Asia
In Asia, Fatty Alcohol C-12 prices kept climbing through H2’25 as the region continued to face tight availability of feedstocks. Coconut oil and palm kernel oil supplies stayed restricted because of weak nut collection earlier in the year, weather-related delays, and low stocks in key producing countries. Several oleochemical plants also operated cautiously, which limited output and kept market supply thin.
At the same time, demand from home care and personal care producers stayed firm, especially in China and India, where buyers tried to secure material early to avoid any late-season shortages. Export demand for Asian fatty alcohols also stayed strong, adding another layer of pressure. With feedstock costs rising and inventories not recovering quickly, C12 fatty alcohol prices in Asia remained firm and showed a steady upward tone through the second half of the year.
Europe
In Europe, C12 fatty alcohol prices held at higher levels during H2’25, mainly because the region continued to depend on imported raw materials. Stronger upstream offers from Southeast Asia, coupled with lower exportable volumes, made procurement more expensive for European buyers. Even when shipping costs softened at moments, the relief was overshadowed by firm FOB values from origin markets. Demand from detergents, cosmetics, and other specialized applications stayed stable, so many buyers continued purchasing but in smaller batches. Because supply from overseas did not fully ease and local producers also faced cost pressure, European prices remained elevated and showed limited chance of decline throughout the period.
North America
In North America, Fatty Alcohol C-12 prices increased gradually during H2’25 as the region faced higher import costs and tight global supply. Restricted feedstock flows from Southeast Asia, along with rising offers from international sellers, kept the market firm. Although the strong US dollar helped improve buying capacity, it was not enough to balance out the global tightness. Consumption from home care, industrial cleaners, and surfactant applications stayed consistent, keeping the market stable but snug. These conditions pushed North American prices slightly higher across the second half.
Analyst Insight
According to Procurement Resource, Fatty Alcohol C-12 prices are expected to stay supported in the near term, with tight feedstocks and steady demand preventing major softening.
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Asia
In the first half of 2025, the price trend for Fatty Alcohol C-12 in Asia showed two distinct phases. During the first quarter, prices dropped significantly due to low demand and cheaper raw materials. Palm oil prices fell sharply because of high inventory levels, weaker biodiesel consumption, and currency fluctuations in Malaysia. This led to lower production costs for fatty alcohols.
In China, trading activity slowed down ahead of the Spring Festival, and buying interest remained low through February, which further dragged prices down. However, in the second quarter, the situation began to improve. Several production facilities went into maintenance, limiting supply in the market. At the same time, demand from the personal care sector remained steady, which supported the price recovery. Buyers also returned for spot purchases, and by the end of Q2, the market showed signs of a gradual rebound.
Europe
In Europe, Fatty Alcohol C-12 prices also went through a weak first quarter followed by a recovery in the second. During Q1, prices remained under pressure because of sluggish demand and high stock levels. January and February saw limited buying, as many buyers delayed orders due to ongoing economic uncertainty. The drop in palm oil prices helped ease cost pressures further. However, things started to turn around in March. Rising feedstock prices and supply concerns pushed some producers to raise their prices. In Q2, even though logistics improved slightly, the weak euro kept import costs high. Demand from the specialty chemical and biofuel sectors supported the market. Buyers mostly stuck to short-term contracts, but sentiment improved as activity picked up in specific industries.
North America
North America saw a mixed trend in Fatty Alcohol C-12 pricing during H1’25. In Q1, prices fell as demand remained weak and feedstock prices eased. High inventories and cautious purchasing behaviour kept market activity slow through January and February. But by March, the trend shifted. Input costs began to rise, and demand from key sectors like personal care and industrial applications started to grow.
In Q2, the market stabilized. Port operations and freight rates improved, which helped balance supply chains. Although some non-core sectors stayed inconsistent, the overall demand held steady, and prices managed to stay firm without large fluctuations.
C12 Fatty Alcohol is a colorless organic compound with a slight floral fragrance. Being a common irritant to the skin it is a hazard to marine life. It is available in many isomeric forms exhibiting different properties. The sulfate esters of lauryl alcohol are commonly known as surfactants and are often used in the production of detergents, shampoos, and other similar products. It is also used in the manufacturing of lubricants, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and as a food additive.
C12H26O
Surfactant, Lubricants, Cosmetics, Food Additive, Pharmaceuticals
Merck Schuchardt OHG, Jinan Haohua Industry Co., Ltd., Santa Cruz Biotechnology, Inc., East Chemical Industry Co., Ltd., Magna-Kron Corp., Seidler Chemical Co., Inc.
Dodecanol, Lauryl alcohol
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.
Fatty alcohols are produced via catalytic hydrogenation of fatty acids obtained from natural oil and fat sources primarily coconut and palm kernel oil. The fatty acid obtained is subjected to catalytic hydrogenation in presence of [RuCl2(NNHPPhPPh2)] as a catalyst. The preparation method is environmentally-friendly, and effectively reduces the production cost; the used catalyst is high in conversion rate, high in selectivity, high in catalytic efficiency, and reusable.
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