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Analysis
Pricing History
Methodology
Specifications
Glossary

Alpha Olefin Sulfonate Pricing Assessment

alpha olefin sulfonate Markets Covered: 

inIndia
myMalaysia
idIndonesia
usUnited States

alpha olefin sulfonate Markets Covered: 

  • Northern India alpha olefin sulfonate market price trend
  • Southern India alpha olefin sulfonate market price trend
  • Central India alpha olefin sulfonate market price trend

Global alpha olefin sulfonate Price Trend, Analysis and Forecast​

In the fourth quarter of 2024, the prices of Alpha Olefin Sulfonate (AOS) in India experienced a downturn, primarily attributed to reduced demand from the personal care and household cleaning industries. The slower growth rates in these sectors, along with market saturation and evolving consumer preferences, played a significant role in this price decline. Additionally, the presence of more affordable alternatives heightened competitive pricing pressures. Nevertheless, the industrial sector, especially in agriculture, maintained a consistent demand for AOS, which helped to mitigate the overall impact of the decreased demand from consumer-oriented markets and provided some stability in the region’s AOS demand. 

In the third quarter of 2024, the Alpha Olefin Sulfonate (AOS) market in India experienced a notable increase in prices, primarily driven by escalating raw material costs, particularly for ethylene, alongside persistent supply limitations. The demand from the personal care and household cleaning industries grew stronger, contributing to the upward pressure on prices. Additionally, the industrial sector, which encompasses agriculture and oilfields, maintained a consistent level of demand. In contrast, importing countries such as Malaysia, Indonesia, and the USA encountered supply interruptions due to adverse weather conditions and regulatory shifts, which further constrained availability. Nevertheless, demand in these markets remained stable, supported by trends favoring sustainable products in cleaning and detergent applications. Overall, while the price rise in India was particularly pronounced, global demand for AOS held steady, with a cautiously optimistic perspective for the fourth quarter of 2024, despite ongoing supply chain challenges. 

In the second quarter of 2024, the prices of Alpha Olefin Sulfonate (AOS) exhibited variability across various regions, including India, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the USA. In India, a decline in prices was observed, attributed to diminished demand in the personal care and detergent industries, competitive pricing within the domestic market, and a consistent supply of raw materials. Conversely, importing markets such as Malaysia, Indonesia, and the USA experienced relatively stable prices, with a minor reduction influenced by enhanced ethylene supply and reduced logistical hurdles. Notably, despite these price fluctuations, robust demand from the eco-friendly personal care sector and industrial applications, particularly in agriculture and oilfield chemicals, contributed to the overall stability of the market.

In the first quarter of 2024, the pricing trends for Alpha Olefin Sulfonate (AOS) varied across India, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the USA. Importing markets experienced moderate price increases, driven by supply limitations and consistent demand. In contrast, India reported a slight decrease in prices, averaging around USD 751 per metric ton, reflecting a 2-4% drop from the previous quarter. This decline was largely due to diminished domestic demand, competitive pricing from local producers, and enhanced availability of raw materials. Furthermore, a slowdown in the personal care and detergent sectors in India led to decreased purchasing activity. On the other hand, importing markets saw price increases of approximately 5-8%, influenced by ethylene shortages and logistical issues in Southeast Asia. The strong demand for eco-friendly cleaning products and stable industrial applications, especially in agriculture and oilfield chemicals, contributed to price stability in these regions. Despite the fluctuations observed in India, the overall AOS market-maintained stability, effectively balancing supply and demand across key areas. 

India alpha olefin sulfonate Price Trend, Analysis and Forecast

alpha olefin sulfonate Parameters Covered: 

alpha olefin sulfonate Parameters Covered: 

Why PriceWatch?

PriceWatch is your trusted resource for tracking global alpha olefin sulfonate price trends. Our platform delivers real-time data and expert analysis, offering deep insights into the key factors driving price fluctuations in the alpha olefin sulfonate market. By monitoring critical events such as geopolitical tensions, supply chain disruptions, and economic shifts, PriceWatch keeps you fully informed of market dynamics.

In addition, PriceWatch provides detailed forecasts and updates on production capacities, enabling you to anticipate market changes and make well-informed decisions. With PriceWatch, you gain a competitive edge in understanding all the elements that influence alpha olefin sulfonate prices worldwide. Stay ahead of the curve with PriceWatch’s reliable, accurate, and timely alpha olefin sulfonate market data.

Track PriceWatch's alpha olefin sulfonate price assessment on a weekly basis since 2015 onwards, along with short-term forecasts, and get access to the detailed report in a downloadable format.

Historically, several events have caused significant fluctuations in Alpha Olefin Sulfonate prices

  • U.S.-China Trade War (2018-2019): The imposition of tariffs on chemicals noticeably affected the AOS market. Rising production costs and disruptions in supply chains created significant challenges for manufacturers, resulting in price fluctuations of around 10-15%. 
  •  COVID-19 Pandemic (2020): Initial lockdowns caused a decline in demand for AOS as various industries slowed down. However, the pandemic highlighted the importance of hygiene and personal care products, leading to a dramatic surge in demand for AOS. By mid-2021, prices rose by approximately 20% as manufacturers ramped up production to meet the increased need for cleaning agents and personal care items. 
  • Geopolitical Tensions and Raw Material Shortages (2022-2023): Ongoing geopolitical issues and disruptions in supply chains led to persistent shortages of raw materials necessary for AOS production. This situation resulted in sustained price increases of around 15-25%, as manufacturers struggled to secure reliable supplies and adapt to the changing market landscape. 

These events underscore the Alpha olefin sulfonate market’s vulnerability to global disruptions and highlight the need for continuous monitoring of supply-demand dynamics.

Data Collection and Sources​

  • Real-Time Market Data: Price-Watch aggregates real-time pricing data from a diverse range of sources, including global commodity exchanges, industry reports, and proprietary databases. This ensures that our assessments reflect the most current market conditions. 
  • On-the-Ground Intelligence: Our team gathers insights directly from key market participants, including producers, suppliers, traders, and end-users, across major AOS production hubs. This on-the-ground insight is essential for grasping the localized market dynamics. 
  • Supply Chain Monitoring: We track the entire AOS supply chain, from raw material availability (e.g., coconut oil, palm kernel oil) to production and distribution channels. This includes monitoring feedstock prices, production capacities, and transportation logistics. 

 

Event Tracking and Impact Analysis​

  • Geopolitical Tensions: Price-Watch continuously monitors global geopolitical developments, such as conflicts or trade disputes, which can significantly impact AOS prices. Our analysis includes potential disruptions to supply chains and their immediate and long-term effects on pricing. 
  • Natural Disasters and Climate Events: We assess the impact of natural disasters, such as hurricanes or winter storms, on AOS production facilities, particularly in vulnerable regions like the U.S. Gulf Coast. These events are factored into our price forecasts and supply outlooks. 
  • Economic Shifts: Price-Watch evaluates macroeconomic trends, including global economic growth, inflation rates, and sector-specific demand (e.g., personal care, household products), to predict shifts in AOS demand and corresponding price movements.

Production Capacity and Supply Analysis

  • Current Production Monitoring: We maintain a comprehensive database of global AOS production facilities, tracking their operational status, maintenance schedules, and output levels. This allows us to assess current supply availability accurately. 
  • Future Capacity Projections: Our research includes detailed forecasts of upcoming AOS production capacities, factoring in new plant in homecare products, expansions, and technological advancements. This helps in predicting future supply trends and potential price stabilization. 

Demand Forecasting

  • Sectoral Demand Analysis: Price-Watch provides in-depth analysis of demand trends across key sectors, including homecare, personal care products. We track year-on-year demand growth and project future consumption patterns based on economic indicators and industry developments. 
  • Global Demand Dynamics: Our methodology considers regional demand variations and how they influence global AOS pricing. This includes understanding the impact of shifts in manufacturing bases, trade policies, and environmental regulations. 

Pricing Model Development

  • Dynamic Pricing Models: Price-Watch utilizes advanced econometric models to forecast AOS prices, incorporating real-time data, historical trends, and projected market conditions. Our models are continuously refined to enhance accuracy and predictive power. 
  • Scenario Analysis: We conduct scenario-based assessments to evaluate potential future market conditions. This includes best-case, worst-case, and most likely scenarios, helping our clients prepare for a range of market outcomes. 

Reporting and Client Support

  • Comprehensive Reports: Our clients receive detailed reports that include current price assessments, future price forecasts, and in-depth analysis of market drivers. These reports are designed to be actionable, providing clear insights and recommendations. 
  • Ongoing Support: Price-Watch offers continuous updates and personalized support to our clients, ensuring they have the most up-to-date information to make informed decisions. Our experts are available to discuss specific market developments and provide tailored advice. 

This research methodology ensures that Price-Watch delivers the most accurate, timely, and actionable AOS pricing assessments, helping our clients stay ahead of market trends and make informed business decisions.

Molecular Weight[g/mol]

324g/mol

CAS No

68439-57-6

HS Code

34021190

Molecular Formula

C14H27NaO3S
alpha olefin sulfonate

Alpha Olefin Sulfonate (AOS) is an anionic surfactant synthesized from alpha-olefins, offering high performance in detergents, personal care products, and industrial applications. Known for its excellent foaming, wetting, and cleansing properties, AOS is effective in removing oils and dirt while being gentle on the skin. Its biodegradability makes it an environmentally-friendly choice, widely used in eco-conscious formulations. Major producers include companies like Stepan Company, Huntsman Corporation, and BASF, with leading manufacturing countries being the United States, China, and Germany. The growing demand for sustainable and high-performance surfactants in personal care and cleaning products is driving the expansion of AOS production worldwide, with significant innovation in improving its production processes.

Packaging Type

Drum

Grades Covered

Alpha olefin sulfonate (AOS) 28%,

Incoterms Used

CIF Penang_India, Ex-Mumbai, CIF Jakarta_India, CIF Houston_India

Synonym

Alpha Olefin Sulfonate, AOS, Alpha Olefin Sulfonic Acid, Alpha Olefin Sulfonic Acid, Alkyl Olefin Sulfonate

PriceWatch Quotation Terms:

25-28MT

Ex-Location: This incoterm refers to a shipping agreement where the seller makes the goods available at their premises, and the buyer is responsible for all transportation costs, including shipping, insurance, and any other fees.
CIF: CIF refers to the Cost, Insurance, and Freight (CIF) terms for goods. Under CIF terms, the seller is responsible for the cost of goods, insurance, and freight charges until the goods reach the port of destination.
FD: FD stands for Free Delivered where the seller takes full responsibility for delivering goods to the location/port. This ensures the buyer receives the goods at the designated port with all necessary costs, except import duties, covered.
FOB: FOB refers to the Free On-Board shipping term, where the seller is responsible for the cost and risk of delivering the goods to the port. Once the goods are on board the vessel, the responsibility shifts to the buyer for all costs, including shipping and insurance.

Characteristics  Specification 
Appearance  Colored Liquid 
Active Matter %  38±1 
NDOM (Max), %  4 
PH (5% AQ SOLUTION)  7.0-9.0 
Inorganic Salts (Max),%  4 
Colour Klett, (Max)  80 

Applications

Alpha Olefin Sulfonate (AOS) is widely used across various applications due to its effective surfactant properties. In personal care products, AOS serves as a cleansing and foaming agent in shampoos, body washes, and facial cleansers, delivering a rich lather while remaining gentle on the skin. In household cleaning products, AOS enhances the cleaning efficiency of detergents, dish soaps, and surface cleaners, making them more effective at removing dirt and grime. Additionally, AOS is utilized in industrial applications, such as in agriculture and oilfield services, where it aids in emulsifying and wetting processes. Its versatility and performance make AOS a popular choice across multiple sectors, particularly in the growing demand for eco-friendly and sustainable formulations.

Alpha Olefin Sulfonate price provided by PriceWatch is a base price and excludes VAT/Taxes, discounts, or offers. The information herein is accurate to the best of our knowledge as of the date indicated and is provided solely for the convenience of our customers as a reference for alpha olefin sulfonate. PriceWatch disclaims any warranties or representations regarding the accuracy of results derived from this information. It is the sole responsibility of the user to assess the suitability of the product for their specific application. This document does not constitute an endorsement to use the product in violation of any applicable patent rights.

The pricing of alpha olefin sulfonate (AOS) is influenced by several key factors, including raw material costs, production processes, supply chain dynamics, and market demand. The price of feedstocks, such as linear alpha olefins, can significantly impact overall costs. Additionally, fluctuations in supply due to geopolitical factors, manufacturing capacity, and advancements in production technologies can also affect pricing. Understanding these elements can help procurement heads make informed decisions when sourcing AOS.

The quality of Alpha Olefin Sulfonate significantly influences its pricing. Higher purity levels and specific performance characteristics, such as foaming ability and biodegradability, typically command a premium. Manufacturers that provide consistent quality assurance and compliance with industry standards may also price their products higher. For procurement heads, evaluating the quality alongside price is essential to ensure that the AOS meets required specifications for applications in personal care, detergents, and industrial cleaning.

Recent trends in alpha olefin sulfonate pricing have shown fluctuations due to changes in global demand, production capabilities, and economic conditions. To anticipate changes, procurement heads should monitor market reports, engage with suppliers for insights on raw material availability, and stay updated on regulatory changes that may affect production costs. Additionally, exploring long-term contracts or alternative suppliers can provide more stability in pricing. Being proactive in market analysis will enable better strategic planning for procurement.

Copyright 2025. All rights reserved. Nidhyana Price Watch Data Analytics Private Limited

Copyright 2025. All rights reserved. Nidhyana Price Watch Data Analytics Private Limited

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