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.
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 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 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.