North America
Triethanolamine (TEA) prices in the U.S. experienced a gradual decline, largely driven by softening demand and reduced production costs. A 1.1% price drop was observed in early November, primarily due to falling feedstock Ethylene Oxide prices and lower upstream crude oil values. The downturn was further supported by stagnant production costs, sluggish demand from the construction sector, and moderate restocking activity.
Supply chain uncertainties—such as port congestion along the East and Gulf Coasts and the looming threat of tariff increases—added complexity to logistics but had minimal immediate impact on prices.
Weaker demand stemmed largely from the construction sector, where ongoing material shortages and labor constraints led to delayed projects. While public infrastructure spending offered some support, a lackluster housing market and cautious procurement strategies amid political uncertainty limited broader consumption. Industrial activity also slowed, influenced by seasonal factors and deliberate inventory control.
By December, U.S. manufacturers faced tightening margins due to tepid year-end demand, while global supply chain inefficiencies lingered. However, fluctuations in freight rates had limited effect on prices, and stable feedstock availability ensured sufficient supply. The quarter concluded with the TEA market under continued downward pressure, shaped by a mix of demand softness, cost stability, and unresolved logistical hurdles.
Get Real time Prices for Triethanolamine (TEA): https://www.chemanalyst.com/Pricing-data/triethanolamine-1208
Triethanolamine (TEA) prices in Asia continued on a downward trajectory, driven by oversupply and sluggish demand from key downstream sectors. Elevated production rates and rising U.S. imports contributed to inventory accumulation, while declining Ethylene Oxide and crude oil prices reduced production costs without stimulating recovery.
The construction sector—typically a major TEA consumer—saw mixed results. Government stimulus in China provided limited support, but seasonal slowdowns in the north and few new projects in the south kept demand subdued. Buyers remained cautious, focusing on essential purchases due to ongoing uncertainty around market recovery.
With market activity thinning, several TEA production facilities across the region opted for temporary shutdowns amid unsold inventory and limited trading. Despite brief improvements in China’s real estate sector, overall demand remained below pre-slowdown levels, reinforcing a bearish sentiment. Weak consumption from industries like concrete and surfactants further capped price support.
By the end of the quarter, the market outlook remained pessimistic, with persistent oversupply and lackluster demand expected to weigh on prices into early 2025—unless bolstered by stronger fiscal measures or a significant downstream rebound.
Triethanolamine (TEA) prices in Europe declined steadily throughout Q4 2024, pressured by oversupply and weakening demand across major markets such as Germany and France. The construction industry, a significant downstream consumer, continued to struggle amid reduced project activity, rising material costs, and limited new orders. The Eurozone construction PMI signaled ongoing contraction, as investment stagnated and workforce reductions persisted.
Demand from personal care segments also weakened due to inflationary pressures, which curtailed consumer spending on cosmetics and skincare products. On the supply side, steady Ethylene Oxide prices helped sustain production levels, while increased U.S. imports contributed to oversupply.
Seasonal factors, lean inventory strategies, and cautious buying behaviors further weighed on market sentiment. Although freight rates from Asia rose in December due to pre-Lunar New Year shipping surges, the impact on European supply chains remained limited.
By quarter’s end, TEA prices had dropped approximately 5% across key markets, reflecting ongoing economic weakness and bearish fundamentals. A potential recovery is anticipated by mid-2025, contingent on fiscal stimulus measures and a rebound in construction and industrial activity.
Triethanolamine (TEA) prices in Saudi Arabia trended downward due to imbalances in supply and demand alongside broader economic challenges. Vision 2030 construction initiatives, including megaprojects like the Jeddah Tower, sustained baseline demand, but labor shortages and global inflationary pressures tempered growth.
Falling crude oil prices in December led to reduced production costs, further pressuring TEA market prices. Regional producers focused on destocking, leveraging efficient logistics through ports like Yanbu and Al Jubail to manage excess inventory. Although logistics improved, geopolitical tensions in the Red Sea caused intermittent disruptions, driving up shipping costs and complicating supply chains.
While demand from the construction sector remained steady, it was restrained by inflation and high housing and utility costs. Broader economic uncertainties—such as oil revenue fluctuations and U.S. fiscal policy changes—further dampened market confidence. Exports to Asia also slowed as stable domestic consumption and cautious procurement weighed on trade momentum.
By December, TEA prices saw a slight decline, reflecting oversupply and limited demand recovery. Looking ahead to 2025, the market outlook is cautiously optimistic, with expectations of recovery as Vision 2030 infrastructure projects gain traction and logistical stability improves.
Get Real time Prices for Triethanolamine (TEA): https://www.chemanalyst.com/Pricing-data/triethanolamine-1208
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