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Fatty Alcohol Ethoxylates (fae) Price Trend and Forecast

UNSPC code: 12161903
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⟳ Weekly Update
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Historical Data Since 2015
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Forecast for 2026

fatty alcohol ethoxylates (fae) Price Trends by Country

inIndia
cnChina
auAustralia
krSouth Korea

Global fatty alcohol ethoxylates (fae) Spot Market Prices, Trend Analysis and Forecast

Price-Watch’s most active coverage of Fatty Alcohol Ethoxylates (FAE) price assessment:

  • C10 based Surfactant Grade(99% min) FOB Shanghai, China
  • C10 based Surfactant Grade(99% min) CIF Nhava Sheva (China), India
  • C10 based Surfactant Grade(99% min) CIF Busan (China), South Korea
  • C10 based Surfactant Grade(99% min) CIF Sydney (China), Australia

Fatty Alcohol Ethoxylates (FAE) Price Trend Q3 2025

In Q3 2025, the global Fatty Alcohol Ethoxylates (FAE) market exhibited moderate stability with regional variations. The price trend for FAE varied by 0-2% during the July-September 2025 quarter, influenced by stable feedstock costs, energy prices, and regional supply chain dynamics. Though there were some fluctuations in upstream factors, steady demand from industries like personal care, cleaning, and textiles helped maintain price stability. Ongoing expansions in production capacity and adjustments in supply chains are expected to contribute to stable prices in the upcoming quarter.

China: Fatty Alcohol Ethoxylates (FAE) Export price from China, C10 based (purity 80%) Grade.

In the third quarter of 2025, Fatty Alcohol Ethoxylate price in China is experiencing a modest increase. Seasonal demand recovery, particularly in sectors like detergents and personal care, is driving higher consumption, specifically in the second half of the quarter. This surge in demand is absorbing some of the oversupply from the previous quarter, contributing to the price uptick. Freight movement is better, although global shipping costs remain higher than average.

Chinese exporters are balancing production to prevent excess inventory buildup, and feedstock costs, particularly for Ethylene, remain stable. Geopolitical uncertainties concerning trade relations could introduce volatility, but seasonal demand from Asia and the Middle East is supporting moderate growth. Fatty Alcohol Ethoxylate price trend in China reflects a modest increase of 0.93% in Q3 2025.

India: Fatty Alcohol Ethoxylates (FAE) import price in India from China, C10 based (purity 80%) Grade.

According to Price-Watch, In India, the Fatty Alcohol Ethoxylate price is also seeing a moderate increase in the third quarter of 2025. Post-summer demand from personal care and textiles is driving consumption as production goes up for the end-of-year season. Chinese producers are changing their output to meet rising demand, helping to balance the oversupply situation. Freight rates are improving slightly, with reduced congestion, even though global shipping costs continue to influence import costs.

Geopolitical uncertainties remain, but they have less impact on demand in India. Feedstock prices, particularly for Ethylene, are slowly increasing, exerting upward pressure on production costs. The Fatty Alcohol Ethoxylate price trend in India is displaying a 1.77% increase in Q3 2025.

South Korea: Fatty Alcohol Ethoxylates (FAE) import price in South Korea from China, C10 based (purity 80%) Grade.

In South Korea, the Fatty Alcohol Ethoxylate price is stabilizing with a small increase in the third quarter of 2025. Seasonal demand recovery in personal care, detergent, and textile sectors is helping to absorb oversupply, resulting in a moderate price uptick. Freight conditions are improving slightly, even though global supply chain uncertainties continue to impact shipping costs.

Chinese producers are adjusting their output to align with seasonal demand. Feedstock costs, especially fatty alcohol and Ethylene, remain stable, with minor fluctuations tied to global oil prices. Geopolitical and economic factors, such as trade relations with China, may influence the market, but the overall trend is positive. The Fatty Alcohol Ethoxylate price trend in South Korea is reflecting a 0.97% increase in Q3 2025.

Australia: Fatty Alcohol Ethoxylates (FAE) import price in Australia from China, C10 based (purity 80%) Grade.

In Australia, Fatty Alcohol Ethoxylate price is recovering slightly in the third quarter of 2025. A seasonal increase in demand from personal care, detergent, and textile sectors is boosting consumption and helping to absorb oversupply. But Chinese producers may continue to face inventory management issues, potentially stabilizing prices rather than seeing a significant increase. Freight rates are easing marginally as the peak shipping season ends, but global shipping costs remain elevated due to supply chain issues.

Feedstock costs for Ethylene are stable, though moderate production cost growth is expected due to slight increases in global oil prices. Geopolitical uncertainties, particularly regarding trade relations between China and major markets, are affecting export conditions, but overall, the market is experiencing a slight price uptick. The Fatty Alcohol Ethoxylate price trend in Australia is showing a 0.47% increase in Q3 2025.

Fatty Alcohol Ethoxylates (FAE) Price Trend Analysis: Q3 2025

Fatty Alcohol Ethoxylates (FAE) Price Trend Analysis: Q4 2024

Looking ahead to the fourth quarter of 2024 and beyond, there will have been cautious optimism for a recovery in Fatty Alcohol Ethoxylates (FAEs) production as logistical issues are resolved and market conditions stabilize. However, the market will have been expected to remain volatile through 2030, influenced by factors such as raw material availability, regulatory changes, and the growing consumer demand for sustainable, bio-based, and eco-friendly products. 

By the third quarter of 2024, according to PriceWatch, fatty alcohol ethoxylates prices have remained stable at USD 1,600 to USD 1,700 per metric ton, supported by steady demand from the personal care and biofuel sectors. The demand for bio-based FAEs has stayed strong, with manufacturers increasingly using renewable feedstocks like palm and coconut oil to meet sustainability requirements. 

As we had moved into Q2 2024, the FAE market had shown signs of stabilization as production issues had eased and demand had remained strong. Consumption had increased by 4% by May 2024, reflecting continued growth, particularly in the bio-based FAE segment, driven by strong demand from the personal care, cleaning, and agrochemical sectors.

Although challenges like raw material price volatility and logistical disruptions had persisted, the overall market demand had remained stable, and production had gradually improved, easing some of the pressures on supply. 

In the first quarter of 2024, prices for Fatty Alcohol Ethoxylates (FAEs) had ranged between USD 1,600 to USD 1,700 per metric ton, driven by strong demand from industries such as personal care, cleaning, and agrochemicals. The demand for bio-based FAEs had continued to grow, fueled by a rising consumer preference for eco-friendly and sustainable products.

However, the market had faced challenges with raw material cost volatility, particularly for fatty alcohols, which had seen prices fluctuating due to agricultural commodity price shifts. Despite these challenges, supply chains had largely recovered from earlier disruptions, allowing manufacturers to meet demand. 

Technical Specifications of Fatty Alcohol Ethoxylates (fae) Price Trends

Product Description

Fatty Alcohol Ethoxylates are non-ionic surfactants produced by reacting fatty alcohols with ethylene oxide. These versatile compounds are widely used in household and industrial cleaners, personal care formulations, and agricultural products due to their emulsifying, wetting, and solubilizing properties. They are known for their mildness, effectiveness in various pH ranges, and biodegradability.

Leading manufacturers include BASF, Clariant, and Evonik, with major production hubs in the United States, Germany, and China. The rising global demand for eco-friendly and high-performance surfactants is driving the growth of fatty alcohol ethoxylates, particularly in sustainable cleaning and personal care products, as consumers increasingly prefer formulations that are gentle on both the skin and the environment.

Identifiers and Classification:

  1. CAS No – 68439-46-3
  2. HS Code – 34029099
  3. Molecular Formula – C5H10O2
  4. Molecular Weight[g/mol] – 296.5


FAE Synonyms:

  • Lauryl alcohol


FAE Grades Specific Price Assessment:

  • C10 based (purity 80%) Grade Price Trend


FAE Global Trade and Shipment Terms

  • Quotation Terms: 25-28 MT
  • Packaging Type: 200 kg Drums


Incoterms Referenced in FAE Price Reporting

Shipping Term  Location  Definition 
FOB Shanghai  Shanghai, China  FAE Export price from China 
CIF Nhava Sheva (China)  Nhava Sheva, India  FAE import price in India from China 
CIF Busan (China)  Busan, South Korea  FAE import price in South Korea from China 
CIF Sydney (China)  Sydney, Australia  FAE import price in Australia from China 

*Quotation Terms refers to the quantity range specified for the FAE being quoted or offered in a commercial transaction.

**Packaging Type refers to standard packaging size commonly used for FAE packing, ease of handling, transportation, and storage in industrial and commercial applications.


FAE Manufacturers and their brands

Brand Name  Manufacturer 
Surfant O100,  Jiahua Chemicals Inc. 
Pergeol  Borsod Chemical (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. 
AEO-3, AEO-7, AEO-9  Henan Jinhe Industry Co., Ltd. 
  Shaoxing Zhenggang Chemical Co., Ltd. 

Fatty Alcohol Ethoxylates (fae) Industrial Applications

Fatty Alcohol Ethoxylates market share end use

Historically, several events have caused significant fluctuations in Fatty Alcohol Ethoxylates (fae) prices

  • Supply Chain Disruptions
    Natural disasters, like hurricanes and floods, often disrupt production facilities and logistics. These events cause increased demand as buyers scramble to secure limited supplies, leading to price spikes due to supply shortages. 
  • Raw Material Availability
    The availability of raw materials, such as palm oil and coconut oil, can impact FAE production. When supply is restricted due to factors like crop failures or regulatory changes, demand rises for the limited available materials, driving prices up. In contrast, when raw materials are abundant, demand stabilizes, and prices may ease. 
  • Market Demand Shifts
    Demand from sectors like personal care, biofuels, and cleaning products directly affects FAE prices. The growing preference for sustainable, bio-based ingredients has led to increased demand, pushing prices higher. However, if these sectors contract or shift to alternative ingredients, demand decreases, leading to price reductions. 
  • Global Economic Conditions
    Economic growth or downturns play a crucial role in FAE demand. During periods of growth, industries like automotive and construction require more FAEs, leading to increased demand and higher prices. Conversely, during economic slowdowns, demand declines, causing price reductions as supply outpaced demand. 
  • Regulatory Changes
    Stricter environmental regulations have driven a shift toward bio-based alternatives, increasing demand for FAEs in personal care, cleaning, and agrochemical products. However, if regulations raise production costs, demand may decrease as manufacturers seek more cost-effective alternatives. 

Why Price Watch™?

Price Watch™ is your trusted resource for tracking global fatty alcohol ethoxylates (fae) price trends. Our platform delivers real-time data and expert analysis, offering deep insights into the key factors driving price fluctuations in the fatty alcohol ethoxylates (fae) market. By monitoring critical events such as geopolitical tensions, supply chain disruptions, and economic shifts, Price Watch™ keeps you fully informed of market dynamics.

In addition, Price Watch™ provides detailed forecasts and updates on production capacities, enabling you to anticipate market changes and make well-informed decisions. With Price Watch™, you gain a competitive edge in understanding all the elements that influence fatty alcohol ethoxylates (fae) prices worldwide. Stay ahead of the curve with Price Watch’s™ reliable, accurate, and timely fatty alcohol ethoxylates (fae) market data.

Track Price Watch's™ fatty alcohol ethoxylates (fae) 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.

Fatty Alcohol Ethoxylates (fae) Market Price Trend published by 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐖𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡™ reflect prevailing spot market conditions, derived from independent research, verified trade inputs, and proprietary market intelligence as of the publication date. Prices are published on the specified Incoterm and represent indicative base market levels, exclusive of applicable taxes, VAT, duties, tariffs, and other statutory charges. Actual transaction values may vary depending on volume, credit terms, contractual structure, and other negotiated conditions. Market prices are inherently subject to volatility, liquidity dynamics, regulatory changes, and evolving trade activity. The information provided is for reference and benchmarking purposes only and does not constitute an offer, recommendation, or guarantee of transactional outcomes. Users should exercise independent commercial judgment and assess their specific contractual, regulatory, tax, and application requirements before making business decisions. 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐖𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡™ assumes no liability for decisions taken based on this information.

The price of ethylene plays a crucial role in the cost of fatty alcohol ethoxylates (FAEs) since ethylene oxide is a key raw material used in their production. As ethylene is derived from petroleum and natural gas, its price fluctuations are closely tied to global oil and gas market trends. When the price of ethylene rises, the cost of ethoxylation (a key step in FAE production) also increases, which leads to higher FAE prices. Procurement heads need to monitor ethylene price trends to predict cost increases and adjust purchasing strategies accordingly.

Procurement heads should consider several key factors when forecasting the price of fatty alcohol ethoxylates (FAEs). These include the cost of ethylene, which is affected by global oil prices and natural gas availability; the price of raw materials like fatty alcohols (from palm, coconut oil, or petroleum); geopolitical events affecting the oil and gas markets; demand trends in end-use industries (such as detergents, personal care, and agriculture); and environmental regulations impacting sourcing and production. By understanding these drivers, procurement teams can make informed decisions and hedge against price volatility.

To manage the impact of ethylene price volatility on fatty alcohol ethoxylates (FAEs) procurement, companies can employ several strategies. These include long-term supply contracts with fixed pricing or price caps to lock in rates, diversifying raw material sources to reduce reliance on a single supplier, and using financial hedging tools to protect against price fluctuations. Additionally, staying informed about global ethylene market trends and collaborating with suppliers for insights into future price movements can help procurement heads anticipate cost changes and plan accordingly.

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