In the first quarter of 2024, fatty acid prices in Indonesia had averaged around USD 950 per metric ton, experiencing a significant rise due to production disruptions in major producing regions, particularly Southeast Asia and North America. Production had been adversely affected by extreme weather conditions and logistical challenges. The price increase had been compounded by strong demand from various sectors, notably personal care and food industries. Meanwhile, the market faced a slight decline in demand from certain industrial applications, attributed to shifts towards alternative materials. Overall, the fatty acid market had been characterized by tight supply and rising prices during the initial months of the year.
In the first half of Q2 2024, the fatty acid market continued to confront ongoing production challenges stemming from adverse weather and logistical issues. Despite these constraints, demand from the food industry had remained stable, and prices had fluctuated within a narrow range. By May 2024, fatty acid prices had begun to stabilize as production volumes improved, easing some of the upward pressure on prices in key markets.
In the third quarter of 2024, the fatty acid market has seen prices rise to USD 1,000 per metric ton in Malaysia, driven by persistent supply constraints and slightly increased demand from the personal care and food sectors. The market has remained sensitive to global supply chain disruptions, including transportation delays and export limitations. This upward trend in prices has reflected the complex supply and demand dynamics affecting industry.
Looking ahead to the fourth quarter of 2024 and beyond, a partial recovery in fatty acid production will have been anticipated as supply chain issues are addressed and weather conditions stabilize. However, the market will have been expected to remain volatile through 2030. Ongoing impacts of climate change, shifts in trade policies, and evolving consumer preferences for sustainable alternatives will have continued to influence price fluctuations and overall market stability.