fluctuations. Overall, the Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonic Acid registered steadily rising numbers at its price index.

Europe

Driven by the positive downstream demands, the market indicators suggested that slowly but consistently, the Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonic Acid price trajectory moved positively. Since the international supplies mostly came in from Asian markets, the price trend were positive, and other than that, the domestic manufacturing was also elevated because of elevated feedstock linear alkyl benzene prices. Overall, an upward rising price trend was observed for Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonic Acid during the concerned period.

North America

The Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonic Acid’s behavior in the American market was no different than in the Asian or European markets. The prices saw a steady rise as the downstream detergent industry posed regular demands. Overall positive fluctuations were observed in the Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonic Acid price graph during the said period.

Analyst Insight

According to Procurement Resource, Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonic Acid will likely continue to exhibit moderate market behavior in the coming months, and a promising market outlook is anticipated.
 

Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonic Acid (LABSA) Price Trend for the First Half of 2023

Asia

The Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonic Acid (LABSA) prices observed mixed trend for the first half of the year 2023. The market started strong in January 2023 as the inclined feedstock costs provided positive cost support, while the demands from downstream detergent, emulsifiers, and herbicide industries also supported the market fundamentals. Prices inclined till mid-Q2, but as the inventory levels started rising, but the demands didn’t grow at the same pace, the prices finally turned south. Overall, fair market performance was observed.

Europe

Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonic Acid (LABSA) prices fluctuated in the European market as well. As the crude oil prices finally started stabilizing at the beginning of the first quarter, other factors like freight and supply chain issues also started resolving. The prices observed a downhill trend in the first quarter, and some reverse and positive fluctuations were observed at the shift of quarters because of a temporary jump in demand. But the sentiments turned downhill again and wavered lowly for the remaining time of the second quarter.

North America

The North American market finally gained some momentum during the said period, as the prices had been riding low for a very long time since late 2022. So as the inventories got used up, fresh demands from the downstream sectors called for a rise in production, and with high demands, the prices for Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonic Acid also started rising in the first quarter.

These trend continued till the mid-Q2, but as the inventories refilled and the supplies started overflowing with slow demands, the Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonic Acid prices also started subsiding and remained on the same sliding curve for the rest of the second quarter.

Analyst insight

According to Procurement Resource, the price trend for Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonic Acid are expected to continue fluctuating given the current overflowing inventories and uncertain downstream demands.
 

Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonic Acid Price Trend for the Second Half of 2022

Asia

The LABSA prices fluctuated throughout the second half of 2022. Prices were driven by the feedstock costs and the downstream demands from the cleaning and surfactant sectors.

In the third quarter, the prices remained in a slump since the market was still recovering after the removal of lockdown restrictions. Inventories were high, and the feedstock benzene costs were riding low. But as the fourth quarter arrived, the demands from the surfactant and cleaning industries rose. Overall, mixed price sentiments were observed for Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonic Acid during the said period.

Europe

In the European Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonic Acid markets, the prices remained oscillating throughout the said period. Europe was badly struggling with economic inflation and rising costs of living crisis because of the Russia – Ukraine conflict.

The demands from the end user sector saw fluctuations because the purchasing power was hampered, and the spending behaviours were heavily altered. The LABSA prices started slowly in July 2022 but picked up pace in mid-Q3 as the demands saw a rise, but the trend again turned south by the end of Q4 after a steady run in between.

North America

In the American market, the general sentiment around LABSA prices was dull, given the low prices of feedstock benzene. The decline in the upstream costs because of the decreased feedstock prices substantially reduced the upstream cost support, contributing to the falling prices. Overall bearish market sentiments were observed.

Analyst insight

According to Procurement Resource, the price trend for Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonic Acid are expected to continue fluctuating, given the uncertainties in market dynamics and rising interest rates.
 

Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonic Acid Price Trend for the First Half of 2022

Asia

As Covid cases in China started to rise again in January 2022, linear alkyl benzene sulfonic acid (LABSA) prices in the Chinese market continued to rise due to the high demand for downstream surfactant and disinfectant commodities. Prices for LABSA have been on the rise since February when production was halted for the winter Olympics and Chinese New Year.

In the Chinese market, LABSA prices stood at 1534 USD/MT. Due to rising upstream prices for sulphuric acid and linear alkyl benzene, the price in the Indian market increased. The price trend for linear alkylbenzene sulphonic acid recorded an upward trend in the second quarter owing to the solid demand from surfactants and home-care sectors.

Europe

The price of LABSA increased continuously in the European market throughout the said period with a small percentage variation on a month-to-month basis. Despite being the region most impacted by Russia's invasion of Ukraine and experiencing significant natural gas and oil shortages, Europe did not experience a price increase for linear alkyl benzene sulfonic acid due to its robust supply of detergent and surfactant goods.

In the first quarter of 2022, LABSA prices in the German market were 1780 USD/MT. However, with the western sanction and European embargo against Russian exports, the operating costs soared in the market with effects felts across all the sectors. Hence, the LABSA prices increased in line with inflated costs before registering a decrease towards the end of June 2022.

North America

During the said period prices for LABSA continuously increased. The increase in prices was driven by high upstream Linear Alkyl Benzene prices, which were raised in January 2022 as a result of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Due to its minimal environmental impact, LABSA is becoming more and more popular among end users as a surfactant and detergent, which has contributed to the upward price trend in the US.
 

LABSA Price Trend For the Fourth Quarter of 2021

Asia

Though Asia's markets were generally buoyant in the first two months of the quarter, month-by-month price trend varied by nation. Due to feedstock shortages and a drop in production activity as a result of China's Dual Control Policy, LABSA negotiations in China remained at an all-time high in October.

With declining upstream futures, prices gradually fell through November and December, settling at 1541 USD/MT and 1515 USD/MT FOB Qingdao, respectively, with demand faltering a little due to downstream sector stockpiling of LABSA stockpiles in the early days of December. With exceptional tightness in raw materials on the international market and a 60-70% increase in freight costs, the prices in India peaked in November.

In the face of high demand, merchants were heard regularly adjusting their offerings in order to improve their margins. However, traders stuck to low contract prices that hovered around 1166 to 1381 USD/MT in December due to the retracing upstream market from rising trend throughout November end, as well as the quickly-pacing stock clearance activities in the Indian market before the approaching new year.

Europe

The market in Europe was upbeat throughout the quarter, oscillating between catastrophic energy shortages and increasing raw material prices. With the surge in coronavirus cases, the prices in Germany continued to rise with each passing week as the downstream detergent sector persisted on unwavering demand fundamentals.

Spot trade constraints, as well as high input costs, remained a source of concern for manufacturers. Despite a little improvement in the container issue, the prices in December, which stayed above 1725 USD/MT FOB Hamburg, reached new highs, fueled by increased downstream demand in both local and foreign markets.

North America

The market in North America was robust in October and November as a result of price increases in its feedstock LAB, which were backed by bullish benzene and crude oil upstream and translated into LABSA input costs. Low feedstock output from storm Ida-affected plants in the United States, as well as trade limits caused by disrupted logistics across ports, making it difficult for manufacturers to respond to inquiries from local and foreign buyers. As the majority of production units restored operations, LABSA prices fell to 1320 USD/MT FOB New York, the USA market breathed a sigh of relief from the drop in upstream prices due to gradual build-up in inventories.
 

LABSA Price Trend For First, Second and Third Quarters of 2021

Asia

Due to restricted spot availability of benzene and consistently rising crude oil prices across the area, Asia Pacific LABSA supply saw conflicting attitudes in the first quarter of 2021. Stronger upstream rates generated ripples through the market, causing the prices of both LAB and LABSA to reach new highs throughout the quarter. Because of consistent offtakes from downstream cleaning industries and strong consumer attitudes, demand remained stable.

The benzene supply-demand imbalance in India expanded dramatically in February, pushing CFR LABSA prices to 1488 USD/MT. In the third quarter of 2021, the Asian LABSA market saw a declining trend, as prices of the raw material Linear Alkyl Benzene fell dramatically across the region.

In India, LABSA prices continued to fall in August as feedstock costs stabilised and offtakes from the domestic market remained consistent. In the third quarter, major detergent and surfactant makers reported that they had to modify their product prices while maintaining a profit margin. Due to continually rising feedstock prices combined with rising freight costs, producer margins had been considerably squeezed. LABSA prices dropped dramatically, eventually settling at 1342 USD/MT, down from 1758 USD/MT in September.

North America

Its supplies were in short supply due to a considerable pause in regional production activities due to extreme freezing conditions, causing a supply chain disruption across the Gulf of Mexico. Several upstream benzene players, including ExxonMobil, Total, Shell, and others, were forced to shut down production due to the unusual weather conditions, resulting in a serious scarcity of raw materials in the first quarter of 2021.

The frequent offtakes from the downstream soap and detergent industries boosted demand, causing the LAB and LABSA prices to skyrocket during the quarter. In Q3 2021, the overall market for the chemical in North America reflected mixed views. LABSA prices in the United States fell slightly in H1 of Q3 due to reduced feedstock benzene prices.

However, due to a shortage of benzene during hurricane season, a brief high increase was seen. Increased transportation costs and intermittent power supply in and around Gulf Coast regions, as well as supply chain interruptions caused by Tropical Storm Nicholas in Texas, contributed to the regional price increase.

Europe

Due to the limited availability of benzene, LABSA supplies were balanced to tight in the European market. Due to delayed shipping of crucial raw materials and severe cold weather in the northwest European region, supply bottlenecks were evident as the factories operated at reduced output rates.

In the first quarter, demand remained constant. With the rising rate of COVID infections nearing the conclusion of the quarter, demand accelerated due to increased end-use in detergents and other cleaners, as well as increased awareness among netizens. In the third quarter of 2021, the regional market in Europe showed varied trend.

Due to a limited supply of feedstock benzene across the area, LABSA supplies remained tight during the quarter. Due to lower buying momentum in the end user sectors, the demand from downstream surfactants and detergents industry remained low. Towards the conclusion of Q3, some benzene production units were restarted, allowing production to return to normal.
 

LABSA Price Trend For the Year 2020

Asia

For the quarter ended September 2020, the Asian Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonic Acid (LABSA) market fundamentals were generally stable. Although slight shifts in demand patterns were observed as a result of global contagion, traders' offers to boost offtakes lowered contract prices. Meanwhile, the detergent and cleaning industry's burgeoning demand failed to deliver significant gains as producers flooded the market with excess supply. The market was expected to revive, owing to sustained growth in market prices of feedstock benzene.

North America

Under the stress of worldwide contagion, demand for Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonic Acid in North America surged significantly in the preceding quarter, owing to higher use of surfactants and cleaning products. However, as panic purchase and hoarding of disinfectants and cleaning chemicals decreased, the market value of the chemical remained relatively stable.

Manufacturers and traders' profit margins were harmed by rising downstream product inventories as a result of steady operating rates. LABSA market was likely to recover with the surface chemical industry constantly creating new products and anticipating an increase in demand.

Procurement Resource provides latest prices of Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonic Acid. Each price database is tied to a user-friendly graphing tool dating back to 2014, which provides a range of functionalities: configuration of price series over user defined time period; comparison of product movements across countries; customisation of price currencies and unit; extraction of price data as excel files to be used offline.