The global Triethanolamine market faced a notable downturn in late January 2025, weighed down by deteriorating demand fundamentals in both Asia and the United States. A combination of sluggish downstream consumption, stable but pressured feedstock costs, and cautious procurement strategies contributed to the Triethanolamine price decline.

In China, a muted construction sector significantly dampened demand for cement, a key downstream application of Triethanolamine. Cement manufacturers in Nanning lowered prices in late December 2024 to manage excess inventories, a trend that persisted into January. Cold weather further restricted construction activities in northern regions, with only essential projects continuing, while in the southern provinces like Jiangsu and Zhejiang, most construction projects remained halted. This resulted in sluggish cement segment purchases, directly impacting Triethanolamine consumption.

With the upcoming Spring Festival, procurement sentiment remained subdued, leading to limited market activity. Buyers hesitated to place bulk orders, anticipating further price declines, thereby exacerbating weak Triethanolamine demand across both domestic and export markets. The competitive cement pricing, driven by an oversupplied market, further, exerted downward pressure on Triethanolamine prices. Export activities to key buyers like India and Southeast Asia provided little support, as procurement remained need-based, further limiting price recovery.

In the United States, the Triethanolamine market was affected by challenges in the downstream sector. U.S. producers considered operational cutbacks in February due to eroded sales margins. High upstream costs, particularly for ethylene, drove up manufacturing expenses, yet Triethanolamine prices saw only marginal appreciation, resulting in squeezed profitability.

In the last week of January 2025, Triethanolamine demand in the U.S. remained under pressure due to sluggish activity in the construction sector. Despite signs of growth and increased investment in the cement industry, economic policy uncertainties and global market conditions dampened procurement sentiment. The slowdown in residential and commercial construction, combined with cautious inventory management, limited large-scale purchases of Triethanolamine, which is widely used in cement grinding aids and concrete admixtures.

The market’s struggle with ample supply, combined with weak global demand, hindered any potential price hikes for Triethanolamine and its derivatives. Export prospects also dimmed amid rising trade barriers and abundant regional supply, placing a ceiling on any significant price rebound.

With seasonal downturns in Asia’s construction sector and subdued margins in the U.S., Triethanolamine prices are expected to remain under pressure in the short term. While some market participants anticipate a recovery post-Lunar New Year, the prevailing wait-and-see approach by buyers suggests a sluggish demand outlook. Unless significant stimulus measures or supply adjustments materialize, Triethanolamine prices are likely to continue their downward trajectory into early February 2025.