PUBLISHER: Fortune Business Insights Pvt. Ltd. | PRODUCT CODE: 1883006
PUBLISHER: Fortune Business Insights Pvt. Ltd. | PRODUCT CODE: 1883006
The global diethanolamine (DEA) market was valued at USD 891.4 million in 2024, projected to increase to USD 930.5 million in 2025, and expected to reach USD 1,303.9 million by 2032, reflecting consistent growth driven by rising demand across multiple end-use sectors. In 2024, Asia Pacific dominated the market with a 41.5% share, fueled by rapid industrialization, growing consumer awareness, and strong demand in personal care, textile, agriculture, and oil & gas industries.
Diethanolamine is an organic chemical intermediate widely used in producing surfactants, emulsifiers, and corrosion inhibitors. Its versatile properties make it a key ingredient in personal care products, detergents, textiles, pharmaceuticals, and natural gas treatment. The growing industrial applications, coupled with expanding end-use sectors, are expected to continue driving global market growth throughout the forecast period. Major market players include Dow, Merck KGaA, BASF SE, Avantor, Inc., and Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., which focus on product innovation, strategic partnerships, and capacity expansions.
Market Drivers
The primary driver of DEA demand is the expansion of the personal care and industrial sectors. Increasing consumption of shampoos, soaps, and skin care products incorporating DEA-based surfactants is propelling market growth. Rising living standards and consumer awareness in emerging economies further stimulate demand. Additionally, DEA's application in producing emulsifiers and corrosion inhibitors for oil and gas, textiles, and agriculture ensures steady demand. According to the Observatory of Economic Complexity (OEC), global trade in beauty products was valued at USD 70.4 billion in 2023, indirectly supporting DEA consumption in personal care formulations.
Market Restraints
Market growth is constrained by fluctuating raw material prices, particularly for ethylene oxide and ammonia, which are directly impacted by global crude oil prices and supply-demand dynamics. Price volatility may increase manufacturing costs, affecting profit margins and leading producers to explore alternative methods or chemicals. These fluctuations pose challenges to market stability and consistent growth, especially in highly competitive markets.
Market Opportunities
There is a rising demand for high-performance and multifunctional chemical formulations, which presents opportunities for DEA applications. Its use in advanced cleaning agents, personal care formulations, and chemical processing allows manufacturers to enhance product stability, efficiency, and shelf life. Customized solutions tailored to specific industrial needs create additional avenues for market expansion. Furthermore, the growing interest in environmentally responsible products encourages the development of sustainable DEA-based formulations, offering long-term growth potential.
Market Challenges
The DEA market faces stringent environmental regulations due to concerns over air and water emissions. Regulatory bodies have set limits on exposure and disposal, requiring investments in safer production practices. Additionally, the availability of less hazardous chemical alternatives in various formulations increases competitive pressure on traditional DEA products. Manufacturers are compelled to adopt sustainable manufacturing practices and innovative processing technologies to comply with regulations while maintaining market relevance.
Market Trends
The industry is witnessing a shift toward sustainable manufacturing, including cleaner production methods, energy-efficient operations, and the use of renewable or bio-based inputs. These developments align with rising environmental awareness and stricter regulatory frameworks. Innovation in production processes and the creation of greener formulations are central to the DEA market evolution.
By application, the detergents segment led in 2024, driven by demand for household and industrial cleaning products. DEA enhances liquid laundry detergents, dishwashing liquids, and surface cleaners by acting as a surfactant, emulsifier, and foam stabilizer. The personal care products segment is also growing steadily, with DEA utilized in shampoos, body washes, facial cleansers, and creams to improve emulsion stability, texture, and foaming properties. The herbicides segment continues to expand as DEA acts as a neutralizing agent and solubilizer in glyphosate-based formulations, supporting agricultural productivity.
Asia Pacific led the market in 2024 with a valuation of USD 396.9 million, driven by industrial expansion, strong demand in personal care, textiles, and agriculture, and government support for manufacturing. North America follows, fueled by personal care, agriculture, and pharmaceutical sectors, coupled with stringent environmental regulations promoting sustainable chemical formulations. Europe is shaped by green chemistry initiatives and strict regulatory compliance, driving DEA use in cosmetics and herbicides. Latin America and the Middle East & Africa are witnessing steady growth due to industrial expansion and rising demand in chemical processing, personal care, and natural gas treatment.
Competitive Landscape
The market is highly competitive with leading players focusing on new product development, joint ventures, mergers, and capacity expansions. Dow, Merck KGaA, BASF SE, Avantor, Inc., and Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. dominate global operations, while regional manufacturers intensify competition in emerging markets. Companies are increasingly adopting sustainable and environmentally friendly production methods to address regulatory challenges and environmental concerns.
Segmentation
By Application
By Region