For the Quarter Ending March 2025
North America
In the first quarter of 2025, the U.S. Triethylamine (TEA) market experienced a 5.29% quarter-on-quarter price decrease, driven by a combination of supply and demand factors. On the supply side, abundant ammonia availability and lower ammonia prices led to reduced production costs, supporting price moderation. Despite the imposition of a 10% blanket tariff, port operations remained efficient, ensuring consistent raw material flow.
However, logistical delays persisted, primarily due to port congestion and freight challenges, which somewhat complicated the supply chain. On the demand front, the pharmaceutical sector saw a slowdown due to growing regulatory uncertainties and shifting trade policies, including leadership changes at the FDA and concerns over further tariffs. As a result, manufacturers reduced production plans, curbing TEA procurement.
Additionally, inventory surpluses in the market exerted further downward pressure on prices, as manufacturers offloaded excess stock. The agrochemical sector, while stable, faced mixed demand dynamics, with price volatility and shifting crop acreage impacting buying patterns. Despite these challenges, the overall supply-demand balance remained steady, and experts foresee a cautious market outlook moving forward, with continued uncertainties in both regulatory and economic landscapes.
APAC
In the first quarter of 2025, Methyl Amine prices in China saw a moderate increase, reflecting a 0.35% rise compared to the previous quarter. This uptick was primarily driven by tighter supply conditions, particularly due to constraints in ammonia availability, despite the sufficient supply of ethanol. The post-Lunar New Year period saw disruptions, including port congestion, further complicating logistics and straining global supply chains. Additionally, overseas bulk inventory purchases, influenced by U.S. tariff concerns, added upward pressure on prices. On the demand side, the Agrochemical and Pharmaceutical sectors remained key drivers of consumption. The agrochemical sector showed stable demand for fungicides and herbicides, with activity focused on preparations for the spring crop season. In the pharmaceutical sector, export growth persisted, though geopolitical challenges, such as the imposition of tariffs on Chinese products, created some hurdles. The supply side remained adequately supported by improved feedstock availability and stable manufacturing operations. Logistics conditions also showed signs of improvement, with port congestion easing and inventory management strategies helping to prevent oversupply. Overall, despite some logistical and geopolitical challenges, market dynamics supported a steady rise in Methyl Amine prices during the quarter.
Europe
Triethyl Amine prices in the European market registered a quarterly decline shaped by a mix of supply chain normalization, cost-side relief, and weakening demand. In January, prices adjusted downward following softening in feedstock values, particularly Ammonia and ethanol, while steady domestic demand from the Pharma and Agrochemical sectors supported price stability. Despite logistical disruptions across major European ports, supply remained resilient as production activities normalized. February saw continued supply chain headwinds, including strikes and port congestion, yet inventory levels stayed adequate due to uninterrupted feedstock availability. While domestic consumption remained moderate, export activity softened amid heightened geopolitical uncertainty and firms resorted to stockpiling in response to tariff concerns. Business sentiment began to waver, especially as input costs rose and inflationary pressures mounted. By March, bearish feedstock sentiment deepened following contract settlements at lower Ammonia prices, enabling producers to ease export offers. Meanwhile, demand from the pharmaceutical sector turned cautious due to newly imposed U.S. tariffs, curbing buying interest. Currency fluctuations further pushed suppliers to reduce international selling prices to stay competitive. Despite ongoing port delays, the market remained well-supplied, and subdued demand ultimately drove the Q1 price correction across the European Triethyl Amine market.
For the Quarter Ending December 2024
North America
The Triethylamine (TEA) market in the US exhibited a steady upward trajectory during the last quarter, driven by consistent supply chain management and stable demand across key sectors. Manufacturers maintained balanced production levels, ensuring adequate availability despite ongoing logistical challenges and constrained feedstock supplies, particularly Ethanol and Ammonia. Notably, delivery lead times extended, attributed to labor shortages and transportation delays, although these disruptions did not significantly impact overall supply stability.
Demand dynamics remained robust, with moderate growth observed in the pharmaceutical and agrochemical sectors. The pharmaceutical industry benefited from increased activity in healthcare and production, while the agrochemical sector showed resilience despite pricing pressures in global markets. Improved consumer sentiment towards the end of the year supported domestic demand, even as export orders and business sentiment reflected caution.
On the supply side, steady availability of raw materials and stable production costs mitigated the impact of earlier fluctuations in feedstock prices. Manufacturers exercised cautious production adjustments, aligning with market conditions to ensure consistent supply. Overall, the quarter reflected a balanced market environment, with steady demand and proactive supplier actions contributing to market stability and growth across the TEA segment in the US.
APAC
In the fourth quarter of 2024, the Triethylamine (TEA) market in India witnessed a 1.54% decrease compared to the previous quarter, driven by a mix of moderate demand and supply dynamics. The agrochemical sector continued to face challenges, with inventory build-ups and pressure from Chinese market pricing, which impacted overall demand. Despite these obstacles, the pharmaceutical sector showed strength, contributing positively to TEA consumption. However, the personal care sector provided some support, benefiting from ongoing festive and seasonal demand. On the supply side, TEA availability remained stable, with adequate feedstock supplies like ammonia and ethanol. While minor fluctuations in raw material prices were observed, they did not significantly disrupt the market. Manufacturers, including Alkyl Amines, continued to operate at steady production levels, maintaining balance despite some challenges in supply chain logistics. A notable development during this period was the smoother port operations and efficient supplier management, minimizing disruptions. However, supply constraints persisted in certain areas, especially with a plant incident at Alkyl Amines, which could potentially lead to temporary disruptions. Overall, despite these market fluctuations, the TEA market remained relatively balanced, with demand in specific sectors offering support to the overall pricing stability.
Europe
The Triethylamine (TEA) market in Germany exhibited a stable-to-positive trend over the last quarter, supported by balanced supply-demand dynamics and proactive supplier actions. Despite a decline in Ethanol prices during the period, the market-maintained stability due to adequate inventory levels and efficient production schedules. Manufacturers leveraged these favorable conditions to ensure consistent supply, minimizing disruptions even during the holiday season, when logistical challenges are typically more pronounced. Demand presented a mixed scenario across major end-use sectors. The pharmaceutical sector remained a steady contributor, underpinning TEA consumption for essential applications. The agrochemical sector displayed moderate activity, influenced by seasonality and broader economic constraints, while personal care benefitted from seasonal retail events such as Black Friday, which boosted production volumes. Germany's manufacturing sector continued to face headwinds, characterized by subdued demand for intermediate goods and slower growth in productivity. However, these challenges were partially offset by strategic supply chain adjustments and cautious optimism across the European market. Overall, the TEA market in Germany demonstrated resilience, adapting to sector-specific pressures while maintaining a steady growth trajectory driven by stable supply conditions and moderate demand performance.
For the Quarter Ending September 2024
North America
In Q3 2024, the North American Triethyl Amine market witnessed a significant increase in prices, driven by a multitude of factors shaping the pricing environment. The 12.12% rise compared to the same quarter last year can be attributed to a combination of supply-demand dynamics, feedstock cost fluctuations, and sectoral performances. Market stability was influenced by effective inventory management, proactive supplier actions, and strong demand from key sectors like Pharmaceuticals, Rubber, and Personal Care.
This balanced approach helped mitigate the impact of an increase in ammonia prices due to external factors like Hurricane Francine disrupting natural gas supply. Within the USA, which experienced the most price changes, the quarter displayed a notable overall trend of price escalation. A slight dip of 2.7% was noted from the previous quarter.
Meanwhile Ethanol marked a notable increase of 3.83% While Ammonia marked 1.0% decrease from the quarter ago. This upward trajectory culminated in the latest quarter-ending price of USD 2685/MT of Triethyl Amine FOB-Texas in the USA. The stability and resilience of the market amidst varying influences underline a positive pricing trend for Triethyl Amine in the region.
APAC
In Q3 2024, the Triethyl Amine pricing in the APAC region experienced a significant decrease, influenced by several key factors. One of the primary reasons for the declining market prices was the surplus supply of Triethyl Amine, leading to reduced demand and subsequent price adjustments. Additionally, the ongoing decrease in feedstock costs, particularly Ammonia which marked a 6.53% while Ethanol witnessed stability from the previous quarter, played a crucial role in driving the overall price trend downwards.
The market also witnessed muted demand from various sectors, further contributing to the negative pricing environment. Within China, the market saw the most notable price changes, reflecting an overall trend of decreasing prices.
The quarter recorded a significant -9.57% decrease from the same period last year, indicating a sustained downward trajectory. Moreover, the quarter-on-quarter change of -9.52% highlighted the ongoing price decline. The quarter-ending price of USD 1650/MT of Triethyl Amine EXW-Liaoning in China further emphasized the prevailing downward pricing trend in the region.
Europe
In Q3 2024, Triethylamine (TEA) prices in the European market faced challenges, driven by several factors. Although feedstock costs, particularly ammonia and ethanol, increased—ammonia by 14.84% and ethanol by 2.97% from the previous quarter—these cost rises did not significantly impact TEA pricing. Weaker demand from key downstream sectors like agrochemicals and pharmaceuticals exerted downward pressure on TEA consumption, contributing to price fluctuations. Despite higher feedstock costs, the reduced demand from these sectors helped maintain market balance, preventing major price volatility.
Additionally, the European market's performance was further affected by underperformance in overseas markets, which reduced the consumption of various commodities. This decline in activity contributed to overall price stability during the quarter. Compared to the same period last year, prices still exhibited steady growth, reflecting market resilience despite these challenges.
Suppliers responded to stable demand by maintaining consistent TEA production levels, ensuring efficient inventory management. Despite the increase in feedstock costs, they avoided raising prices, focusing instead on long-term contracts and maintaining market share, which further supported price steadiness.
For the Quarter Ending June 2024
North America
In Q2 2024, the North American Triethylamine (TEA) market experienced a discernible downturn, driven by several substantial factors. Market prices exhibited a clear descent, influenced by fluctuations in feedstock costs, notably a pronounced decline in ammonia prices juxtaposed with an uptick in ethanol prices. The overall imbalance between supply and demand further exacerbated the downward trend. Inventory management challenges were evident as supply outpaced demand, resulting in stable yet bearish pricing dynamics across the region.
In the USA, the downward pressure on TEA prices was particularly pronounced, reflecting the maximum price changes within North America. Seasonal factors, including a lag in the peak planting season, tempered demand from the agrochemical sector, while moderate performances in the pharmaceutical and paints & coatings sectors failed to offset the overall slack. This sluggish demand, coupled with strategic destocking by suppliers, contributed to a consistent decline in TEA prices.
Compared to the same quarter last year, prices plummeted by 11%, underscoring a significant year-over-year contraction. From the previous quarter in 2024, prices fell by 3%, signifying a persistent downward trajectory. A comparative analysis between the first and second half of the quarter revealed a 2% decline, further cementing the bearish sentiment. The quarter culminated with TEA prices marking a negative pricing environment. The consistent decrease in TEA prices reflects a market struggling with oversupply and tepid demand, leading to a predominantly negative pricing sentiment throughout the quarter.
APAC
The second quarter of 2024 has witnessed a robust increase in Triethylamine (TEA) prices across the APAC region, driven primarily by a confluence of supply constraints, heightened demand, and strategic inventory management by suppliers. A tightening of feedstock supplies, particularly ethanol and ammonia, has exacerbated production costs, thereby exerting upward pressure on TEA prices. Market participants have responded with marginal bidding and long build-up activities, reflecting a concerted effort to maintain higher price levels amid an optimistic demand outlook from downstream industries such as pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and personal care. Focusing on China, which has experienced the most significant price changes, the market has seen a pronounced upward trend in TEA pricing. The consistent demand surge, especially from the chemical sector, coupled with domestic supply constraints, has fostered a bullish sentiment. Seasonality factors and improved logistic efficiencies have further influenced price stabilization. Comparing year-over-year data, TEA prices have escalated by 8% in Q2 2024, indicating a robust positive shift compared to the same quarter last year. Despite the stable pricing quarter-over-quarter, the first and second halves of the quarter exhibited a 2% price increment, underscoring incremental supply-demand adjustments. This overall stable yet upward pricing trajectory reflects the resilience of the market and the positive pricing environment in China for TEA, driven by strategic supplier actions and the sustained recovery in demand across various sectors.
Europe
In the second quarter of 2024, the European triethylamine market experienced notable fluctuations. The overall demand for triethylamine, a key chemical used in pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and rubber processing, showed a mixed trend. The pharmaceutical sector maintained steady demand due to ongoing production needs, while the agrochemical sector faced a slight decline due to seasonal variations and reduced agricultural activities. Prices for triethylamine in Europe saw a downward trend during this period. This decline was influenced by lower feedstock costs, particularly for ammonia and ethanol, which are crucial for triethylamine production. Additionally, the rubber and polymer industries, significant consumers of triethylamine, experienced a downturn, further impacting demand. Despite these challenges, the market showed resilience with stable pricing trends towards the latter half of the quarter. This stability was attributed to balanced supply-demand dynamics and strategic adjustments by key market players. The chemical industry in Germany, a major hub for triethylamine production, showed signs of recovery, contributing to market stability.Overall, the European triethylamine market in Q2 2024 was characterized by a complex interplay of declining prices, fluctuating demand across sectors, and strategic market adjustments.