Nonionic Surfactants:
Last week, the nonionic surfactant market trended downward. On the cost front, raw material ethylene oxide prices stabilized temporarily, but fatty alcohol prices experienced a sharp decline, dragging down the nonionic surfactant market and leading to price drops. On the supply side, a plant in South China shut down for maintenance during the week, reducing market supply. However, weak downstream demand offset the impact of reduced supply. The market maintained a balanced supply-demand dynamic, with no significant oversupply or shortages, though this failed to provide strong support for prices. On the demand side, cautious sentiment prevailed as downstream companies, anticipating further price declines for raw materials, prioritized depleting existing inventories. Terminal demand remained sluggish, resulting in slow inventory consumption. Purchases were limited to immediate needs, with insufficient enthusiasm to drive meaningful demand support.
Anionic Surfactants (AES):
Last week, AES market prices continued to fall, with some anionic surfactant producers lowering prices. Cost-wise, ethylene oxide prices stabilized, but the sharp drop in fatty alcohol prices weakened cost support, further pressuring the anionic surfactant market. Supply remained ample, but sales performance was poor. Despite price declines for AES, the current drop has not stimulated concentrated demand from downstream buyers. Most market participants expect further price corrections, leading to cautious procurement focused on immediate needs.
Post time: May-26-2025