Ethanolamines

Ethanolamines including monoethanolamine (MEA), diethanolamine (DEA) and triethanolamine 99% (TEA) find a variety of applications across several sectors of the industry. They yield soaps when combined with fatty acids; are used as solvents, plasticising agents, corrosion inhibitors, humectants, conditioning agents and glyphosates. Other uses come in various chemical synthesis processes; in the production of surface-active agents for detergents and personal care products; as agrochemicals; cement additives; metal working and oilfield chemicals; and also for a wide range of other applications like the production of polyurethanes, biocides, cosmetics and electronic chemicals.

TEA comes in two forms – 85% (technical) and 99% (pure).

ICIS pricing quotes ethanolamines in Europe

Frequency:

Published weekly on Wednesdays.

Ethanolamines (Europe)

Mono Ethanolamine (MEA) quarterly contract price

• FD NWE (EUR/MT & conversion to US CTS/LB)

Di Ethanolamine (DEA) quarterly contract price

• FD NWE (EUR/MT & conversion to US CTS/LB)

Tri Ethanolamine 99% (TEA) quarterly contract price

• FD NWE (EUR/MT & conversion to US CTS/LB)

Mono Ethanolamine (MEA) spot price

• FD NWE (EUR/MT & conversion to US CTS/LB)

Di Ethanolamine (DEA) spot price

• FD NWE (EUR/MT & conversion to US CTS/LB)

Tri Ethanolamine 99% (TEA) spot price

• FD NWE (EUR/MT & conversion to US CTS/LB)

General Information:

Assessment window: Price assessments are based on information supplied by market participants through the week up to close of business on Wednesdays at 1700 hours in London.

Specifications: ICIS pricing quotes MEA and TEA grades typically at a minimum 99% purity by mass. DEA is quoted at a minimum 98% purity by mass.

Timing: Cargoes loading or delivered four-to-six weeks forward from the date of publication.

Terms: 30-60 days after bill of lading date.

Standard cargo size: Bulk tanker trucks typically defining 20-30tonnes. Annual volumes purchased in Europe are typically 1,000-3,000 tonnes.

Assessment basis: The ICIS pricing ethanolamines assessments represent gross prices – encompassing both quarterly contract prices and spot prices – for bulk tanker truck deliveries.

The report text carries pricing information on ethanolamine feedstocks ethylene oxide and ammonia.

Europe historically has seen imports from the US and Asian markets, although rising demand in these regions has reduced the influx of imported material in recent years. Demand for MEA in the US has been boosted by increased requirements for ammoniacal copper quaternary, used in the manufacture of wood preservatives. The increased demand was prompted by legislation in 2004 banning the residential use of ammoniacal copper arsenate (ACA) and chromated copper arsenate (CCA).

The report offers market commentary that includes details of confirmed transactions, news on the supply/demand balance, export/import information news, contract price negotiations and general sentiment for price direction. Where applicable there is product information, comments on up and downstream market developments and general market intelligence.