Global Methyl Amine Market decline in US and Europe, surge in Asia reflect Supply-Demand Imbalance

In the global market, notably in the US and Europe, the price of Methyl Amine experienced a notable decrease by mid-June, contrasting with a surge in the Asian market. This divergence in Methyl Amine prices reflects regional supply-demand imbalances. While North American and European markets see reduced costs due to ample supply and stable production rates, Asian markets grapple with heightened demand and limited supply, driving Methyl Amine prices upward. Influenced by varying production rates, feedstock availability, and economic conditions, this regional disparity highlights the complex interplay of global economic factors and localized market conditions affecting Methyl Amine pricing trends.

As of mid-June, the price of Methyl Amine in the Chinese market saw an increase. This rise comes despite a 1.33% decline in Methanol prices and a 4.11% drop in Ammonia prices since the beginning of June, both influenced by heightened bidding activity from market participants. The international Methanol market's instability impacted import volumes, leading suppliers to engage in marginal bidding to build inventories and stabilize prices. This strategic inventory management has been essential for suppliers managing production constraints to meet domestic and international demand. Tight supplies of Methanol and Ammonia have impacted Methyl Amine production management. Positive market sentiment and active supplier engagement have sustained the upward price trend of Methyl Amine, despite fluctuating feedstock supplies. Reflecting higher overseas bidding activity, total exports of aliphatic amines from China reached 765.434 metric tons in April, a significant 121.99% increase from March, according to the General Administration of Customs People's Republic of China.

In mid-June, Methyl Amine prices declined in the German market. This drop coincided with a 2.22% decrease in Ammonia prices and an 8.02% increase in Methanol prices since the start of June. Reduced demand from downstream sectors and a lack of supplier bids for inventory build-up drove this shift. Additionally, adverse weather conditions, including severe windstorms and floods, disrupted agricultural operations and reduced fertilizer demand, exacerbating the decline. Demand for Methyl Amine from the agrochemical and pharmaceutical sectors remains low. Despite the slowest rate of decline in purchasing activity since September 2022, it still outpaced the decrease in output levels. The European Central Bank is expected to lower key interest rates by 25 basis points at its June 2024 meeting, reducing the main refinancing operations rate to 4.25%, the deposit facility rate to 3.75%, and the marginal lending rate to 4.5%, according to the Federal Statistical Office. Meanwhile, Germany's Consumer Price Index (CPI) increased to 119.30 points in May from 119.20 points in April 2024.

According to ChemAnalyst, the price of Methyl Amine is expected to show positive momentum in the upcoming sessions. This anticipated increase is primarily linked to recovering demand from both domestic and overseas markets. Additionally, active accumulation by suppliers will be a key factor driving Methyl Amine prices upward. However, a stable to bearish trend is expected in the European market, as underperformance in the downstream market will likely influence lower demand for Methyl Amine in the near future.