Rising U.S. demand for Korean cosmetics, fueled by retail expansion and social media, is accelerating. The category's lower price points compared with prestige skincare risk pulling down average spending in the cosmetics market as consumers shift toward more affordable options.
| Product | Region | Incoterm Basis | Price | Last Updated Month |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stearic Acid | China | FOB | USD 1,354.76/MT | June 2026 |
| Stearic Acid | USA | CFR | USD 1,509.71/MT | June 2026 |
| Stearic Acid | Germany | CIF | USD 1,476.25/MT | June 2026 |
| Stearic Acid | India | FOB | USD 1,442.76/MT | June 2026 |
| Stearic Acid | Japan | CIF | USD 1,409.76/MT | June 2026 |
| Stearic Acid | China | FOB | USD 1,472.55/MT | May 2026 |
| Stearic Acid | USA | CFR | USD 1,591.74/MT | May 2026 |
| Stearic Acid | Germany | CIF | USD 1,685.19/MT | May 2026 |
| Stearic Acid | India | FOB | USD 1,752.53/MT | May 2026 |
| Stearic Acid | Japan | CIF | USD 1,819.87/MT | May 2026 |
Stay updated with the latest Stearic Acid prices, historical data, and tailored regional analysis
Asia
Stearic Acid prices in China increased to ~RMB 8.65/kg in April and ~RMB 9.96/kg in May, showing a ~15.2% increase. The market followed palm oil and oleochemical cost movements, with higher palm-based feedstock expenses supporting producer price adjustments. Firm crude palm oil conditions increased costs for palm stearin and palm fatty acid distillate, key raw materials for stearic acid production. However, downstream buyers remained cautious and maintained lower inventories due to weak demand from rubber processing, PVC stabilisers, plastics and industrial applications. Cosmetics, personal care and surfactant applications provided some support, preventing a sharper slowdown in consumption.
Europe
Stearic Acid prices in Germany increased to ~EUR 1.19/kg in April and ~EUR 1.45/kg in the following month. European markets faced pressure from higher imported palm-based oleochemical costs, freight expenses and supply chain factors. Dependence on Asian suppliers increased exposure to raw material and logistics movements. Personal-care and cosmetic applications supported demand, while industrial sectors such as rubber, plastics and lubricants remained weaker. Higher input costs supported producer offers, but cautious purchasing limited the extent of price increases.
North America
Stearic Acid prices in the United States increased to ~USD 1,353.63/MT in April and ~USD 1,591.74/MT in May, showing a ~17.6% increase. The market followed global oleochemical trends, with imported palm-based material costs and inventory management influencing pricing. Producers faced higher freight and replacement costs, while supply remained available without major shortages. Demand from cosmetics and personal-care products remained stable, whereas rubber, plastics and industrial applications showed slower growth due to cautious purchasing and uneven downstream conditions.
Analyst Insight
According to Procurement Resource, stearic acid prices are expected to remain supported by palm oil market conditions, while limited downstream demand may restrict further price increases.
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Asia
In Asia, stearic acid prices moved upward in line with rising palm oil values, as tighter feedstock availability from major exporting regions strengthened production costs. In China, firm palm oil supply and improved demand from the food sector and routine restocking supported the oleochemical market, translating into higher stearic acid prices. In India, steady import-side purchasing and strong edible oil demand maintained bullish sentiment, as palm oil remained competitively priced compared to other vegetable oils. Additionally, downstream demand from rubber processing, personal care, and industrial applications remained stable, supporting consumption. However, price gains were moderated by cautious buying behaviour and sufficient inventory levels in some segments.
Europe
In Europe, stearic acid prices remained firm, driven primarily by strong global palm oil sentiment and constrained feedstock availability. The region relied heavily on imported palm-based feedstock, and tight supply conditions in exporting countries directly elevated production costs. Demand from key downstream sectors such as personal care, cosmetics, and industrial applications remained stable, while biofuel-linked vegetable oil demand supported the overall oleochemical chain. However, cautious procurement strategies limited sharper price escalation despite firm cost support.
North America
In North America, stearic acid prices followed a stable-to-firm trend, supported by strength in the global vegetable oils complex. Feedstock cost pressure from palm oil markets remained the dominant factor influencing pricing. Demand from end-use industries, including rubber, plastics, and personal care, remained steady, providing consistent consumption support. However, balanced supply conditions and measured purchasing behaviour prevented significant price spikes, keeping the market relatively stable compared to Asia and Europe.
Stearic Acid is a well-known saturated long-chain fatty acid with an 18-carbon backbone. Stearic Acid is found in different animal and plant fats and is a major component of cocoa butter and shea butter. In appearance, Stearic Acid is a white solid with a mild odour.
C18H36O2
Adhesives and sealant chemicals, Adsorbents and absorbents, Agricultural chemicals (non-pesticidal), Anti-adhesive agents, Corrosion inhibitors and anti-scaling agents, Curing activator and polymer, Defoamer manufacture, Fillers, Finishing agents, Fuels and fuel additives, Ingredient in rubber compound, Intermediates, Lubricants and lubricant additives, Paint additives and coating additives , Pigments, Plasticisers, Plating agents and surface treating agents, Rubber component, Sizing agent used to impart hydrophobicity to paper product
Fatty Acid C18, Octadecanoic Acid, Octadecanoic Acid, n-Octadecanoic acid
Eastman Chemical Company, BASF SE, Oleon NV, Pacific Oleochemicals Sdn Bhd, Colgate-Palmolive Company, Longyan Zhuoyue New Energy Co. Ltd.
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.
In general, the production process of Fatty Acid involves hydrolytic or lipolytic splitting (reaction with water using high pressure and temperature or enzymes) of any oil or fat to finally obtain Fatty Acid as the product.
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