For the Quarter Ending March 2024
North America
During the first quarter of 2024, the Dimethylamine market in North America encountered some obstacles. Various factors influenced the market dynamics during this period. Overall, Dimethylamine supply remained steady. However, there was a decline in demand, particularly from the Agrochemical and Rubber and Plastic sectors. On the other hand, the Pharma and Personal Care sectors experienced positive growth in demand.
As per the price actions its being indicated that the continuous buying activities from the market participants has cumulatively resulted into shift towards destocking of the inventories due to which this quarter witnessed continuous decline in the price. However, in the feedstock market, the price trend of Ammonia witnessed a decline in price in contrast Methanol witnessed an upturn.
In the United States, which had the most significant impact on the North American Dimethylamine market, the price of Dimethylamine during the first quarter of 2024 declined by 16.99% compared to the same quarter in the previous year. The price for Dimethylamine in the USA during this period was USD 2950/MT Del USGC marking a decline of 8.38% from Q3 2023.
APAC
During the first quarter of 2024, the Dimethylamine (DMA) market in the APAC region remained steady. The supply of DMA was moderate to high, and there was lower demand from sectors such as pharmaceuticals, personal care, and Dyes & Pigments sector from the Indian market.
However, China, which experienced significant price fluctuations, faced a decline in demand from the agrochemical, pharmaceutical and other respective sectors. This led to suppliers destocking their inventory, resulting in a bearish market throughout the quarter. Compared to the same quarter in the previous year, prices declined by 31.46%. In the current quarter, there was a further decrease of 10.60% from the previous quarter due to lower demand after the holidays.
However in the feedstock market the price of the feedstock particularly Methanol and Ammonia also witnessed continuous declining trend this quarter which has majorly impacted the price of the DMA in the respective period. Despite these challenges, the latest price for Dimethylamine FOB-Dalian in China in the current quarter is USD 734/MT.
Europe
In the European region, Dimethylamine prices are experiencing a notable decline amidst downturns in key sectors. The agrochemical, pharmaceutical, and rubber and polymer industries are all witnessing downward trends, indicating reduced demand for Dimethylamine. This decline in demand has prompted suppliers to engage in destocking activities, further exacerbating the downward price trend. At present, Dimethylamine prices are on a declining trajectory, reflecting the broader market dynamics and challenges faced by various sectors.
With these industries experiencing downturns, the need for Dimethylamine diminishes, leading to excess supply and downward pressure on prices. Additionally, decreases in Methanol and ammonia feedstock prices further contribute to the decline in Dimethylamine prices.
The Supply chain issues appear to be diminishing by the end of this quarter. Manufacturers are shaking off the supply chain disruptions caused by Houthi attacks in the Red Sea. Overall, the current market conditions in the European region indicate a challenging environment for Dimethylamine, with prices continuing to decline amidst weakened demand and favorable feedstock conditions.
For the Quarter Ending December 2023
North America
In USA, the price of Dimethylamine witnessed an incline trend in US market due to price healthy market trend among the suppliers. The incline in the price is attributed to the favourable fluctuation in the price of Methanol and Ammonia have not made an sharp uptick on either side. The market generated a huge demand of Dimethylamine from US market due to which exports surged in the respective month.
The increase in the freight charges at the respective routes, the tension between middle east and the Panama Canal low level issue also contributed to surge in price in the US market. The manufacturing PMI data during this month also witnessing a notable increase due to restructuring of the US economy from past few quarters. The Dimethylamine supply is on a downward trend, primarily due to the high prices set by the USA, which diverge from the overall fluctuations in feedstock markets and industrial demands in the Pharma, Textile, Detergent, Dyes and Pigments and other miscellaneous sectors.
Traders continue bidding, reflecting a consistent market trend. This outlook signals a positive sentiment and potential growth for Triethylamine demand. As of this quarter the price of the Dimethyl Amine in USA concluded at 3220 USD/MT DOTP – Del USGC marking an incline of 2.54%.
APAC
As of 4th Quarter 2024, Dimethyl Amine market in APAC majorly China has experienced a decline in prices. This can be attributed, in part, to the cost support provided by favorable feedstock market conditions, including the prices of Ammonia and Methanol in the domestic market has not made any sharp momentum throughout the month. Key players in the amines industry are making significant capital expenditures (CAPEX) to expand their operations, aiming to reduce import dependency on China. Lower Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) data for this month indicates a decrease in industrial production within the domestic market. This multifaceted analysis provides insights into the several factors influencing the Dimethyl Amine market in China. The bearishness is attributed to the sufficient availability of inventories in major industries, leading to muted fresh biddings from suppliers for accumulations. At the end of this quarter the price of Dimethylamine concluded at 821 USD/MT FOB - Dalian marking a decline of 3.41%.
Europe
In the current quarter, Germany has witnessed a surge in the price of Dimethyl Amine. The economic landscape remains uncertain, influenced by both the existing interest rate policy and escalating geopolitical risks. Notably, major industries in Germany grapple with challenges arising from the upward trajectory of raw material prices, impacting both demand and profit margins.
The uptrend in the manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) indicates a growth spurt in industrial activities and an increased demand from end-users this month. In terms of the downstream market, Dimethyl Amine commands significant demand in Germany, particularly in vital sectors such as surfactants, fertilizers, pharmaceuticals, and various miscellaneous industries.
The apparent cessation of Chinese inventory dumping, coupled with an uptick in domestic chemical production, has resulted in heightened demand from domestic manufacturers and downstream markets, indicating a favorable trend for production growth. As of the current quarter, the price of Dimethyl Amine in Europe particularly Germany concluded at 3450 USD/MT FOB-Hamburg, representing a notable 6.15% increase.
For the Quarter Ending September 2023
North America
In the United States region, the Dimethylamine (DMA) market underwent a general downward trend throughout the third quarter of 2023. Prices fluctuated over the course of the quarter. At the beginning of Q3, the US DMA market experienced a noticeable dip in pricing. This was primarily due to changing demand patterns in downstream sectors like textiles and rubber, which made market participants more cautious. The constant influx of DMA material from manufacturing units led to an oversupply of the product. Initial weak demand from these downstream industries was the key driver, without factoring in the influence of a weak PMI index. The reduction in manufacturing activities and industrial output led to reduced demand for DMA from these sectors. However, as the third quarter progressed, the DMA market witnessed an upswing in prices, marking a departure from the previous declining trend. This price surge was fueled by an increase in demand from the local Surfactant & Detergent and pharmaceutical sectors. Notably, the market saw a remarkable uptick in trading activities within the past month. Additionally, an increase in freight charges due to disruptions in the Panama Canal played a significant role. These disruptions in shipping led to higher logistics and transportation costs, further affecting market dynamics. Rising feedstock prices, such as Ammonia and Methanol, contributed to increased production costs for DMA, solidifying the upward price trend during this period. In summary, the DMA market in the US experienced fluctuations in pricing during Q3, with a shift towards an upward trend as the quarter progressed.
APAC
In the Asia-Pacific region, the Chinese Dimethylamine (DMA) market saw an upward price trend during the third quarter of 2023. At the start of Q3, demand from disinfectant and textile industries, both domestically and globally, remained moderate. However, supply chain disruptions due to insufficient stockpiles had a significant impact, causing challenges in meeting the needs of downstream industries. Suppliers faced a surge in inquiries for the product, a departure from historically weak figures. This increased demand, coupled with supply constraints, contributed to the price increase. Moving further into Q3, DMA prices continued to exhibit a bullish trend, driven by a surge in demand from downstream agrochemical and refrigeration industries. Additionally, the price trend of its feedstock, Ammonia, further supported the cost structure of Dimethylamine in the market. As the last month of Q3 approached, the DMA market remained saturated, but it encountered hurdles in gaining positive momentum. Downstream industries like Agriculture and Rubber and tire industries adopted a cautious approach in the market. However, stability in its feedstock, Ammonia, and Methanol also contributed to maintaining a stable price trend for the material. Overall, the Chinese DMA market experienced an incline in pricing during the third quarter, with variations in demand and supply dynamics.
Europe
In the European region, the Dimethylamine (DMA) market experienced an overall declining trend during the third quarter of 2023, although it exhibited a mixed pattern over the course of the quarter. As the first month of Q3 began, the European DMA market witnessed a significant downturn in its pricing. The downstream sectors, including textiles and rubbers, demonstrated fluctuating demand patterns, leading to a cautious approach within the market. The persistent inflow of DMA material from various domestic and international sources resulted in an oversupply of the product. The market initially faced weaker demand, further compounded by the weakened Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) and rising recessionary fears. Reduced manufacturing activities and industrial output contributed to the decreased demand for DMA from these sectors. However, as the third quarter progressed, the DMA market took a noteworthy upswing, deviating from the previous descending price trend. This surge in DMA prices was primarily attributed to an amplified demand originating from the local Surfactant and, detergent and pharmaceutical sectors. Remarkably, there was a considerable surge in trading activities within the market over the past month. Furthermore, the escalation in crude oil prices and the prices of its feedstocks, Ammonia and Methanol, played a pivotal role in driving up the production costs of DMA. These factors collectively contributed to the increase in DMA prices in the European market.
For the Quarter Ending June 2023
North America
The prices of DMA plummeted in the USA market during Q2 of 2023 at USD 3083/ton DOTP Del USGC IN June, as per market team data. The market price of PMI depletes in the USA market at 48.4, and the market witnessed a decrease in the market value of the USA, primarily driven by weak demand from the downstream rubber and textiles industry. This demand fall contributed to prices' stability and downward momentum, benefiting from favorable market conditions. As the downstream demand fell, the prices of DMA gained downward momentum and remained weak. The market fundamentals, including weak rubber and drug industry demand, supported this price weakness. The decreasing demand for DMA has prompted stockpiling activities as production rates fall to meet the market needs. However, supply constraints have affected the product's availability, leading to a decrease in inventory levels. This imbalance between demand and supply has impacted market sentiments in the North American market. Over the last seven days, the Pharma industry has dropped 2.3%, driven by a pullback from Eli Lilly of 5.6%. In contrast, Teva Pharmaceutical Industries has gained 8.5%. Over the last year, the industry has been flat overall. As for the next few years, earnings are expected to grow by 14% per annum. Over the last seven days, the Textile industry has dropped 1.0%, driven by pullbacks from every company within the industry. However, the industry is down 29% over the past year. Earnings are forecast to grow by 111% annually.
Asia
The prices of DMA plunged in the Asian market to USD 888/ton FOB Dalian during the second quarter of 2023 in May, as per market team data. Factors influencing this change can be attributed to reduced quantities of ammonia, leading to alterations in market sentiments amongst those involved in the industry. Consequently, manufacturers encountered difficulties achieving efficient production capacity usage coupled with stagnant interest expressed by the rubber and textile sectors in purchasing goods. Companies chose to adapt their strategies according to prevailing conditions, with several instances highlighting notable declines in more premium forms of DMA. The prices of DMA depleted in the Chinese market and the production cost depleted, and the CPI ranged at 0.2%, and the Chinese producer prices plunged the most in seven years as deflation hung over the economy. The prices of feedstock Methanol and Ammonia also fell, impacting the market sentiments of the product. The supply chain situation remained moderate in the Chinese market, and the inventory of the product was rising as per the regional situation within the market. In the last week, coordination has been flat, and as for the longer term, the industry has declined 15% in the last year.
Europe
The market price of DMA plunged in the European market, starting at USD 3744/ton FOB Hamburg in April, as recorded in the second quarter of 2023. The production costs of manufacturing DMA plunged in the German market, followed by lowering demand from downstream rubber, textiles, drugs, and other chemicals, impacting the market sentiments of DMA. The market value of DMA was depleted in the German market as per the fall in the production cost of feedstock Trimethyl N-oxide manufacturing. The operating rates of tracking global peers are higher amid bets that Germany's interest rates could be nearing their peak as the European economy loses momentum. The supply chain situation in the German market remained moderate, and the investors are pessimistic in the region, indicating that their anticipated long-term growth rates in the coordination industry are lower than historically. The inventory level of DMA elevated amongst the traders and the merchants as per market team data and the stock of feed Ammonia and other Alcohol used in the raw materials.
For the Quarter Ending March 2023
North America
In Q1 2023, the US market witnessed an increase in the price of Dimethyl Amine (DMA) owing to heightened demand from downstream industries such as automobiles and construction. The semiconductor industry also played a significant role in driving up the price of DMA, as the compound is utilized as a reducing agent in the production of semiconductors like gallium arsenide and indium phosphide. Between January and February, the value of DMA rose by approximately 3% and 1%, respectively, before declining by roughly 3% in March. The decline in prices during March was primarily due to a decrease in feedstock Ammonia prices, which fell by 9% during this period, thus further influencing price trends. Ultimately, the price of DMA in the US market at the end of the quarter hovered around USD 3554/MT.
APAC
During the first quarter of 2023, the Asian market witnessed a decline in the price of Dimethyl Amine (DMA) due to the plentiful availability of the product in the region, despite low demand. In India, the price of DMA declined by approximately 24%, 20%, and 8%, respectively, over the three months, as a result of the continuously falling price of feedstock Ammonia in the market. Furthermore, the low buying interest for the product in the global market affected pricing dynamics during this quarter. Similarly, in other Asian countries such as China, the price of DMA also experienced a decrease due to the ease of product availability and low demand from overseas, ultimately affecting the overall price of the product under the influence of global price trends. However, in China, the price of DMA increased by 1% in February under the influence of improving economic activities. In January and March, the prices declined by approximately 1% and 10%, respectively, due to the decreased prices of feedstock Ammonia and low buying interest from overseas countries.
Europe
In Q1 of 2023, the European market experienced a drop in the demand for Calcium Chloride from the construction sector, despite the high supply in the region. This scenario led to an increase in the price of Calcium Chloride in the European market during Q1 of 2023. In the Netherlands, the price of Calcium Chloride (74-77% Tech Grade) FD Rotterdam declined by approximately 4%, 3.6%, and 3.7% in the first quarter of 2023, respectively, due to the decreased price of feedstock Calcium Carbonate. The price of Calcium Carbonate declined by approximately 8% and 7% in February and March. Moreover, high living costs and an increased inflation rate across Europe served as a secondary reasons for this downfall. The high inflation rate and cost of living resulted in reduced demand for the product, as businesses were compelled to increase their prices in response to the high cost of production. This, in turn, further diminished demand for the product.
For the Quarter Ending December 2022
North America
In Q4 2022, the price of Dimethyl Amine in the USA surged in Oct and Nov in the wake of insufficient product availability and higher netback among the major manufacturers. However, towards the end of the quarter, market fundamentals declined, and suppliers were trading as per the requirement from the downstream enterprises. Low inventories among the ports and rising product demand forced the producers to revise the price trend for the domestic market. The operating cost of Dimethyl Amine among enterprises increased, and increasing demand further strengthened the price trend. With higher netbacks and increasing profitable sales and revenue, there was no room for the price cut this quarter.
Asia Pacific
This quarter, the market fundamentals of Dimethyl Amine increased when compared with the previous quarter. An inadequate stock among ports and limited manufacturing facilities this quarter prompted a cost surge. As indicated by buyer needs, the limited stock was obtained from end-user enterprises with warily operating manufacturing units. The inventory of Dimethyl Amine stayed limited, and makers were pressurized to fulfill the market fundamentals. The Cosmetic and Dyes industry was largely elevated by bullish demand and high purchasing appetite. The end-user industry worked their plants cautiously in accordance with the buyer's requirements. In Dec, the price of Dimethyl Amine in China slipped to USD 1186/ton FOB Dalian.
Europe
In Q4 2022, the trading fundamentals among the enterprises declined due to weak trading fundamentals and limited purchasing activities. Major Dimethyl Amine producers in the region revised the prices for the overseas suppliers due to product oversupplies and declining netbacks among the enterprises. Due to low trading fundamentals and sufficient product stock, the downstream textile and cosmetic industries remain feeble. Lower future settlements and a decline in energy prices resulted in eased production costs among the downstream ventures. Apart from that, slumping freight rates, piling stocks among the ports, and lower netbacks in Europe remain major factors for weak market fundamentals.
For the Quarter Ending September 2022
North America
In the third quarter of 2022, the market of Dimethyl Amine displayed a downtrend because of adequate item accessibility and deterred buying for new stocks. Diminished export volumes and overflooding inventories added to this sharp decrease on the lookout. Deteriorating demand from downstream agrochemicals and cosmetics enterprises slumps overall interest. Because of limited demand in the local market, suppliers in the territorial market were keen to reduce their excess inventories, bringing about a Dimethyl Amine cost decline across the US. The significant Dimethyl Amine producers amended their costs as low purchasing activities constrained them to offer discounts to clear their current stocks.
Asia Pacific
This quarter, the market of Dimethyl Amine surged in the succeeding months due to strong market sentiments and high purchasing activity. Significant manufacturing units tried to increase their production rate with low inventories among the ports, but high raw materials and strong downstream ventures kept the price elevated. In Sept, the cost of Dimethyl Amine in China surged to USD 1165/ton FOB Dalian. Intense intensity waves, falling stream levels, and droughts in China's southwestern territories have restricted hydroelectric power, influencing Petrochemical ventures. The Dimethyl Amine price trends remain elevated due to the uncertainty in the market amidst supply chain disruptions and the massive demand from the downstream industries.
Europe
In Q3 2022, the cost of Dimethyl Amine in the European region declined with stifled demand and high local inventories. This quarter, upstream Methanol and Amine have been traded lower on frail product futures and compelled pricing across Europe than other manufacturing regions. Market sentiments remained dampened on low Dimethyl Amine demand and ample stocks with the local traders. The market fundamentals stayed intermittent for the Amine market in the European market, given declining demand from the downstream sector, including agrochemicals and paint ventures. Because of oversupplies, spot costs of Dimethyl Amine likewise fell, and the suppliers were buying the product according to the necessity from the downstream endeavors.
For the Quarter Ending June 2022
North America
In Q2 2022, the costs of Methyl Amine highly surged, and the demand interest was robust compared with the previous quarter. Feedstock Ammonia and Methane cost likewise surged because of sound interest in the region and bullish interest from the downstream market. The commodities of Dimethyl Amine from the United States to Asian and European areas expanded. In this second quarter, speeding up demand for Dimethyl Amine in dyes and cleaning ventures set to help the market development. However, the costs slipped towards the end of June with oversupplies of items which dialed back the exchanging exercises and expanded inventories among the undertakings. Logistics constraints and rising cargo costs remained the central concern for providers trading abroad.
Asia Pacific region
In this quarter, the cost of Methyl Amine surged with succeeding months. Strong market fundamentals and lacking product accessibility brought about such a cost pattern. The fluctuations in the price trend were due to accelerating production costs and surging operating costs. Upstream Methanol costs sneaked throughout the quarter, but sound interest from downstream pharma and agricultural businesses kept the costs firm. Plant turnaround in the region and constraint supply regulated the market. Traders were keen on bulk purchasing, disturbing supply/demand essentials. Exports of Amine compounds from China and India toward the Southeast Asian region flooded this quarter as close inventory supports trading exercises.
Europe
The cost of Dimethyl Amine surged in the second quarter of 2022 with insufficient product accessibility and deflected the market fundamentals from the downstream end. The European region, the significant exporter of Dimethyl Amine, encountered an upward cost with expanding cargo charges because of the Russia-Ukraine war. Growing demand from downstream dyes, the cleaning compound market, and low inventories in the production endeavors further lift Amine compounds' costs. This surging trading activity made the product's cost sound in Q2 2022. However, margins and sales for Dimethyl Amine producers expanded toward the end of the quarter as the supply remained impacted and the end user's requests flooded.
For the Quarter Ending March 2022
North America
In North America, the price of Dimethyl amine remained surged throughout the quarter. Prices remained up trended by the strong trading activities and showcased healthy demand among the producers. Feedstock Methane prices remained robust as the impact of Russia-Ukraine conflict impacted the market of crude oil and Natural Gas which added the new downward pressure to dyes enterprises driven by constraints supply in the US Petrochemical market. Dimethyl amine inventories continued to fall with succeeding months of Q1 2022 and raised the prices as result. Downstream agricultural and dyes industries were heard to operate moderately with low inventories, but the demand fell towards the end of the quarter with increased production rates among the producers. In US, the price of Dimethyl Amine during March was observed to be USD 1530/ton CFR Texas.
Asia Pacific
In Asia Pacific region, the prices of Dimethyl amine surged with succeeding months of the quarter. Bullish feedstock Methane and amine offtakes have continued to put higher pressure on Dimethyl amine prices in the domestic market. Imports that were delayed amid surging Russia-Ukraine conflict contributed to the price increase. Demand from downstream sectors such as dyes and pesticides industries has been strong, with direct effects on prices. New cargoes arrived on comparatively higher cost due to anticipated scarcity in future months. Furthermore, crude oil cost and weakness in rupee against dollar also exacerbated the overall price trend in Indian market. In India, the price of Dimethyl Amine during March was observed to be USD 1205/ton Ex-Depot Mumbai.
Europe
In Q1 2022, the prices of Dimethyl amine remained robust with increase in demand and surging production cost. Surging production cost and affecting operating rates in European market has induced uncertainties across global market, which has provided opportunity to traders to raise their offers. Exports from UK and Germany remained volatile throughout the quarter as the production units were affected. Logistics constraints and transportation issue remained concerned for the overseas suppliers. The consumption of Butyraldehyde in dyes and pesticides increased with increase in the prices. In Germany, the price of Dimethyl amine during March was observed to be USD 1850/ton FD Hamburg.
For the Quarter Ending December 2021
North America
In North America, there was a decrease in the market price of Dimethyl Amine due to the low prices of methanol which is the raw material for the manufacturing of Dimethyl amine. low methanol prices were bolstered by low demand in the domestic downstream industries and lower imports from Asia. In October, the price was at gentle pace, while during November, due to uptrend in feedstock prices Dimethylamine remained buoyant. Due to the urge of market participants to revamping their inventory because of the factor that covid 19 variant has been recorded in Southern Africa. But low demands of methanol across Asia made down fall in the prices in north America. due the feedstock of methanol observed low in December, the prices of Dimethylamine were also low in the ending of quarter 4.
Asia
In Asia, the sales of Dimethylamine showed increased at pace, due to covid 19, the market in pharmaceuticals took a gentle pace in sales of Dimethylamine. Dimethylamine market experienced elevated price trend in the Q4 2021 due to exorbitant rise in prices of feedstock Ammonia and Methanol in India and China. Further, the consistent rise in natural gas cost in the global market including Asia considered as one of the prime factors for high prices of Dimethylamine, as it was responsible for lifting up prices of its feedstock chemicals. Furthermore, demand for the product from the domestic market also remained firm, while Chinese market heard battling with production halts due to dual energy policy and Beijing Olympics.
Europe
In Europe, the price of Dimethylamine remained firm due to the high price of feedstock methanol and Ammonia, especially during November 2021. The price of feedstock Ammonia was high in Q4 due Exorbitant increased in price of upstream natural gas all across Europe which was assessed to be around 26% in November. Thus, due to the spike in the price of natural gas by such percentage in the Europe, manufacturers were compelled to raise their offers to sustain their profitability. Which resulted into high prices of Dimethylamine in the Europe.
For the Quarter Ending September 2021
North America
The overall market outlook of Dimethyl Amine showcased an upward trend in the 3rd quarter of 2021 across the North American region. The supply of upstream feedstock including Ammonia and Methanol improved from the last quarter resulting in high production of Dimethyl Amine in Q3. Demand for Dimethyl Amine remained bullish from the downstream pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals sector. Constrained availability of the feedstock due to high energy rates may result in some production lags for Dimethyl Amine in the upcoming quarter.
Asia
In the Asia Pacific region, the domestic market remained firm throughout the third quarter of 2021 backed by the strong demand outlook and ample availability of raw materials. Dimethyl Amine prices rallied upwards in tandem with positive prospects for the market estimates in India. The prices of Dimethyl Amine surged by a significant percentage in lieu of lower-than-expected impact of COVID on traded volumes, production margins, and operating leverage in the country. Dimethyl Amine Ex- Depot Chennai (India) price last stood at USD 812 per MT in September. A domestic manufacturer reported that its average capacity utilization at all amine plants was around 80% during Q2. A positive market outlook pushed up the prices for all amines since the first half of 2021.
Europe
The prices of Dimethyl Amine rose effectively in the European region during Q3 2021 on the back of the consistent demand from the downstream manufacturers. Increased feedstock prices and constrained production margins were the key factors that resulted in price increment in the region. Escalations in energy cost and recovering demand from the downstream agrochemicals sector pushed up the offers in Q3 2021. Imports from Asia remained high in this quarter.
For the Quarter Ending June 2021
North America
Post winter storm several chemical commodities remained affected in USA, as the plants based in Texas underwent forced turnarounds. Entering May, major companies like Eastman and Celanese resumed their Dimethyl Amine manufacturing plant operations, which were halted due to the storm. Demand for Dimethyl Amine remained strong from downstream pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals sector. In addition, prolonged shortage of feedstock Ammonia and Methanol since mid-February led to an effective price hike during first half of the quarter. Therefore, taking support from soaring feedstock prices amidst stable to firm demand, prices of Dimethyl Amine showcased a decent rise during Q2 2021.
Asia
Being an active pharma ingredient, overall demand outlook of Dimethyl Amine remained strong in APAC region during this quarter. In China, prices of Dimethyl Amine rose quickly during first two month of Q2, due to active offtakes from pharmaceutical sector. While the Indian pharmaceutical sector purchased this commodity on need basis to abate losses; therefore, some fluctuations were also observed in the domestic market. Thus, prices of Dimethyl Amine were accessed at USD 866/MT for China and USD 604/MT for India during last week of April.
Europe
Dimethyl Amine showcased strong sentiments in Europe during this quarter, backed by firm offtakes from pharma and agrochemical segment. Firm values of feedstock Ammonia and Methanol also influenced the prices of Dimethyl Amine across the region, where the demand from domestic downstream sectors remained high enough to support the overall price trend. In addition, in the European market, demand for most of the Amines remained strong, which made prices to rise effectively during Q2 2021.
For the Quarter Ending March 2021
North America
Moderate to low demand from the domestic market, amidst low production rates led the prices of DMA to rise significantly till February. Severe shortage of major feedstock chemicals i.e., Methanol and Ammonia compelled its producers to raise their spot as well as contract prices during this period. This critical raw material shortage was led by forced shut down of major plants as an effect of chilling weather conditions across the US gulf coast. Operations at Dimethylamine and Trimethylamine plants of Celanese remained affected due to unplanned shutdowns and force majeure declarations in the Texas Gulf Coast, which in turn affected the product supplies across the Americas and EMEA region.
Asia
The Asian market showed mixed sentiments in the alkylamines market during Q1 2021. While in the Indian market Dimethylamine prices showed substantial growth till February but ended up falling lower than the January price i.e., at USD 570.8/MT in March. On the other side the Chinese DMA prices witnessed a steep growth till the end of February and hovered round USD 825/MT, which later stabilised in March. The demand primarily came from the pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals sector, which remained the key performing sectors during the quarter. However, the price rise was majorly backed by high freight prices and feedstock shortage across the region.
Europe
The European market reported firm demand for DMA from the agrochemicals sector for making insecticides, with the market prospects turning positive with the arrival of spring season. Global feedstock shortage affected the availability of feedstock chemicals in the European region too, while the domestic production of specialty amines remained halted due to weather related complications. Offers for Dimethylamine showed a positive correction with manufacturers complaining about the delayed shipments of raw materials as the transportation faced difficulties due to snow in the area.
For the Quarter Ending December 2020
North America
In the North American region, Dimethylamine market was heard grappling with acute raw material shortage. Canada was heard facing shortage of feedstock Methanol throughout the quarter. The shortage was induced as an effect of unplanned outages of major Methanol production producers across the region since Q2 2020. The demand remained robust with several cosmetic manufacturers reporting high demand due to shift in regional trends towards sustainability and wellness impact ingredients. Demand for Dimethylamine Hydrochloride (DMA-HCl) for pharmaceutical preparations remained high.
Asia
During Q4 2020, healthy recovery from COVID-19 was sufficient to boost the demand of DMA from the agrochemicals and petrochemical sectors across the APAC. Global shortage of feedstock Methanol skyrocketed its prices in major Asian countries especially in China. Major DMA manufacturers witnessed great demand from agriculture and pharmaceuticals sectors, which well supported its prices. Buoyed by demand upsurge, the price of DMA in the Indian market rose from USD 488.3/tonne (October 2020) to USD 547.5/tonne (December 2020).
Europe
In Q4 2020, Europe had faced regional shortage in supply of feedstock Methanol and it derivative products including methylamine and Dimethylamine. There were several reasons behind this fall. One of them was fire broke out in the largest Methanol production unit of Europe i.e., Equinor’s plant of capacity 900,000 tonne/year in Norway. Meanwhile, EU announced to reduce the usage pesticides in upcoming years, which is against the market sentiments.
