N-Methyldiethanolamine

Methyldiethanolamine (MDEA) Recent Commodity Market Intelligence, Analysis, and Forecast

I. Market Intelligence

Price Information
- N-Methyldiethanolamine (MDEA):
- According to B2B Chemical Network (Shengyishe) data, during the period of June 1–15, 2026, the benchmark price of N-methyldiethanolamine ranged between RMB 13,875.00 and RMB 14,250.00 per ton. The benchmark price stood at RMB 13,875.00/ton on June 1; remained unchanged at RMB 13,875.00/ton on June 4 and June 5; and rose to RMB 14,250.00/ton from June 10 to June 15.
- Dimethylethanolamine (DMEA):
- According to B2B Chemical Network data, the reference price of dimethylethanolamine was RMB 15,000.00/ton on June 1, 2026—a 2.6% decline compared to RMB 15,400.00/ton on May 1, 2026. Prices remained stable at RMB 15,000.00/ton from June 2 to June 5.
- As reported by Shandong Province pricing data on June 17, 2026, significant price variation existed across brands and specifications of dimethylethanolamine. For example: Eastman Advantex DM (99.8% purity, drum-packed or bulk liquid, spot supply) was priced at RMB 14,000.00/ton in Jinan City, Shandong Province; Eastman (180 kg drum, 99.8% assay, national standard) was priced at RMB 16.00/kg (i.e., RMB 16,000.00/ton); Eastman (180 kg/drum, 99% assay, GB standard) was priced at RMB 12,200.00/ton; BASF-Yangzi (purity ≥99.8%) was priced at RMB 13,000.00/ton; and a Japanese brand (99.90% assay, 180 kg/drum) was priced at RMB 14,500.00/ton.
- Diethanolamine (DEA):
- According to B2B Chemical Network data, the reference price of diethanolamine was RMB 7,957.14/ton during June 8–10, 2026—a 3.13% decline versus RMB 8,214.29/ton on June 1, 2026; dropped further to RMB 7,742.86/ton during June 11–12 (a 5.74% decline vs. June 1); and declined to RMB 7,657.14/ton during June 16–19 (a 6.78% decline vs. June 1).

Market Size and Growth Trends
- The global methyldiethanolamine market size reached RMB 5.602 billion in 2025, while China’s methyldiethanolamine market size amounted to RMB 1.611 billion. It is projected that the global market will reach RMB 7.525 billion by 2032, with an estimated compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.31% over the forecast period.
- Global methyldiethanolamine revenue totaled approximately USD 545.3 million in 2021 and is expected to reach USD 832 million by 2028, implying a notable CAGR during the 2022–2028 period.

Application Areas
- Methyldiethanolamine products are primarily utilized in desulfurization and decarbonization applications; their use in pharmaceuticals, coatings, and other sectors remains limited—but holds substantial development potential. MDEA also serves as an intermediate for insecticides, emulsifiers, and antitumor drugs such as hydrochloride nitrogen mustard.
- Using MDEA-based solvents offers significant advantages in energy consumption, operating costs, and capital investment: energy consumption can be reduced by 30–50%, operating costs cut by 20–30%, and capital investment lowered by approximately 20%.

Competitive Landscape
- Major global methyldiethanolamine manufacturers include The Dow Chemical Company, BASF, Amines & Plasticizers Ltd., among others. In 2025, the top three and top five manufacturers (CR3 and CR5) held specific sales share percentages in both global and Chinese markets, as detailed in related industry reports.
- Other leading global suppliers include DuPont, Taminco (Eastman), INEOS, and Huntsman. In 2021, the top four global manufacturers accounted for a notable share of total revenue.

II. Analysis and Assessment

Price Trend Analysis
- The price of N-methyldiethanolamine experienced a modest increase in early-to-mid June—likely attributable to shifts in supply-demand dynamics and rising raw material costs.
- Dimethylethanolamine prices remained relatively stable in early June, yet significant price dispersion across brands and specifications reflects intense market competition and variations in product positioning and cost control among manufacturers.
- Diethanolamine prices continued declining throughout early-to-mid June—possibly due to ample supply, sluggish demand growth, or intensified industry competition.

Market Size and Growth Analysis
- Both the global and Chinese methyldiethanolamine markets exhibit upward growth trends, driven largely by broad application in desulfurization and decarbonization, alongside tightening environmental regulations. Going forward, growing demand from emerging sectors—including new energy and environmental protection industries—is expected to further boost methyldiethanolamine consumption.
- The steady CAGR suggests a relatively mature market, with growth momentum sustained primarily by incremental demand within established applications and expansion into new application areas.

Application Area Analysis
- Currently, methyldiethanolamine dominates in desulfurization and decarbonization applications. However, stricter environmental requirements and technological advancements may gradually expand its adoption in pharmaceuticals, coatings, and other sectors.
- The energy efficiency, lower operating expenses, and reduced capital investment enabled by MDEA-based solvents will encourage broader adoption across relevant industries.

Competitive Landscape Analysis
- The global methyldiethanolamine market features intense competition. Leading manufacturers enhance competitiveness through technological innovation, quality improvement, and cost optimization.
- Divergent product positioning and marketing strategies exist among suppliers: some focus on premium segments—offering high-purity, high-performance products—while others target mid-to-lower-tier markets, leveraging competitive pricing to attract customers.

III. Forecast

Price Forecast
- N-Methyldiethanolamine prices are likely to remain subject to minor fluctuations. Prices may rise further if demand increases or raw material costs escalate; conversely, oversupply or intensified competition could trigger downward pressure.
- Dimethylethanolamine prices will continue to be influenced by supply-demand dynamics and competitive conditions; inter-brand and inter-specification price differentials may widen further.
- Diethanolamine prices may continue declining in the near term, but are expected to gradually stabilize as market supply-demand equilibrium adjusts.

Market Size Forecast
- Both the global and Chinese methyldiethanolamine markets are projected to maintain growth trajectories. The global market is anticipated to reach RMB 7.525 billion by 2032. Demand will steadily rise, especially in desulfurization and decarbonization applications, propelled by developments in new energy and environmental protection industries.
- Development of novel applications—including pharmaceuticals and coatings—will provide new growth drivers for the methyldiethanolamine market.

Application Area Forecast
- Methyldiethanolamine will retain its dominant position in desulfurization and decarbonization applications. Meanwhile, increasing environmental compliance requirements and technological progress will gradually broaden its usage in pharmaceuticals, coatings, and other fields.
- The operational advantages of MDEA solvents—including lower energy consumption, operating costs, and capital expenditure—will promote wider deployment across additional sectors such as natural gas purification and chemical manufacturing.

Competitive Landscape Forecast
- Competition in the global methyldiethanolamine market will intensify further. Leading manufacturers will continue ramping up investments in R&D and technological innovation to improve product quality and performance, thereby meeting evolving market demands.
- New entrants may face high technical barriers and market entry thresholds. Nevertheless, pursuing differentiated competitive strategies could still enable them to secure viable market positions.