HS Code:
Lauryl-cetyl alcohol (C12-C16 alcohol, CAS No. 68855-56-1) is a fatty alcohol derived from natural fats and oils, primarily used as an emulsifier, emollient, and thickener in cosmetics, personal care products, and industrial applications. Classified under HS Code 3823.70.40, it falls within the category of industrial monocarboxylic fatty acids and fatty alcohols. This product is integral to industries such as skincare, haircare, and lubricants due to its surfactant properties and ability to stabilize emulsions.
Total Trade Volume
Approximately $1.2 billion USD
Data from 2022
Source
United Nations Comtrade Database and International Trade Centre (ITC)
$300 million USD
25% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
$250 million USD
21% of total trade of total trade
Stable
$200 million USD
17% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
$150 million USD
12% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
$100 million USD
8% of total trade of total trade
Stable
Average Rate
5.5% ad valorem
Highest Rate
10% (applied by certain developing countries to protect domestic industries)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements such as EU-USMCA and ASEAN)
Rising demand for natural and sustainable ingredients
Increased preference for bio-based lauryl-cetyl alcohol derived from palm oil and coconut oil, boosting trade from Southeast Asian countries like Malaysia and Indonesia.
2021-2023
Growth in personal care and cosmetics industry
Higher consumption in developed markets such as the EU and US due to expanding skincare and haircare product lines, driving import volumes.
2020-2022
Shift towards industrial applications
Growing use in lubricants and surfactants for industrial purposes, diversifying the market and increasing trade with manufacturing hubs like China.
2019-2023
The European Union's Green Deal policies have introduced stricter sustainability criteria for chemical imports, including fatty alcohols like lauryl-cetyl alcohol, pushing exporters to adopt sustainable sourcing practices.
January 2023
Potential increase in production costs for non-compliant exporters, while benefiting sustainable producers in Malaysia and Indonesia.
The United States revised tariffs on certain chemical imports under HS 3823.70.40, offering reduced rates for countries with trade agreements while maintaining higher rates for others.
March 2022
Shift in trade flows favoring exporters from allied nations, impacting competitive dynamics.
Indonesia temporarily banned palm oil exports in mid-2022, affecting the supply chain of lauryl-cetyl alcohol derived from palm oil, but lifted the ban later in the year with new export quotas.
July 2022
Short-term supply disruptions caused price volatility, but recovery in trade volumes is expected as quotas stabilize.