Dimethylamine (DMA) prices in asian market saw an upward trend in mid-Feb, supported by selective supplier strategies, tighter inventories, and steady demand from key downstream sectors. In India, controlled supply and strong pharmaceutical consumption contributed to DMA price gains despite muted agrochemical demand. Meanwhile, in China, increased export activity and pre-holiday procurement tightened domestic availability, further pushing DMA prices higher. The pharmaceutical sector remained a key driver in both markets, reinforcing stable consumption and sustaining the overall momentum in DMA pricing.

DMA prices in India edged higher by 1.0% in mid-February, driven by rising feedstock costs and selective supplier adjustments. Methanol prices, after a brief decline, rebounded due to supply constraints, while Ammonia prices saw slight upward movement, increasing input costs for DMA production. Supplier actions, including controlled allocations and strategic pricing, contributed to the price rise. While the Agrochemical sector witnessed subdued demand, strong momentum in the Pharma sector, supported by increased production activity, bolstered overall consumption. Market participants also reported tighter inventory levels, further supporting the upward price movement. This combination of higher production costs, controlled supply, and resilient pharmaceutical demand led to the observed price increase in the Indian DMA market.

From the downstream market, the agrochemical sector witnessed moderate performance in financial year Q3, with major players reporting declines in revenue, impacting DMA consumption. UPL, the largest agrochemical manufacturer, saw a 1.7% quarter-on-quarter revenue drop to Rs. 10,907 crore. PI Industries experienced a sharper decline, with revenue falling 14.4% to Rs. 1,901 crore. Sumitomo Chemical also reported moderate sales, reflecting a broader slowdown in the sector, which influenced DMA demand.

The pharma sector, a key consumer of DMA, demonstrated solid growth in financial year Q3, with leading companies posting positive sales figures, highlighting the sector's resilience and steady demand for DMA-based products. Sun Pharma reported a 2.9% increase in sales, reaching Rs. 13,675 Cr, driven by consistent performance across key markets. Cipla saw a modest 0.3% rise to Rs. 7,073 Cr, reflecting stable demand in both domestic and international markets. Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories recorded the highest growth among the three, with a 4.3% increase in sales to Rs. 8,381 Cr, supported by strong product launches and robust market presence. Overall, the sector's positive performance underscores continued growth momentum and market confidence in DMA applications.

DMA prices in China saw an upward trend in early February, influenced by higher dimethylamine demand, increased DMA production costs, and sustained procurement from key downstream sectors. While logistics efficiency improved, a surge in December DMA exports led to a tightened domestic supply, adding pressure on prices. Although demand softened ahead of the Lunar New Year, strong purchases from the agrochemical and pharmaceutical industries earlier in the month helped sustain the price rise. Additionally, constrained fresh supply, as suppliers relied on existing inventories rather than ramping up new production, further contributed to the DMA’s upward momentum.

According to ChemAnalyst's anticipation, DMA prices in Asia are expected to climb further due to tighter inventories, selective supplier strategies, and anticipated strength in downstream demand. However, overseas demand is likely to increase following the holiday period. With inventory levels depleting among market participants, suppliers are expected to actively replenish stocks, contributing to the upward price momentum for DMA.