Surfactants are compounds that can significantly reduce the surface tension of liquids and are widely used in various fields, such as detergents, which is the largest application area for surfactants, accounting for approximately 51%. Anionic surfactants (e.g., AES, LAS) and nonionic surfactants (e.g., AEO) are commonly used in the production of washing powder, dishwashing liquid, and other products.

       In recent years, the market size of surfactants in China has been continuously expanding. According to customs data, the total export value from January to May 2025 reached $631 million. Observing the monthly data, the export value exhibited a "V"-shaped fluctuation pattern. Based on the export value in January, February and April saw month-on-month decreases of 10.5% and 5.7%, respectively, while March and May experienced month-on-month increases of 27.1% and 8.3%, respectively.

       In terms of market distribution, China's surfactant exports are mainly concentrated in Vietnam, Russia, Thailand, Indonesia, Japan, and other markets, accounting for 10.5%, 8.0%, 6.3%, 7.1%, and 6.9% of the total export value, respectively.

       From a regional perspective, Asia is the core market, accounting for 54.2% of the total export value, with Vietnam, Thailand, and Indonesia being particularly prominent. Due to Western sanctions, Russia has increased its import demand from Asia. Here, it is worth mentioning an emerging market - the United Arab Emirates (UAE). In May, surfactant exports to the UAE surged to $10.59 million, accounting for 4.72% of the total export value, partly due to the impact of infrastructure projects in the Middle East.

       Traditional markets like the United States have seen a continuous decline in export value due to tariff policies, with its market ranking dropping to 22nd place. The total export value in May decreased by 49.6% compared to January. The market shares of Germany and France are also less than 5%. At the same time, special attention should be paid to markets such as Russia and Iran, which are susceptible to fluctuations in international sanctions. Additionally, emerging markets with relatively unstable currencies, such as Argentina and Turkey, also pose certain trade risks.

       With the "dual carbon" policy and increasingly stringent environmental regulations, traditional surfactants (such as some anionic types) are facing substitution pressure, and the development of green and biodegradable products has become an inevitable trend.

       Overall, China's surfactant industry is at a critical stage of transformation from "quantity expansion" to "quality improvement." Future development requires breaking through technological bottlenecks, optimizing the industrial structure, strengthening environmental compliance, and actively expanding high-value-added application areas. Only through technological innovation, green transformation, and differentiated competition can enterprises secure a more favorable position in the global market.

       Note: The above product analysis includes cationic, nonionic, and other organic surfactants under HS Code 34024, covering HS Codes 4024100, 4024200, and 4024900.

Surfactant Trade Countries Display by International Trade Portal:

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       As China's first data company, Guomaotong provides import and export customs data for over 90 countries from 2010 to present. It can accurately analyze market distribution and transaction details of import and export enterprises online, and analyze transaction volumes, prices, and supply cycles. It offers reliable data for foreign trade enterprises and industry consulting firms.

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