In May 2025, prices for Triethanolamine had a mixed pricing trend in China and India due to the influence of various supply-side shocks, changing consumption patterns, and evolving market expectations in downstream sectors.
In India, Triethanolamine prices continued to climb higher during May, leading the ship shape on the week of May 9 to post a 1.9% increase due in part to limited supply. The limited arrival of vessels from the key exporting countries tightened inventory levels, and domestic producers cut back operating rates to protect margins given steady feedstock costs in ethylene oxide and ammonia. There was modest demand from the cosmetics and personal care sectors, along with steady levels of consumption in paint and inks. The construction sector remains a weight, with activity impacted by consumer and labor supply concerns associated with the heat and higher cement prices.
Through mid-May, the market had a stable feeling as a balanced demand-supply forecast and steady feedstock prices helped Triethanolamine hold its levels. Triethanolamine prices moved sideways during the week of May 23, which saw weaker activity from importers and weaker demand from personal care. There was moderate yet reliable uptake in paints and coatings, however, increased government infrastructure spending assisted construction levels into the latter half of May. In the final week of May, Triethanolamine prices in India returned to the level range. Although imports remained relatively stable, early seasonal rain in the area reduced demand for paint and adhesive formulations. Personal care stayed strong, which continued to provide moderate consumption levels and price support.
Conversely, Triethanolamine prices steadily climbed in China during May based on projected price increases and restocking. In the week of May 9, prices rose 1.0% after Southeast Asian and Saudi Arabian Triethanolamine suppliers raised export prices, which led to rising import costs. While weaker construction-based demand had dampened import volumes, the stable, consistent demand from the packaging adhesives and hygiene materials industry absorbed unsold volumes from this sector. By mid-May, port congestion and delayed ships had started creating supply bottlenecks, and downstream chemical industries began to aggressively prepare to restock Triethanolamine, further adding fuel to price rises.
On May 23, a further price increase of 1.0% was led by maintenance work by Petronas Chemicals in Southeast Asia that curtailed the regional supply of Triethanolamine. Logistics disruption concerns related to the Dragon Boat Festival, as well as forecasts of heavy rains, prompting companies to proactively stock up. However, consumer demand from the personal care sector remained subdued, reflecting weaker consumer-driven spending characteristics and lower retail sales of skincare and cosmetics.
As we approached the end of the month of May, both India and China鈥檚 Triethanolamine markets were at a price plateau. The market stability was provided by a careful balance between supply limitations and moderate downstream consumption, notwithstanding the lingering uncertainties in the Construction and Personal Care sectors.
