The Tetra Acetyl Ethylene Diamine (TAED) price in China is anticipated to have decreased marginally by 0.4% in December 2025 on account of falling detergent demand, rise by 1.4% in January 2026 with the demand picking up after the new year holiday, and hold steady in February 2026 during the Lunar New Year.
The China TAED market was stable in November 2025 with the prices up by 2.1% due to the stable demand from the detergent manufacturers. But the producer prices by industry decreased year-on-year by 2.2%, due to the average domestic demand and retail sales growth fell short of expectation by a mere 1.3%. However, TAED producers were able to keep prices stable, supported by strong exports and continued buying by laundry detergent manufacturers. Feedstock Acetic acid prices for the fell 2.6% in the month, easing the cost pressure for TAED producers.
This month, TAED prices have probably fallen a little by 0.4% as a result of year-end slowdowns. Detergent makers have held their buying as the holidays cut consumer spending, with retail fatigue persisting since the average performances in November. Domestic supply remains ample as producers run at high rates of capacity despite a moderate level of consumption—similar to the Q3 scenario in which TAED prices rose 4% on the draw down of inventories now facing downward revision. Exports to regional buyers slow, as buyers from overseas postpone their orders to January, dampening sentiments in the TAED market even more.
However, prices will be up 1.4% in January 2026 mainly on account of downstream resumption after holidays. Detergent plants will increase their production pace to restock, keeping in step with historical post-festive surges of laundry product demand specific to this time. So, TAED producers are likely to change their production rates to respond to a growth in demand whilst feedstock acetic acid prices are anticipated to rise by 1.2% further support margins. A recovery in exports may also support TAED flows as shipments outside the US are expected to benefit from November’s strong performance.
Yet, TAED prices are forecasted to be flat during February 2026, coinciding with Lunar New Year holidays. Domestic demand will stabilize as festivities halt routine detergent manufacturing, though institutional laundry sectors may show steady demand. Producers are likely to maintain their operating rates, ensuring supply reliability, while international buyers would uphold their purchases amid potential growth in TAED usage in other various downstream applications. In addition, feedstock Acetic acid prices are predicted to decrease by 1.5%, offering cost relief that affects any upside risks for TAED.
Overall, the TAED market in China is likely to be overcoming average business conditions before getting set to be stable through Q1 2026. Downstream detergent industry dynamics, strongly connected to China's changing consumer trends and export stability, will support this growth trajectory, with adequate supply preventing any potential sharp changes in TAED prices.
