Linear Alkyl Benzene Global Market Report 2025

The linear alkyl benzene market size has grown steadily in recent years. It will grow from $9.77 billion in 2024 to $10.1 billion in 2025 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.4%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to rising demand for the lab in detergents and cleaning products, increasing industrial applications of the lab as a surfactant, growing adoption of the lab in the production of biodegradable detergents, rising consumer preference for environmentally friendly products and increasing production capacities and technological advancements in lab manufacturing.

The linear alkyl benzene market size is expected to see steady growth in the next few years. It will grow to $12 billion in 2029 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.4%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to the growing emphasis on sustainability and eco-friendly products, increasing demand from emerging economies for cleaning products, expansion of the automotive and industrial sectors, advancements in lab production technology and efficiency and rising awareness and regulatory support for green chemicals. Major trends in the forecast period include a shift towards bio-based labs and sustainable production practices, growth in the use of labs in high-performance cleaning formulations, increased focus on product innovation and differentiation, expansion of lab applications in emerging markets, and development of new manufacturing technologies to reduce environmental impact.

The forecast of 4.4% growth over the next five years reflects a modest reduction of 0.3% from the previous estimate for this market. This reduction is primarily due to the impact of tariffs between the US and other countries. This is likely to directly affect the US by raising detergent manufacturing costs, as major supplies come from Saudi Arabia and China. The effect will also be felt more widely due to reciprocal tariffs and the negative effect on the global economy and trade due to increased trade tensions and restrictions.

The increasing demand for detergents and surfactants is projected to drive the growth of the linear alkylbenzene market in the coming years. Detergents are cleaning agents designed to eliminate dirt and grease from surfaces, typically composed of surfactants. Surfactants are compounds that lower the surface tension between liquids or between a liquid and a solid, facilitating the cleaning process by breaking down oils and grime. The rising need for detergents and surfactants is attributed to several factors, including heightened hygiene awareness, growing urbanization, increased disposable incomes, population expansion, and the demand for more effective cleaning products in both household and industrial sectors. Linear alkylbenzene serves as a crucial ingredient in the production of linear alkylbenzene sulfonate (LAS), a biodegradable and efficient cleaning agent recognized for its strong degreasing and foaming properties. For example, in June 2023, Procter & Gamble Company, a US-based consumer goods corporation, reported that net sales for fabric and home care products reached $28.37 billion in 2023, marking a 3% increase from $27.55 billion in 2022, with an 8% growth in organic sales. Consequently, the rising demand for detergents and surfactants is fueling the growth of the linear alkylbenzene market.

Key players in the linear alkylbenzene market are concentrating on developing technologically advanced products, such as sustainable LAB variants, to maintain a competitive advantage. Sustainable linear alkylbenzene products aim to reduce carbon footprints and utilize renewable raw materials, addressing the growing demand for environmentally friendly solutions in the homecare sector. For instance, in January 2023, Cepsa Química, a Spain-based chemical company, launched NextLab, the world’s first sustainable linear alkylbenzene (LAB). This new product line, tailored for the homecare market, features lower greenhouse gas emissions and incorporates renewable raw materials while delivering performance comparable to traditional linear alkylbenzene (LAB). NextLab includes three main variants, such as NextLab-R, derived from renewable resources, and NextLab-Low Carbon, which utilizes alternative energy sources during production.

In November 2023, Abu Dhabi Developmental Holding Company (ADQ), a UAE-based investment and holding entity, acquired a 35% stake in Egyptian Linear Alkyl Benzene (Elab) for an undisclosed amount. This acquisition aligns with Egypt's broader privatization program, aimed at stimulating economic growth and attracting foreign investment. Egyptian Linear Alkyl Benzene (Elab) is an Egypt-based manufacturer of linear alkylbenzene.

Linear alkyl benzene (LAB) is an organic compound primarily produced as an intermediate in the manufacture of surfactants used in detergents. It is derived from linear alkenes, which are generated through the dehydrogenation of hydrotreated kerosene and high-purity linear paraffins, or by the partial polymerization of ethylene. This process involves a subsequent reaction with benzene in the presence of a catalyst to yield linear alkyl benzenes.

The main types of linear alkylbenzene include C10-C13, C14-C17, and others, with the C10-C13 type denoting the number of carbon atoms in the alkyl chain of the LAB molecule. Sales channels for LAB include direct sales and indirect sales. Its applications encompass linear alkylbenzene sulfonates and other derivatives, serving various end-users such as homecare, industrial and institutional cleaning, among others.

Note that the outlook for this market is being affected by rapid changes in trade relations and tariffs globally. The report will be updated prior to delivery to reflect the latest status, including revised forecasts and quantified impact analysis. The report’s Recommendations and Conclusions sections will be updated to give strategies for entities dealing with the fast-moving international environment.

The escalating U.S. tariffs and rising trade tensions in spring 2025 are expected to significantly affect the chemicals sector, which is facing a disproportionate impact - particularly from tariffs on petrochemicals and intermediates, where affordable domestic alternatives are limited. Specialty chemical producers, who rely heavily on Chinese raw materials, are encountering production disruptions. Meanwhile, fertilizer manufacturers are seeing their profit margins squeezed due to tariffs on phosphate imports. In response, companies are increasing investments in R&D for bio-based alternatives, forming procurement alliances to strengthen purchasing power, and relocating production to tariff-neutral countries like Saudi Arabia.

The linear alkylbenzene market research report is one of a series of new reports that provides linear alkylbenzene market statistics, including linear alkylbenzene industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with a linear alkylbenzene market share, detailed linear alkylbenzene market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the linear alkylbenzene industry. This linear alkylbenzene market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenario of the industry.

Major companies operating in the linear alkyl benzene market are Reliance Industries Limited, Mitsui Bussan, Indian Oil Corporation Limited, BASF SE, Saudi Basic Industries Corporation, LG Chem, Cepsa Chemicals, INEOS Group, Evonik Industries, Thai Oil, Chevron Phillips Chemical Company, Ecolab Inc., Kao Chemicals, S&P Global, Eastman Chemical Company, Huntsman Corporation, Clariant International Ltd, KLK Oleo, QatarEnergy, Haldia Petrochemicals Limited, Sasol Limited, Royal Global Energy, Chemstock.

Asia-Pacific was the largest region in the linear alkyl benzene market in 2023. The regions covered in the linear alkyl benzene market report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa.

The countries covered in the linear alkyl benzene market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

The linear alkyl benzene market consists of sales of laundry detergents, dishwashing liquids, and other cleaning solutions. Values in this market are ‘factory gate’ values, that is the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD, unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.

This product will be delivered within 1-3 business days.