Copper smelters are relying on by-product sulfuric acid revenues to offset losses from negative concentrate treatment charges. Strong acid prices are supporting smelter profitability, with prices remaining elevated. The trend underscores the key role of sulfuric acid in smelter economics and suggests continued price strength.
Marico, maker of Parachute Coconut Oil, reported double-digit underlying volume growth in Q1 FY27 despite price increases. The company managed raw material cost volatility through pricing actions, though cooling commodity prices may ease future margin pressure.
Asia
In Asia, the price trends of Ammonium Lauryl Sulphate were mixed in Q4’25. In October, the market was generally steady to firm. The costs of the raw material, ammonia, did not continue their decline but stabilized, and that supported the selling prices of Ammonium Lauryl Sulphate. The demand for Ammonium Lauryl Sulphate from personal care and cleaning products manufacturers was normal, and they were buying in accordance with their needs. In November, the market in Asia was firm, supported by the tightness in the supply of raw material ammonia, as some of the plants were undergoing maintenance, thereby increasing their costs of production.
Also, the improvement in the level of activity in industry supported the demand for Ammonium Lauryl Sulphate, and hence the prices were increased by the sellers. In December, however, the market in Asia was different, as the availability of the raw material increased with more plants returning to production, and the prices of Ammonium Lauryl Sulphate were downward adjusted. The demand for Ammonium Lauryl Sulphate slowed down in December, and hence the prices were downward adjusted.
Europe
Ammonium Lauryl Sulphate prices in Europe exhibited a consistent but conservative trend. In October, prices were balanced in terms of supply and demand, with minimal fluctuations in prices. The cost increase for manufacturers, driven by the cost of raw materials such as ammonia and energy, was moderate but manageable, enabling manufacturers to maintain consistent prices. In November, prices experienced a moderate increase, driven by a rise in global ammonia costs, thereby increasing production costs. However, demand from the household and personal care market remained consistent, enabling suppliers to pass on some of the increased costs to consumers.
In December, the market was characterized by a softer trend, driven by an increase in feedstock availability and a decline in seasonal demand, which resulted in reduced buying activity, with many consumers waiting for better prices in the near future, thereby exerting mild downward pressure on prices towards the end of Q4.
North America
The market trend in North America was relatively stable with some fluctuations. October was relatively stable with sufficient domestic supply. Demand for cleaners and industrial products was consistent. However, prices were relatively firm during the month. In November, prices were supported by higher upstream costs and improved demand from the industrial sector. As a result, prices were increased. However, prices were relatively firm during the month. However, prices eased a little in December with improved supply and subdued demand during the holiday season.
Analyst Insight
According to Procurement Resource, Ammonium Lauryl Sulphate market is expected to remain stable to slightly soft in the near term, as balanced supply and cautious demand are likely to limit strong price movements.
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Asia
During Q2’25, the Ammonium Lauryl Sulphate (ALS) market in the Asian region showed a steady upward trend. The rise was mainly driven by strong demand from the personal care and household hygiene sectors. Consumption remained high across both urban and rural areas, supported by seasonal product launches and continued marketing activity by major brands. Production costs increased due to rising raw material and logistics expenses, which affected supply chains across several countries.
In particular, delays at ports and rising transportation charges added pressure on manufacturers, prompting them to adjust prices. Despite these challenges, overall demand remained firm, and suppliers were able to pass on some of the cost burden to buyers, leading to higher ALS prices during the quarter.
Europe
In Europe, ALS prices also moved upward over the second quarter of 2025. This increase was largely linked to high operating costs and continued disruptions in regional logistics networks. Several producers faced challenges with compliance costs and emission regulations, which raised overall production expenses.
Although market demand was relatively stable, particularly in the personal care and detergent segments, producers struggled to maintain margins and responded with price adjustments. Temporary delays at key European ports further strained supply conditions. While buyers continued procurement at a steady pace, some cautious purchasing behaviour was observed in parts of Southern Europe toward the end of the quarter.
North America
The North American market for ALS experienced moderate price growth in Q2’25. The main driver was sustained demand from household and personal care product manufacturers. Supply conditions were somewhat tight, influenced by longer delivery times and transportation delays on certain international trade routes.
Manufacturing costs also climbed due to increased import-related expenses. These factors supported firm pricing across the region. Restocking by end-users remained consistent through most of the quarter, helping keep market sentiment positive despite cost-related pressures.
Analyst Insight
According to Procurement Resource, Ammonium Lauryl Sulphate prices may see slight corrections in the coming months if supply chains improve, but continued cost pressures could limit any significant downward movement.
Ammonium Lauryl Sulphate or ALS is a common fat-based molecule. It consists of a cationic polar sulphate group and an anionic non-polar hydrocarbon chain. The presence of these groups confers surfactant properties to this compound. Surfactant is commonly used in detergents, emulsifiers, and foaming agents. Lauryl sulphates are very high-foam surfactants that disrupt the surface tension of water by forming micelles at the interface, hence cleansing the fat/oil globules. It is often found in hygiene products like cleansers, shampoos, and soaps and is popular due to its wide variety of uses and relatively cheap cost.
C12H29NO4S
Exfoliant, Shampoos/Soaps, Cleaners, Detergents, Foaming Agents, Cosmetics, Pharmaceuticals
Ammonium dodecyl sulphate, Azanium dodecyl sulphate, ALS
Galaxy Surfactants Limited, BASF SE, Vinamax Organics Pvt. Ltd., CAMEO Chemicals, Taiwan NJC Corporation, The Reliance Group
CurrencyUS$ (Data can also be provided in local currency)
Supplier Database AvailabilityYes
Customization ScopeThe report can be customized as per the requirements of the customer
Post-Sale Analyst Support360-degree analyst support after report delivery
Note: Our supplier search experts can assist your procurement teams in compiling and validating a list of suppliers indicating they have products, services, and capabilities that meet your company's needs.
Via Sulphonation Process: A sulfonating agent is added to lauryl alcohol during the first step. The sulphate is neutralized with ammonium hydroxide to form liquid ammonium dodecyl sulphate. Then concentration and drying are carried out to obtain a solid compound. The solid is subjected to crushing and molding to get the final desired product.
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