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GermanyBy Q2 2024, LAB prices rebounded with a 2.5% increase in China, driven by a resurgence in demand as end-use industries began restocking and ramping up production. This uptick was further fuelled by rising production costs and supply chain disruptions. In July 2024, LAB prices in China experienced a monthly decrease of around 2%, settling at USD 1,528 per metric ton. This decline was linked to a reduction in upstream benzene prices, which lowered production costs for LAB.
In the APAC market, Linear Alkyl Benzene (LAB) prices experienced notable fluctuations across 2024. In Q4 2023, LAB prices peaked due to high demand. However, this trend reversed in Q1 2024, when prices fell by approximately -2% in China compared to the previous quarter, with similar declines observed in India. This drop was attributed to reduced demand following the peak consumption period and possibly an oversupply situation or increased production capacity.
PriceWatch is your trusted resource for tracking global linear alkyl benzene price trends. Our platform delivers real-time data and expert analysis, offering deep insights into the key factors driving price fluctuations in the linear alkyl benzene 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 linear alkyl benzene prices worldwide. Stay ahead of the curve with PriceWatch’s reliable, accurate, and timely linear alkyl benzene market data.
Track PriceWatch's linear alkyl benzene 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.
Impact: Significant changes in demand patterns and supply chain disruptions were brought about by the pandemic. The first lockdown phases had an impact on LAB production because of worker shortages and plant closures. On the other hand, there was an increased demand for cleaning and disinfectant products, which use LAB as a key ingredient, leading to price fluctuations and supply shortages.
Impact: The energy crisis caused a sharp rise in the price of natural gas and oil as a result of this production problems and geopolitical unrest. The price of LAB was directly impacted by the increase in energy costs because petrochemicals are a major component of LAB production. Disruptions in the supply chain also had an impact on transportation and raw material availability, which raised prices.
Impact: Crude oil-based petrochemical feedstocks play a major role in the production of LAB. OPEC+ production decisions, shifts in global oil demand, and geopolitical tensions are the main factors that influence the fluctuations in crude oil prices, which in turn affect the swing in the prices of LAB globally.
These events underscore the Linear Alkyl Benzene (LAB) market’s vulnerability to global disruptions and highlight the need for continuous monitoring of supply-demand dynamics.
This research methodology ensures that PriceWatch delivers the most accurate, timely, and actionable Linear Alkyl Benzene (LAB) pricing assessments, helping our clients stay ahead of market trends and make informed business decisions.
Molecular Weight[g/mol]
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Molecular Formula
Linear Alkyl Benzene (LAB) is a key raw material in the production of synthetic detergents. It is a clear, colorless liquid derived from the alkylation of benzene with long-chain alkenes, typically sourced from petroleum feedstocks. LAB plays a critical role in manufacturing surfactants for household cleaning products, industrial detergents, and personal care formulations. The primary production process involves the alkylation of benzene with linear olefins in the presence of a catalyst, followed by purification. Major producers of LAB include companies like Chevron Phillips Chemical, Reliance Industries, and Sinopec. LAB’s high biodegradability and effective cleaning properties make it a popular choice for detergent formulations globally, with significant demand in both developed and emerging markets.
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PriceWatch Quotation Terms:
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 | |
| Density @ 15 DEG.C | 0.855-0.870 | |
| Bromine Index | 25 Max | |
| Saybolt Colour | +30 Min | |
| Doctor Test | Negative | |
| <C10 | 1 Max | |
| C10 | 30 Max | |
| C11 | 30-45 | |
| C12 | 20-35 | |
| C13 | 20 Max | |
| C14& above | 1 Max | |
| Completion of Sulphonation% | 98.5% Min | |
| 2-Phenyl Alkane (WT%) | 10-20 | |
Applications
Linear Alkyl Benzene used a surfactant intermediate for detergents, industry cleaners, Linear alkyl benzene sulphonic acid and personal care products.
The price of LAB is mainly driven by crude oil prices, since it’s made from petroleum. The costs of key raw materials like benzene and paraffin also play a big role. Other factors include supply and demand, economic conditions, and regulations that can impact production or trade.
Bulk buying helps lower LAB costs because suppliers often offer discounts on large orders. Bigger purchases also give procurement teams more power to negotiate better deals and lock in fixed prices, protecting against future price increases. Plus, bulk buying can reduce shipping costs, adding to the savings.
LAB prices are rising due to increased demand in the detergent industry and changes in raw material costs like benzene. To plan ahead, companies should track market trends, monitor raw material prices, and consider signing long-term contracts to lock in stable prices and avoid sudden hikes.
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