Ethanol Amines Prices Cut Amid Weak Pharma Demand and Extended Bearish Trends in Ammonia and Ethanol

This week, Ethanol amine prices dropped by nearly 3%, tracking a decline in feedstock Ethanol and Ammonia prices. Importers are offering Mono Ethyl Amine (MEA) at ₹105++/kg Ex-Mumbai (ISO Tank) and ₹123++/kg Ex-Mumbai (Barrel) on advance payment terms. Domestic manufacturers have also reduced their prices, according to a leading trader.

Price

This week, Ethanol Amines prices dropped by nearly 3%, tracking a decline in feedstock Ethanol and Ammonia prices.

Importers are offering Mono Ethyl Amine (MEA) at ₹105++/kg Ex-Mumbai (ISO Tank) and ₹123++/kg Ex-Mumbai (Barrel) on advance payment terms. Domestic manufacturers have also reduced their prices, according to a leading trader.

Di Ethyl Amine (DEA) offers at 160++ and Tri Ethyl Amine (TEA) at 158++ Ex Raichur for barrel pack on advance payment terms.

Feedstock Ethanol spot prices saw a sharp decline of approximately 3.82% this week, driven by weak trade sentiments.

US Ethanol Weekly Historical Prices

Nov 1st Week: $1.56/gallon Nov 2nd Week: $1.57/gallon Nov 3rd Week: $1.68/gallon Nov 4th Week: $1.60/gallon FOB Ammonia Middle East Prices (Future Contracts) Ammonia prices in the Middle East dropped by approximately 4.5% since 5th November 2024, as shown below:

Nov 1st Week: $453/MT Nov 2nd Week: $444/MT Nov 3rd Week: $438/MT Nov 4th Week: $432/MT

Supply & Demand

Supply remains abundant, both from domestic manufacturers and importers, while demand has weakened due to limited liquidation in the first half of November. Buyers are holding off on purchases, anticipating further corrections in feedstock prices.

In the pharmaceutical sector, demand for MEA has been subdued. While Metformin continues to drive robust demand, the withdrawal of Ranitidine in several markets has negatively impacted MEA consumption. Additionally, demand for other APIs such as Lidocaine, Diazepam, and Ethambutol remains weak, likely influencing MEA demand in the short term.

However, demand from downstream sectors such as agrochemicals, personal care, and water treatment improved in November due to seasonal factors and is expected to support MEA demand until June 2025.

The annual demand for MEA in India stands at approximately 17,000 MT, of which domestic manufacturers, Balaji Amines and Alkyl Amines, produce around 12,500 MT. The remaining 4,000–4,500 MT is met through imports.

Market News

Crude Oil: International crude oil benchmark prices rose by 1.54%, reaching $71.18/barrel. Natural Gas: Prices fell sharply by 6.29%, settling at $3.12/MMBtu. Feedstock Updates: US Ethanol prices declined by 1.83% to $1.60/gallon. FOB Ammonia Middle East prices dropped by $3, now at $432/MT.

Plant News

CPC Corporation, a leading propylene cracker operator based in Dalin, Taiwan, announced a scheduled plant shutdown from the first week of October 2025 to the end of December 2025. The facility has a production capacity of 450 KT/annum of propylene.

Expert Opinion

Ethanol Amines prices are expected to remain bearish in the near term due to declining feedstock costs, weak pharmaceutical demand, and cheaper import options. However, seasonal demand from the personal care and agrochemical sectors is likely to provide some price support.

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