News Release: July 30, 2025
1-Octadecene Price, Production, Latest News and Developments in 2025
1-Octadecene price trend and production News
The global 1-Octadecene market has experienced significant fluctuations in pricing, production shifts, and trade realignments over the last five years, shaping a new landscape in the specialty olefin segment. As of 2025, various economic and industrial factors continue to affect the 1-Octadecene price news, 1-Octadecene sales volume, and supply chain dynamics. This report provides a comprehensive review of 1-Octadecene production updates, historical price trends, quarterly pricing in 2025, and a global overview of trade movements.
1-Octadecene Price Trend in Past Five Years and Factors Impacting Price Movements (2019–2024)
From 2019 to 2024, the 1-Octadecene price trend has been significantly influenced by feedstock volatility, refinery capacity utilization rates, logistics challenges, and downstream demand from polymer and surfactant industries.
In 2019, 1-Octadecene prices hovered around $1,850/MT, buoyed by consistent demand from the lubricant and synthetic detergent sectors. The price remained stable throughout the year due to balanced production and steady demand.
In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic led to a sudden disruption in the supply chain. Shutdowns across Asia and Europe impacted 1-Octadecene production, pushing the price down to $1,420/MT by Q3 2020. Demand from automotive and cosmetics industries also declined due to economic uncertainties.
The recovery phase began in 2021, with prices gradually climbing back. Increased demand from polyethylene co-monomer applications and the revival of the global transportation sector pushed the average 1-Octadecene price to $1,960/MT by the end of the year.
In 2022, geopolitical tensions, especially the Russia-Ukraine conflict, disrupted the oil supply chain, thereby impacting ethylene availability, a key feedstock for 1-Octadecene. Prices surged to $2,350/MT in Q2 2022 before stabilizing at $2,100/MT by year-end.
2023 marked a year of rebalancing. Global capacity expansions, especially in China and South Korea, increased 1-Octadecene production output, easing supply-side pressure. Prices averaged around $1,780/MT, reflecting a more stabilized outlook.
In early 2024, crude oil price hikes and logistical delays in maritime transport created another upward shift. By December 2024, the global average 1-Octadecene price reached $2,050/MT, as manufacturers faced increased operational costs, impacting the overall 1-Octadecene price trend.
Key factors influencing 1-Octadecene price news in this period include:
- Volatility in n-olefin feedstock pricing
- Refinery closures and realignment of chemical capacity
- Increasing demand from the polyethylene, lubricant, and surfactant sectors
- Energy costs and freight rate increases
1-Octadecene Price Trend Quarterly Update in $/MT for 2025
The year 2025 began with a cautiously optimistic tone as global demand for specialty olefins showed signs of strong growth. However, price fluctuations continued based on raw material availability and downstream inventory cycles.
Q1 2025:
Average Price – $2,080/MT
The year started with firm demand from polymer industries in the US and Europe. Delays in imports from Asia led to a temporary spike in prices in North America.
Q2 2025:
Average Price – $2,020/MT
Increased local production in China and easing freight conditions resulted in slightly lower global prices. Asian markets showed improved 1-Octadecene sales volume.
Q3 2025 (Estimated):
Estimated Average Price – $2,060/MT
Expected inventory replenishment in Europe and peak seasonal production cycles in the Middle East likely to maintain price momentum.
Q4 2025 (Estimated):
Estimated Average Price – $2,090/MT
Festive demand and restocking in detergent and lubricant sectors may drive prices slightly higher toward year-end.
Global 1-Octadecene Import-Export Business Overview
The global trade landscape for 1-Octadecene has evolved significantly, influenced by shifting production centers, regional demand dynamics, and trade policies. The 1-Octadecene production network is highly concentrated, with major output coming from Asia-Pacific, North America, and parts of Western Europe.
Asia-Pacific:
China, South Korea, and Japan are among the leading producers and exporters of 1-Octadecene. With aggressive investments in petrochemical infrastructure, especially in the Chinese mainland, production capacity has expanded considerably since 2022. In 2025, China alone accounts for nearly 38% of global 1-Octadecene production. South Korea has also become a major exporter, supplying markets in Southeast Asia and North America. Exports from this region have steadily grown as Western markets look for cost-efficient suppliers.
North America:
The US remains a key consumer and exporter of 1-Octadecene. Domestic production facilities in Texas and Louisiana cater to both local and export demands. However, feedstock cost inflation has impacted profitability, occasionally limiting export volumes. Canada, though a small market, relies heavily on US imports. North American 1-Octadecene sales volume remains robust, especially in the lubricant and high-performance plastic sectors.
Europe:
Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands are crucial hubs for both production and import of 1-Octadecene. The European market emphasizes high purity olefins, often requiring more refined specifications. Imports from Asia-Pacific have increased in recent quarters due to cost competitiveness. European regulations around environmental impact and green chemistry are also influencing trade preferences, leading to increased imports of bio-based 1-Octadecene variants.
Middle East & Africa:
The Middle East, particularly Saudi Arabia and the UAE, is emerging as a new production hub. With integrated refinery-petrochemical complexes and abundant ethylene supply, regional players are scaling up exports, targeting markets in Europe, South Asia, and Africa. Trade from this region is expected to see a further rise by 2026, with ongoing infrastructure developments.
South America:
Brazil and Argentina are minor producers but significant consumers of 1-Octadecene, relying on imports from the US and Asia. Fluctuating currency values and import taxes have occasionally impacted trade volumes. Nevertheless, demand remains consistent, especially from the plastics and surfactant manufacturing sectors.
Trade Challenges and Outlook:
Despite robust trade activity, several challenges persist:
- Freight rate variability remains a risk, especially on Asia-Europe and Trans-Pacific routes
- Trade restrictions and tariffs in specific regions, notably between the US and China
- Regulatory divergence on acceptable purity levels and environmental impacts
However, ongoing digitization of trade logistics, investment in green shipping practices, and regional trade agreements (such as RCEP) are expected to enhance the efficiency of the 1-Octadecene export-import network.
As of mid-2025, global 1-Octadecene sales volume continues to rise, supported by demand from the plastics, lubricant, detergent, and chemical synthesis sectors. Trade balances are shifting toward Asia-Pacific and the Middle East as key export zones, while Europe and Latin America remain import-dominant.
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1-Octadecene Production Trends by Geography
The global production of 1-Octadecene is closely tied to the petrochemical value chain and ethylene oligomerization processes. Over recent years, the industry has seen a geographical shift in production centers due to growing demand in end-use industries and strategic investments in capacity expansion. Several countries have emerged as key players in the production of 1-Octadecene, with Asia-Pacific, North America, and Western Europe dominating the landscape.
Asia-Pacific
Asia-Pacific holds the largest share of 1-Octadecene production globally. This dominance is largely driven by China and South Korea, with Japan and India playing supporting roles. China has ramped up its petrochemical capabilities over the last decade, and major investments in ethylene and olefin production have facilitated greater volumes of 1-Octadecene. Local demand from the surfactant, lubricant, and polymer industries fuels production expansion.
South Korea’s petrochemical sector is also highly integrated, enabling cost-efficient production of linear alpha olefins including 1-Octadecene. The country not only satisfies domestic consumption but also serves as a major exporter to Southeast Asia, Europe, and the Americas. Advanced technology, refinery integration, and free-trade agreements in the region support its continued expansion.
India has recently increased its production capabilities through joint ventures and public-private initiatives. While still in a developing phase compared to China or South Korea, India is showing steady growth, primarily to serve its expanding domestic plastics and detergent sectors.
North America
The United States remains one of the leading producers of 1-Octadecene due to its strong petrochemical base, especially in Texas and Louisiana. Most of the production is derived from ethylene oligomerization, a process well established in the U.S. chemical industry. American producers focus both on high-volume and high-purity 1-Octadecene variants, meeting demands in multiple downstream applications such as synthetic lubricants, polyethylene co-monomers, and personal care products.
Canadian production is minimal, but the country plays an important role in supporting North American trade dynamics through logistical access and demand consolidation. The continent’s production benefits from consistent feedstock supply and high operational efficiency, although increasing environmental regulations may influence long-term output growth.
Western Europe
Western Europe is a significant contributor to the global 1-Octadecene market, with production concentrated in countries like Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands. These nations benefit from highly integrated chemical parks and proximity to key industrial consumers. European production is driven more by quality and specialty applications than by volume.
Environmental policies and technological innovations push manufacturers in the region to adopt cleaner production methods. Western Europe also serves as an important hub for specialty olefins used in pharmaceutical and high-end cosmetic applications.
Middle East
The Middle East is rapidly emerging as a strategic producer of 1-Octadecene, with countries like Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar investing heavily in petrochemical integration. With abundant access to low-cost feedstock and the development of advanced refinery-petrochemical complexes, the region is increasingly exporting 1-Octadecene to Africa, Asia, and Europe.
While current production is moderate, long-term projections suggest a sharp increase in output capacity, supported by government-backed industrial diversification plans and strong international partnerships.
Africa and Latin America
Africa’s production of 1-Octadecene is minimal, limited mostly to South Africa, which possesses some integrated petrochemical capacity. The region is primarily import-dependent but may see localized production projects in the future, particularly in North and West Africa.
Latin America, led by Brazil and Argentina, shows limited production activity. The majority of demand is met through imports from the U.S. and Asia. Infrastructure constraints and volatile economic conditions limit production expansion, although local downstream demand is gradually rising.
Summary of Trends
- Asia-Pacific leads in volume due to capacity expansion in China and South Korea
- North America is focused on quality and integrated large-scale production
- Europe balances specialty production with sustainability goals
- The Middle East is investing in infrastructure to become a global exporter
- Africa and Latin America remain largely import-dependent
1-Octadecene Market Segmentation
Market Segments
- By Application
- By End-Use Industry
- By Purity Level
- By Region
1. By Application
- Lubricants
- Detergents and Surfactants
- Polymer Co-monomers
- Chemical Intermediates
- Cosmetics and Personal Care
The lubricants segment is one of the dominant applications of 1-Octadecene. It is widely used in the formulation of synthetic lubricants, particularly in high-performance automotive and industrial machinery applications. Its thermal stability and lubricity characteristics make it highly effective in these roles.
Detergents and surfactants also consume significant volumes of 1-Octadecene. The compound acts as a raw material for the production of nonionic surfactants, which are widely used in household cleaning and industrial detergent formulations. Growth in global hygiene awareness and increased consumer spending on premium detergents continue to drive this segment.
Polymer co-monomers represent a growing area, where 1-Octadecene is used in the production of linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) and other specialty polymers. The flexibility and toughness imparted by 1-Octadecene make it a vital additive in plastic films and packaging materials.
In the cosmetics and personal care segment, 1-Octadecene finds application in skin conditioning agents and emulsifiers. Its compatibility with oils and actives, combined with a favorable safety profile, makes it suitable for use in creams, lotions, and serums.
2. By End-Use Industry
- Automotive
- Personal Care
- Packaging
- Chemical Manufacturing
- Textiles
The automotive industry remains a top consumer due to the growing preference for synthetic lubricants. As vehicle technologies advance and emission standards tighten, demand for efficient and long-lasting lubricants is rising, favoring the use of 1-Octadecene-based formulations.
The personal care industry’s demand is increasing steadily, especially in developing regions. With consumers opting for high-performance cosmetic products and formulations with improved textures, 1-Octadecene’s market is expanding into new subsegments such as hair serums and dermatological products.
Packaging and polymer manufacturing represent another major end-user industry. As plastic film demand grows, especially in the food and e-commerce sectors, so does the demand for polymer co-monomers like 1-Octadecene.
Chemical manufacturers use 1-Octadecene as a feedstock for specialty intermediates and catalysts. The compound’s reactivity makes it suitable for various downstream processes, including alkoxylation and polymerization.
3. By Purity Level
- High Purity (≥98%)
- Technical Grade (85–98%)
- Low Purity (<85%)
High purity grades are primarily consumed in electronics, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics applications where performance and safety standards are stringent. Technical grade is widely used in industrial lubricants and polymer manufacturing. Low purity materials are mostly directed toward intermediates and specialty chemical production.
4. By Region
- Asia-Pacific
- North America
- Europe
- Latin America
- Middle East & Africa
Asia-Pacific leads all regional segments due to volume consumption in detergents, plastics, and lubricants. North America emphasizes high-specification applications, while Europe’s market is shaped by sustainability and regulatory frameworks. Latin America and Africa are growth frontiers, driven by rising consumer demand and industrial expansion.