Decline in Asian Dimethyl Amine Prices Amid Lower Demand and Weak Suppliers Actions

In the Asian market, the price of Dimethyl Amine (DMA) witnessed a notable decrease as of the last week of July. This decline in the DMA price is primarily attributed to lower demand from the downstream market. Despite this decreased demand, suppliers have maintained sufficient inventory levels, resulting in no major bidding activity during this period. Consequently, the ample supply and reduced demand have driven down the price of DMA in the Asian market. This trend highlights the sensitivity of DMA pricing to fluctuations in market demand and inventory management practices among suppliers.

In the Chinese market, the price of DMA has decreased by 1.3%, settling at 760 USD/MT FOB-Dalian. This downward trend is closely linked to feedstock market dynamics. The price of ammonia has been on a continuous decline due to short buildup activities by traders. Shandong Shuntian's liquid ammonia plant is operating normally, with daily sales of 200 tons, contributing to the stable supply. Additionally, methanol prices have shown a consolidation trend, with a slight 0.59% decrease in import volumes in June, as per statistical reports. Sector-specific performance has also influenced DMA pricing: the agrochemical sector is seeing a modest recovery, while the pharmaceutical sector remains moderate, as indicated by HS China A Pharmaceuticals (HSCAPI). The combination of these factors has driven the recent price decrement for DMA. The ongoing short buildup activities in the ammonia market and stable methanol prices are likely to maintain the downward pressure on DMA prices in the near term, despite the slight uptick in demand from the agrochemical and pharmaceutical sectors. This complex interplay of supply and demand factors underscores the current pricing dynamics of DMA in China.

In terms of the overseas market, the exports of DMA have witnessed muted growth due to the underperformance in global downstream market demand, particularly from Europe. Furthermore, the surge in freight charges across various routes has significantly impacted the exporting price of DMA globally. These combined factors have driven the recent price decrement for DMA and pose ongoing challenges for the market.

According to ChemAnalyst's anticipation, the price of DMA is expected to exhibit stable to marginally bearish momentum in the upcoming sessions. This anticipated price fluctuation is primarily linked to the lower demand from the downstream market, which is not expected to recover significantly in the near future, thereby hampering DMA consumption. The price of ammonia, a key feedstock, is also under pressure due to short buildup activities, while methanol prices are experiencing consolidation, with no major increases expected. These factors are likely to reduce the production costs of DMA, exerting downward pressure on its pricing.