Recent Market Intelligence Report on Diethanolamine (DEA)

I. Price Trends
- Recent Price Fluctuations:
- On May 1, 2026, the benchmark price of diethanolamine was RMB 8,514.29 per metric ton.
- On May 25, 2026, the benchmark price declined to RMB 7,966.67 per metric ton, representing a 6.43% decrease from the beginning of the month.
- From May 20 to May 22, 2026, the reference price remained stable at RMB 8,033.33 per metric ton, down 5.65% compared to the beginning of the month.
- From May 13 to May 18, 2026, the reference price remained stable at RMB 8,300.00 per metric ton, down 2.52% compared to the beginning of the month.
- On May 15, 2026, the reference price stood at RMB 8,314.29 per metric ton, down 2.35% compared to the beginning of the month.

- Price Range:
- Over the past year, the lowest recorded price of diethanolamine was RMB 7,175.00 per metric ton, the highest was RMB 8,514.29 per metric ton, and the median price was RMB 7,844.65 per metric ton.

II. Supply and Demand Situation
- Supply Situation:
- China is one of the world’s largest producers of diethanolamine. Major domestic producers include Hubei Xianlin Chemical Co., Ltd., Huangshan Bashi Hui Chemical Auxiliaries Co., Ltd., and Maoming Petrochemical Shihua Co., Ltd.
- Leading global DEA manufacturers include Dow Chemical (USA) and SABIC (Saudi Arabia).
- Recent supply has remained relatively stable, with no large-scale capacity adjustments or supply disruptions reported.

- Demand Situation:
- Diethanolamine boasts broad application across multiple sectors, including textiles, daily chemical products, pesticides, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, automotive, and coatings.
- In the pesticide industry, DEA serves as a key raw material for glyphosate production. As a major agricultural nation, China maintains robust demand for glyphosate.
- In the automotive sector, DEA functions as an additive in engine coolants, enhancing cooling system efficiency, improving vehicle performance, and extending service life.
- Recently, downstream demand has sustained steady growth without significant volatility.

III. Market Dynamics Analysis
- Reasons for Price Decline:
- The recent decline in DEA prices may stem from multiple factors, including reduced raw material costs, intensified market competition, and moderating downstream demand growth.
- Ethylene oxide—the key raw material for DEA production—directly influences DEA manufacturing costs. Recently, ethylene oxide supply has been ample and its price stable, thereby creating room for DEA price reductions.

- Competitive Landscape:
- The Chinese DEA market features numerous participants and intense competition.
- In recent years, domestic DEA manufacturers have increasingly invested in technological advancement and R&D, continuously improving product quality. Consequently, their competitiveness in international markets is expected to strengthen progressively.

IV. Outlook and Forecast
- Price Trend Forecast:
- In the short term, DEA prices are expected to remain stable or experience slight declines, primarily driven by intensifying competition and moderating downstream demand growth.
- In the long term, with rapid development of downstream industries and emergence of new markets, DEA demand is projected to grow steadily, supporting a gradual price recovery.

- Supply and Demand Forecast:
- On the supply side, DEA production capacity is expected to maintain steady growth, adequately meeting market demand while preserving supply flexibility.
- On the demand side, with continued expansion of downstream industries and the rise of emerging markets, overall DEA demand will sustain growth—particularly strong in pesticide and automotive applications.