During the first quarter of 2024, Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS) prices had increased to around USD 1727 per metric ton, reflecting a slight rise due to growing demand and limited supply. The industry had encountered obstacles due to interruptions in the supply of fatty alcohols, which are crucial for making SLS, as well as several production facilities being out of commission, making it harder to secure adequate supply. The demand for SLS had risen by about 5% compared to the previous year, mainly driven by the personal care industry, particularly in products like shampoos and body washes, along with a greater use of SLS in cleaning items due to an increased focus on cleanliness by consumers. In the Asia-Pacific (APAC) area, India had seen SLS prices range between USD1600 and USD1800 per metric ton, thanks to strong growth in the personal care and household cleaning sectors. Nations in Southeast Asia had also experienced a rise in demand, but prices had varied based on local production capabilities and reliance on imports.
In the second quarter, Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS) prices had increased significantly, driven by strong demand in the detergents, homecare, and personal care sectors due to seasonal cleaning trends and heightened consumer focus on cleanliness. The demand for SLS in detergents had surged as manufacturers had ramped up production to meet the rising needs for effective cleaning solutions. In the homecare sector, SLS had been essential for enhancing foaming and cleaning efficacy in various cleaning products. Meanwhile, in personal care, SLS had played a critical role in formulating shampoos, body washes, and facial cleansers. In response to supply challenges, manufacturers had optimized logistics and increased production capacity, with several new facilities having been launched to address the growing demand. By the end of the quarter, SLS prices had reached USD 1826 per metric ton in China, reflecting the ongoing market dynamics.
In the third quarter, the demand for Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS) in the Asia-Pacific area has experienced significant growth, with prices increasing to USD 1930. This surge has been driven by a recovery in the personal care and cleaning sectors, along with a rise in seasonal cleaning practices. India has played a key role in this increase, prompting manufacturers to boost production to meet the growing demand. On the supply side, the opening of new facilities in Southeast Asia and the U.S. has helped alleviate previous supply shortages, enabling more efficient operations in production plants. Consequently, the expected price range for SLS has been set between USD 1930 and USD 1940 per metric ton. This price range indicates a stable market, allowing manufacturers to better control their production expenses while addressing the ongoing demand expansion in the region.
In the fourth quarter, the growing demand for Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) from detergent industries will have significantly increased SLS prices worldwide, while the increasing appeal of powdered soaps in various areas will have further boosted SLS demand. Additionally, the rising popularity of powdered detergents in different regions will have contributed to a substantial increase in SLS demand. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, a widely used anionic surfactant, will have found applications across various industries, including personal care, where it will have been essential in formulating shampoos, body washes, and facial cleansers. In household cleaning products, SLS will have enhanced foaming and cleaning efficacy, making it a preferred choice in detergents, and its effectiveness in industrial applications, such as emulsifying agents in paints and coatings, will have further solidified its position in the market. Overall, by the end of the quarter, SLS will have established itself as a critical ingredient in both consumer and industrial products, driving continued demand and market growth.
