For the Quarter Ending March 2025
North America
Triethanolamine prices in North America exhibited a consistent downward trajectory throughout the first quarter of 2025, largely impacted by weak demand fundamentals and stable supply. A 1.5% price drop recorded in the final week of January set the tone for the quarter, with prices assessed at USD 1301/MT, FOB Texas. In the construction, personal care, and coatings sectors, key downstream consumers remained subdued, constrained by a slowdown in infrastructure projects and reduced industrial activity across the country.
Domestic production levels remained steady, keeping supply ample and further intensifying market pressure. Additionally, growing competition from lower-cost Asian imports encouraged buyers to explore alternative sourcing, reinforcing the downward pricing trend. Heightened uncertainty around potential trade policy shifts and broader economic caution also discouraged bulk procurement activity.
Despite occasional fluctuations, the market remained broadly bearish through March, with no substantial improvement in end-use consumption or cost-side support. Unless significant changes occur in demand dynamics or trade flows, Triethanolamine prices are expected to stay under pressure moving into the next quarter.
Asia
Triethanolamine (TEA) prices in Asia followed an overall declining trajectory in Q1 2025, pressured by weak demand fundamentals and ample supply. Starting in January, prices fell steadily amid sluggish downstream consumption, especially from the construction and personal care sectors. The seasonal slowdown during the Lunar New Year and subdued international demand compounded bearish market sentiment. By mid-February, prices dropped, driven by lower feedstock costs and declining freight rates, before reaching a quarterly low of USD 945/MT in mid-March. Although late March saw a temporary rebound due to tightened supply from reduced imports and seasonal demand recovery, it wasn't sufficient to offset the broader quarterly softness. Inventory overhang, cautious procurement strategies, and weak cement and cosmetics sector activity contributed to price pressure throughout most of the quarter. Despite a short-lived uptick in late March 2025, prices ended the quarter lower than they began, with March closing at USD 975/MT. In summary, Q1 2025 marked a bearish quarter for TEA prices in China, reflecting oversupply conditions and a delayed rebound in downstream demand across key consumer sectors.
Europe
Triethanolamine (TEA) prices in the European market registered an overall declining trend throughout Q1 2025, driven by persistently weak demand across key end-use sectors and ample supply. In January, TEA prices slid due to sluggish offtake from the personal care and cement industries, despite stable feedstock Ethylene Oxide costs. This trend deepened in February as prices fell by over 4% toward month-end, weighed down by oversupply, weak industrial sentiment, and subdued construction activity across the region. Although March witnessed a temporary rebound mid-month amid restocking and tight availability, the overall monthly trend remained bearish as prices resumed their decline by the end of March. Cautious procurement strategies, high inventory levels, and steady domestic production constrained any sustained price recovery. By the end of Q1, prices dropped from USD 1550/MT in early January to USD 1435/MT by late March, reflecting a quarterly decline of approximately 7.4%. Unless significant improvement is seen in construction activity or downstream demand from the personal care and cleaning sectors, the European TEA market is expected to face continued pressure into Q2.
Middle East Asia
Triethanolamine (TEA) prices in Middle East Asia exhibited a gradual downward trend during Q1 2025, reflecting weak export momentum and lacklustre demand from downstream sectors. After opening the quarter at USD 1112/MT in early January, prices fell steadily amid persistent oversupply, tepid international inquiries, and subdued procurement from end-use industries such as detergents, coatings, and cement additives. A notable price drop of 4.6% in late January set the tone for the quarter, followed by further declines through February driven by Ramadan-induced demand softening and high inventory levels. While early March saw price stabilization supported by seasonal demand from construction and personal care sectors, overall sentiment remained cautious. Suppliers adjusted production and pricing strategies in response to narrowing margins and limited offtake. Despite modest restocking activity and improved buyer sentiment in late March, the quarterly average reflected a net decline in pricing. Overall, TEA prices in Saudi Arabia fell by nearly 10% over Q1 2025, with quarterly dynamics shaped by oversupply, muted export activity, and sporadic domestic demand recovery.
For the Quarter Ending December 2024
North America
In Q4 2024, Triethanolamine prices in the U.S. exhibited a gradual downward trend, influenced by subdued demand and eased manufacturing costs. Prices declined by 1.1% in early November, reflecting lower feedstock Ethylene Oxide prices and reduced upstream crude oil costs. Stagnant production costs and weaker demand from the construction sector, coupled with gradual restocking activities, contributed to the softening market. Supply chain concerns, including port congestion at East and Gulf Coast terminals and the potential for tariff hikes, added to logistical uncertainties, though these factors had limited immediate price impact.
Demand dynamics were primarily affected by a slowing construction sector, where material shortages and labor constraints delayed projects. Public infrastructure investments offered some support; however, a weak housing market and cautious procurement amid political uncertainty limited overall consumption. Additionally, industrial activity softened due to seasonal slowdowns and inventory management strategies.
By December, U.S. manufacturers faced thin margins due to subdued late-year demand, while global supply chain inefficiencies persisted. Despite these challenges, freight rate fluctuations had minimal impact on prices, and stable feedstock availability ensured adequate supply. Overall, the Triethanolamine market closed the quarter under downward price pressure, shaped by a mix of demand weakness, cost stability, and supply chain disruptions.
Asia
In Q4 2024, Triethanolamine (TEA) prices in Asia declined steadily, driven by oversupply and weak downstream demand. High operating rates and increased U.S. imports exacerbated inventory buildup while declining feedstock Ethylene Oxide and crude oil prices reduced production costs but failed to stimulate market recovery. The construction sector, a key consumer, showed mixed performance despite government stimulus efforts in China, as seasonal slowdowns in northern regions and limited new projects in the south dampened demand. Buyers adopted cautious procurement strategies, focusing on essential purchases due to uncertainty in market recovery. Several production facilities across Asia temporarily halted operations amid minimal trading activity and unsold stock. Although China’s real estate sector saw short-term improvement, broader demand remained below pre-slowdown levels, contributing to a bearish sentiment. Weak downstream consumption from sectors like concrete production and surfactants further limited price support. The market closed the quarter with a pessimistic outlook, with persistent oversupply and sluggish demand likely to continue into early 2025, pending stronger fiscal measures or significant downstream recovery.
Europe
In Q4 2024, Triethanolamine (TEA) prices in Europe exhibited a consistent decline, driven by weak demand and oversupply across key markets like Germany and France. The construction sector, a major downstream consumer, faced significant challenges, with reduced activity, limited new orders, and high material costs dampening TEA demand for cement grinding aids and coatings. The Eurozone construction PMI highlighted persistent contraction, with sluggish investment and staffing reductions further exacerbating the downturn. Meanwhile, personal care sectors also witnessed reduced consumption, as inflation constrained consumer spending on cosmetics and skincare products. On the supply side, stable upstream Ethylene Oxide prices helped maintain consistent production, while increased imports from the U.S. contributed to oversupply. Seasonal factors, cautious procurement, and lean inventory practices among buyers added downward pressure on prices. Freight rate fluctuations, particularly rising costs from Asia in December due to pre-Lunar New Year shipping demand, had minimal impact on European supply chains. By the quarter’s end, TEA prices had dropped by approximately 5% in major markets, reflecting subdued economic sentiment and bearish market fundamentals. A recovery is anticipated by mid-2025, contingent on government measures to stimulate construction and industrial activity.
Middle East and Africa
In Q4 2024, Triethanolamine (TEA) prices in Saudi Arabia followed a downward trend, driven by a combination of supply-demand imbalances and economic factors. The construction sector, fueled by Vision 2030 initiatives such as the Jeddah Tower, supported demand. However, labor shortages and global inflation tempered this growth. Lower crude oil prices in December, reduced production costs, further pressuring TEA prices. Regional manufacturers focused on destocking strategies, leveraging robust port operations at Yanbu and Al Jubail to manage surplus inventories. Despite improved logistics and increased container traffic, geopolitical disruptions in the Red Sea caused temporary bottlenecks, inflating shipping costs and complicating supply chains. Demand in the construction sector remained stable but subdued due to inflation and elevated costs in housing and utilities. Broader economic uncertainties, including fluctuating oil revenues and U.S. fiscal policies, dampened market confidence. Export activity to Asia declined as reduced offers and stable local consumption created a cautious procurement environment. By December, TEA prices had fallen marginally, reflecting oversupply and limited market momentum. The outlook for 2025 remains cautiously optimistic, with recovery expected as Vision 2030 projects gain momentum and logistical challenges stabilize.
For the Quarter Ending September 2024
North America
Throughout the quarter ending September 2024, the North American Triethanolamine market witnessed a notable uptrend in prices, driven by a combination of factors. Factors such as stable demand in the construction sector, limited supplies, and increased production costs contributed to the price surge. This quarter has been marked by stable demand and supply dynamics, with prices steadily climbing.
In the USA, which experienced the most significant price changes, the market saw a 17.3% increase from the previous quarter in 2024. However, the price comparison between the first and second half of the quarter showed a 2% decrease, indicating a consistent downward trend toward the end of the third quarter of 2024. The latest quarter-ending price for Triethanolamine CFR New York in the USA stood at USD 1572/MT, reflecting the negative pricing environment.
The Triethanolamine supplies were sufficient at the end amid adequate inventory availability of stocks in the US market. Moreover, the feedstock Ethylene Oxide prices were stable further impacting the Triethanolamine pricing dynamics. Overall, the market displayed a stable sentiment, with prices steadily rising throughout the quarter, driven by stable demand, limited supply, and increasing production costs.
Asia
In the third quarter of 2024, the Triethanolamine market in Asia faced mixed conditions, with a generally subdued price trend. By the week ending September 27, 2024, Triethanolamine prices in the South Korean market had declined, settling at USD 1297/MT CFR Busan. The primary factor contributing to this decline was an oversupply situation, driven by resumed production activities across key manufacturers in Asia. The market supply increased inventory pressure on producers, leading to a downward adjustment in transaction prices. On the demand side, the market experienced modest activity. While downstream demand initially showed signs of weakness, it later stabilized. However, consumption from the construction sector remained limited. This sector, in particular, grappled with challenges such as industry slowdowns, a record drop in employment, and extreme weather conditions, including heat waves that disrupted construction activities. Unfavorable weather, including Super Typhoon Yagi in the region, further exacerbated regional supply chain disruptions, affecting chemical transportation and port operations in China. Additionally, OPEC basket crude oil prices dropped to USD 71.34 per barrel in September, providing some relief on the cost side for production. Overall, Triethanolamine prices saw fluctuations throughout the quarter.
Europe
Throughout the quarter ending September 2024, the Triethanolamine market in Europe experienced a period of declining prices. This trend was primarily influenced by a combination of factors such as weak demand in the downstream construction sector, ample supply, and competitive pricing strategies in the region. The Eurozone construction PMI indicated a sharp decline in construction activity, with new orders decreasing significantly in September 2024. This led to a notable reduction in construction jobs, alongside declines in household consumption, business investment, and housing investment, reflecting weakened regional demand. The ongoing economic challenges and rising energy costs further added to the downward pressure on prices. France, in particular, witnessed the most significant price changes during this period, reflecting the broader market trends seen across Europe. Notably, the price of Triethanolamine in France decreased by 10% compared to the previous quarter, highlighting the substantial impact of market dynamics on pricing. The correlation between the first and second half of the quarter revealed a significant price drop of 11%, emphasizing the consistent downward trend in pricing. Ultimately, the quarter-ending price for Triethanolamine FD Lyon in France stood at USD 1884/MT, underscoring the prevailing negative sentiment in the pricing environment.
MEA
In the quarter ending September 2024, the Triethanolamine market in the MEA region experienced a period of decreasing prices, influenced by several significant factors. Market prices were primarily impacted by weakened demand, high inventory levels, and stable upstream Ethylene Oxide costs. The overall trend in the region indicated a bearish outlook, with prices steadily declining in the region. This quarter exhibited a challenging market environment in the Triethanolamine market. In Saudi Arabia, which witnessed the most significant price changes, the pricing dynamics mirrored the overall regional trend. The quarter saw a 0% change from the previous quarter, highlighting a stagnant market. A notable 9.8% price difference was observed between the first and second half of the quarter, underscoring the downward trajectory in pricing. The quarter-ending price for Triethanolamine in Saudi Arabia stood at USD 1163/MT, FOB Jeddah, emphasizing the sustained downward sentiment in the market. Overall, the pricing environment in Q3 2024 for Triethanolamine in the MEA region has been characterized by a negative trend, driven by various market forces impacting the industry.
For the Quarter Ending June 2024
North America
The second quarter of 2024 was marked by a significant uptick in Triethanolamine prices in North America, primarily driven by constrained inventories and heightened production costs. Several critical factors influenced this price surge, including natural disasters, supply chain disruptions, and increased upstream costs. The advent of the hurricane season and consequent flooding notably impaired production rates and industrial demand, while also disrupting supply chains. Additionally, surging crude oil prices, triggered by optimistic demand forecasts and reduced stockpiles, exacerbated inflationary pressures, further influencing Triethanolamine pricing dynamics.
In the USA, the price escalation was particularly pronounced. Production constraints, coupled with a force majeure declared by a key supplier, further tightened the market. Export demand remained robust, causing domestic availability to dwindle, thus fueling the price hike. Seasonality also played a pivotal role, with the hurricane season causing significant upheavals in supply and logistics, thereby inflating prices. The overall trend was bullish, reflecting an increasingly positive pricing environment.
The first half of the quarter showcased a 10.5% price hike over the latter half, illustrating the continuous pressure on supply chains and production. Concluding the quarter, Triethanolamine prices settled at USD 1557/MT CFR New York, epitomizing the quarter's overarching theme of escalating costs and constrained supply. Despite the challenging circumstances, this period underscored a predominantly positive pricing environment driven by sustained demand and limited availability.
APAC
In Q2 2024, the Triethanolamine market in the APAC region experienced a pronounced upward trajectory in prices, driven by multifaceted factors. The most significant influences on market prices included reduced product availability and diminished production rates, exacerbated by heightened export inquiries and logistical challenges. A severe container shortage and skyrocketing ocean freight rates further strained supply chains, compelling major suppliers to postpone shipments. Additionally, elevated upstream crude oil values exerted additional cost pressures on Triethanolamine producers, reinforcing the bullish pricing environment. Demand dynamics remained robust, particularly in the construction sector, where seasonal procurement sentiments and ongoing infrastructural developments bolstered consumption. South Korea witnessed the most considerable price fluctuations within the APAC region. In the first half of Q2 2024, the market saw a further 4% price elevation, driven by tight inventory levels and increased procurement activity. The latest quarter-ending price in South Korea reached USD 1323/MT CFR Busan. This consistent increase indicated a robust and positive pricing environment for Triethanolamine in the region, marked by heightened demand, constrained supply, and rising upstream costs. The quarter's overall sentiment was decidedly positive, reflecting a stable yet progressively bullish market outlook.
Europe
In Q2 2024, the European Triethanolamine market experienced a pronounced upward trajectory, reflecting a consistent increase in pricing dynamics. The primary drivers include heightened production and import costs within the Eurozone, fluctuations in upstream crude oil prices, and surging container shipping costs from Asia. These factors converged amidst seasonal demand fluctuations, complicated by an uncertain economic outlook and logistical disruptions due to severe weather events, notably flooding in central Europe. Focusing on Germany, which has witnessed the most significant price adjustments, the overall trend has been notably bullish. The region's price volatility has been fueled by constrained production rates and supply chain bottlenecks, further exacerbated by maintenance shutdowns at key production facilities. The correlation between these factors has led to a steady increase in prices, with a recorded 8% price differentiation between the first and second halves of the quarter. The pricing environment in Germany has been predominantly positive, reflecting robust market demand against a backdrop of limited stock availability and high input costs. Conclusively, the latest quarter-ending price for Triethanolamine in Germany stood at USD 2369/MT, underscoring the sustained upward pressure on prices throughout Q2 2024.
MEA
In Q2 2024, the Triethanolamine market in the MEA region experienced a marked upward trajectory in pricing. This quarter was particularly influenced by several critical factors that led to increased costs. The primary driver was the sharp rise in crude oil prices, which directly impacted the cost of production for Triethanolamine. Additionally, ongoing geopolitical tensions exacerbated logistical disruptions, leading to container shortages and elevated freight rates. These factors collectively resulted in constrained supply chains, further tightening the market. Focusing on Saudi Arabia, which witnessed the most significant price fluctuations, the overall trend was decisively bullish throughout Q2. The seasonality of demand from the downstream construction sector, coupled with an ongoing reduction in production rates and inventory levels, compounded the upward price pressure. A comparative analysis between the first and second halves of the quarter revealed a 9% price increase, underscoring the consistent upward momentum. The quarter-ending price was recorded at USD 1319/MT for Triethanolamine -FOB Al Jubail, highlighting a positive pricing environment driven by strong fundamental factors. Overall, the pricing sentiment for Triethanolamine in Saudi Arabia during Q2 2024 was overwhelmingly positive, marked by sustained demand and supply-side constraints.
