In China, Dimethylamine (DMA) prices rose slightly from late January 2026. Some of the DMA price change came about as a result of demand caused by buying behavior before the Spring Festival and only marginal changes within the total price of related chemicals caused upward pressure on DMA prices. Overall, the market conditions remained very cautious.
From the feedstock front, Ammonia supply has remained plentiful from an agricultural perspective in all of the key producing areas. Northern China’s production levels have remained stable with consistent production levels being reported by Shandong and Hebei ammonia manufacturers. Ammonia availability has also been additionally enhanced through the restart of production at plants in Anhui and Jiangsu. Although emissions tests have caused some production reductions within parts of Shaanxi, through continued influxes into the northwest portion of China and Inner Mongolia from alternative sources, no reasonable cost push upward exists for DMA manufacturers due to lower inflows.
Regarding methanol fundamentals, even methanol fundamentals couldn't offer any lasting upward support. The Chinese methanol sector has been challenged by a significant supply/demand imbalance. Operating rates across the industry were still above 78 per cent and inventories at Chinese ports were still at high levels, causing pressure on methanol prices. Despite these headwinds, DMA prices edged higher modestly in H2 January due to short-term replenishment activity by downstream buyers aiming to secure cargoes before logistics disruptions linked to the Spring Festival.
From a demand perspective, weakness remained widespread throughout the DMA downstream consumption landscape with the agrochemical/pharmaceutical buyers maintained an inventory strategy of purchasing based on their needs only, while industrial demand was subdued due outside owners decreased rates of operation at premises where chemicals were manufactured. Spot limitations continued to affect overall demand for DMA as well as the overall demand from the DMA supply chain tended to be cautious due to seasonal shutdowns and production cuts as we entered into a holiday timeframe.
As per the Chemanalyst anticipations, DMA prices are expected to showcase stable to bearishness in the upcoming sessions. Ample ammonia and methanol supply, coupled with weak industrial and agricultural demand, is likely to cap any upside potential. Market participants are expected to lower the bidding for the inventory’s accumulations due to which the DMA prices are expected the stable to bearish trend in near term.
