Vietnam surfactants market Size, Share, Growth Drivers, Trends, Opportunities & Forecast 2025–2030

Vietnam Surfactants Market Overview

• The Vietnam Surfactants Market is valued at USD 1.1 billion, based on a five-year historical analysis. Market growth is primarily driven by the rising demand for personal care and household cleaning products, as well as the expansion of industrial sectors. The increasing urban population and heightened awareness of hygiene and cleanliness, particularly in metropolitan areas, have further accelerated market expansion. Rapid urbanization and infrastructure development are also propelling demand for surfactants in cleaning agents and industrial formulations, reflecting broader Asia-Pacific trends toward higher consumption of surfactant-based products in urban settings .
• Key cities such as Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi continue to dominate the Vietnam Surfactants Market due to their high population density and rapid urbanization. These urban centers serve as major manufacturing hubs and consumer bases, driving demand for surfactants across personal care, household cleaning, and industrial cleaning applications. The concentration of production facilities and distribution networks in these cities supports robust market activity .
• In 2023, the Vietnamese government introduced regulatory measures promoting the use of eco-friendly surfactants, encouraging manufacturers to adopt sustainable practices and reduce the environmental impact of their products. The “National Technical Regulation on Chemicals Used in Industrial Cleaning Products, QCVN 51:2023/BCT,” issued by the Ministry of Industry and Trade, sets mandatory standards for surfactant composition, biodegradability, and labeling requirements, aligning with global sustainability trends and supporting the adoption of bio-based surfactants in Vietnam .

Vietnam Surfactants Market Segmentation

By Type:The surfactants market in Vietnam is segmented into Anionic Surfactants, Cationic Surfactants, Nonionic Surfactants, Amphoteric Surfactants, Bio-based Surfactants, and Others. Anionic Surfactants remain the most widely used type due to their strong cleaning efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and compatibility with detergent formulations. Cationic Surfactants are increasingly utilized in personal care products for their conditioning and antimicrobial properties. The demand for Bio-based Surfactants is rising, driven by consumer preference for sustainable, biodegradable, and low-toxicity ingredients in both household and personal care products .

By Application:Surfactants in Vietnam are applied across Household Cleaning, Personal Care, Industrial & Institutional Cleaning, Agricultural Chemicals, Oilfield Chemicals, Food Processing, Pharmaceuticals, and Others. The Household Cleaning segment holds the largest share, driven by sustained demand for detergents, dishwashing liquids, and all-purpose cleaners. Personal Care applications—including shampoos, body washes, and skincare—represent a significant and rapidly growing portion of the market, reflecting evolving consumer preferences for hygiene and grooming. Industrial & Institutional Cleaning, as well as Agricultural and Oilfield Chemicals, also contribute notably to overall market demand .

Vietnam Surfactants Market Competitive Landscape

The Vietnam Surfactants Market is characterized by a dynamic mix of regional and international players. Leading participants such as Unilever Vietnam, Procter & Gamble Vietnam, BASF Vietnam Co., Ltd., Dow Chemical Vietnam LLC, Clariant (Vietnam) Ltd., Evonik Vietnam Co., Ltd., Kao Vietnam Co., Ltd., Huntsman Vietnam Co., Ltd., Solvay Vietnam Co., Ltd., Croda Vietnam Co., Ltd., AkzoNobel Vietnam, Wilmar CLV (Vietnam) Co., Ltd., AAK Vietnam Co., Ltd., Eastman Chemical Vietnam Co., Ltd., Oxiteno Vietnam Co., Ltd., LIX Detergent Joint Stock Company, Net Detergent Joint Stock Company, Sai Gon Petrochemical Joint Stock Company contribute to innovation, geographic expansion, and service delivery in this space.

Vietnam Surfactants Market Industry Analysis

Growth Drivers

• Increasing Demand from Personal Care Products:The personal care segment in Vietnam is projected to reach approximately $3.5 billion in future, driven by a growing middle class and rising disposable incomes. The demand for surfactants in this sector is fueled by the increasing popularity of skincare and haircare products, which are expected to grow at a rate of 8% annually. This trend is supported by the World Bank's report indicating GDP growth in Vietnam is forecasted to be between 6.6% and 6.8%, enhancing consumer spending on personal care.
• Growth in Household Cleaning Products:The household cleaning products market in Vietnam is anticipated to exceed $1.2 billion in future, reflecting a significant increase in urbanization and changing lifestyles. With over 70% of households using cleaning products regularly, the demand for effective surfactants is surging. The Vietnam National Administration of Tourism reported a 10% increase in urban population, further driving the need for cleaning solutions and surfactants in this sector.
• Expansion of the Textile Industry:Vietnam's textile industry, valued at approximately $39 billion, is expected to grow significantly, contributing to the demand for surfactants. The sector's growth is supported by the government’s initiatives to boost exports, with a target of $50 billion in future. This expansion is crucial as surfactants are essential in textile processing, enhancing fabric quality and performance, thus driving their demand in the market.

Market Challenges

• Regulatory Compliance Issues:The surfactants market in Vietnam faces significant regulatory compliance challenges, particularly concerning environmental standards. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment has implemented stringent regulations, requiring manufacturers to adhere to specific chemical safety and environmental protection laws. Non-compliance can lead to fines exceeding $100,000, impacting operational costs and market entry for new players, thus hindering overall market growth.
• Price Volatility of Raw Materials:The surfactants industry is heavily reliant on raw materials such as petrochemicals, which have experienced price fluctuations of up to 30% in the past year. This volatility is primarily due to global supply chain disruptions and geopolitical tensions affecting oil prices. Such instability poses a significant challenge for manufacturers in Vietnam, as it directly impacts production costs and profit margins, complicating pricing strategies in a competitive market.

Vietnam Surfactants Market Future Outlook

The Vietnam surfactants market is poised for significant transformation, driven by increasing consumer demand for sustainable and eco-friendly products. As the government emphasizes green initiatives, manufacturers are likely to invest in biodegradable surfactants and innovative formulations. Additionally, the rise of e-commerce platforms is expected to reshape distribution channels, allowing companies to reach a broader audience. This evolving landscape presents opportunities for growth, particularly in the personal care and household cleaning sectors, aligning with global sustainability trends.

Market Opportunities

• Development of Biodegradable Surfactants:The increasing consumer preference for environmentally friendly products presents a significant opportunity for manufacturers to develop biodegradable surfactants. With the market for green products projected to grow by 15% annually, companies investing in sustainable formulations can capture a larger market share and enhance brand loyalty among eco-conscious consumers.
• Increasing Investment in R&D:The Vietnamese surfactants market is witnessing a surge in research and development investments, with funding expected to reach $50 million in future. This investment will facilitate innovation in product formulations and enhance competitive advantage. Companies focusing on R&D can develop specialized surfactants tailored to local market needs, driving growth and improving product efficacy.