SINGAPORE (ICIS) -- Asia's fatty alcohol mid-cuts prices may be near the ceiling as demand from Europe is expected to wane after October, given the looming EUDR or EU Deforestation Regulation which starts on 30 December 2024.

Meanwhile, east Asian and south Asian linear alkylbenzene (LAB) markets remained in the doldrums despite expectations of an improvement in September. The weak performance of the crude oil and upstream markets since July have weighed on sentiment and led to caution among buyers.

Limited spot availability to lend support to the mid-cuts C12-14 prices near term
Heavy fatty alcohol plant shutdown schedule in September-November in Asia
LAB market could potentially improve on upstream revival
Elevated mid-cut alcohols market could prompt switching to LAB

In this chemical podcast, ICIS editors Helen Yan and Clive Ong discuss recent market conditions with an outlook ahead in Asia.

Q&A with Ragnar Jonasson