Triethanolamine (TEA) markets posted varied performance across major world terminals for the week through to October 24, 2025, with Malaysia FOB Klang prices rising by 1.14% week-on-week while other markets were generally flat or weakened. The increase in Malaysia was driven by optimism and not by a change in fundamentals as traders raised offers in view of declining spot availability, though there were no significant interruptions to supplies or regulations.
In Malaysia, the move was sentiment driven. Market participants viewed no actionable constraints in supply, demand, or external influences, but perceptions of potential tightness in local spot availability were enough to propel the Triethanolamine market higher. But this bullish momentum was partially negated by firm feedstock availabilities—ethylene oxide and aqueous ammonia—to the Gebeng ethanolamines complex, combined with firm utilities and unchanged ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA) tariffs. All of these serve to keep costs of production level and regional supply firm, suggesting the Triethanolamine price hike is more likely short-lived unless supported by actual spikes in demand or logistical unavailability.
Triethanolamine CFR Busan prices in South Korea remained steady for the week. Market fundamentals remained in equilibrium—with firm availability, logistics, energy cost, and inventories. On the other hand, downstream cement additives, surfactants, and metal-working fluids industries remained flat, sustaining steady offtake, offering minimal incentives to market players for making changes in spot indications. External influences such as financial instability, currency movements, and regulatory action were quiet, underpinning a neutral market tone. Triethanolamine prices are expected to remain range-bound for next week unless something unforeseen happens.
Saudi Arabia's Triethanolamine FOB Al Jubail prices also stayed flat. Reliable ship rotations ensured stable schedules for loading, and detergent, agrochemical, and corrosion-inhibitor market demand was consistent. No new capacity shifts or inventory fluctuations were observed. Prices will continue to be flat as long as fundamentals are balanced, unless disrupted by import delays or by currency flows.
On the other hand, the U.S. Gulf Coast had a 2.67% reduction in Triethanolamine FOB Texas prices. The bearishness was driven by strong feedstock supplies and high inventory. Ethylene oxide and aqueous ammonia supplies remained uninterrupted, with 4–6 weeks of feedstock cover and 30–45 days of finished goods on hand.
Meanwhile, European Triethanolamine prices (FD Genoa) were steady, as muted demand and surplus supply kept market momentum in line.
As per ChemAnalyst, the Triethanolamine market is expected to see prices firm modestly in Malaysia as traders monitor feedstock continuity and surprise offtake from surfactant or cement additive markets. South Korean and Saudi Arabian prices should be range-bound, supported by balanced fundamentals, stable inventory, and cyclic vessel rotations. The U.S. Gulf Coast will, meanwhile, continue to see Triethanolamine price erosion in the event of recent inventory surpluses persisting and without new cost or policy drivers. In Europe, muted demand and ample supply portend more price inertia unless downstream markets show an uptrend.
