Diethanolamine Market Size, Share, Growth, and Industry Analysis, By Types (Ethylene Oxide Ammonia Method, Formaldehyde Cyanohydrin Catalytic Hydrogenation, Chloroethanol Ammonia Method), By Applications Covered (Herbicides, Detergents, Personal Care, Textile Finishing), Regional Insights and Forecast to 2033

Diethanolamine Market Size

The global diethanolamine market was valued at USD 18,488.47 million in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 19,416.6 million in 2025, growing to USD 28,730.9 million by 2033, with a CAGR of 5.02% during the forecast period (2025-2033).

The U.S. diethanolamine market is anticipated to grow steadily, driven by rising demand in industrial applications such as surfactants, agricultural chemicals, and personal care products, supported by advancements in chemical manufacturing technologies.

Key Findings

• Market Size: Valued at 19416.6M in 2025, expected to reach 28730.9M by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 5.02%.
• Growth Drivers: Herbicides accounted for 40% and personal care 15% of demand in 2023, supported by rising agrochemical and consumer product consumption.
• Trends: DEMEA used in 40% agriculture, 15% personal care, and 10% bio-based applications reflect sustainability and functional diversity across sectors.
• Key Players: Dow Chemical Company, BASF, Huntsman Corporation, INEOS, AkzoNobel
• Regional Insights: Asia-Pacific led with 45% market share due to agriculture and textile demand, followed by North America at 30%, Europe at 20%, and Middle East & Africa contributing 5% in 2023.
• Challenges: Raw material volatility impacted 2023 costs by over 15%, particularly for SMEs relying on ethylene oxide supply chains.
• Industry Impact: Bio-based production rose to 10% in 2023; 20% demand growth for sustainable herbicides and foaming agents observed across regions.
• Recent Developments: 30% capacity expansion by Dow; 15% emissions cut by BASF; 20% efficiency boost in glyphosate grade by Chinese firms in 2023–2024.

The diethanolamine market focuses on the production and application of diethanolamine, a versatile chemical compound widely used in industries such as agriculture, personal care, and manufacturing. Diethanolamine is a key ingredient in surfactants, herbicides, and emulsifiers, making it essential for products like detergents, shampoos, and crop protection agents. The compound’s ability to neutralize acidity and stabilize formulations further enhances its appeal in various applications. Growing demand for agrochemicals and personal care products, coupled with advancements in production technologies, drives market expansion. Increasing focus on sustainable and bio-based alternatives also opens new opportunities for diethanolamine in green chemistry applications.

Diethanolamine Market Trends

The diethanolamine market is witnessing steady growth, driven by its diverse applications across multiple industries. A notable trend is the increasing demand for diethanolamine in the agricultural sector, particularly in the production of herbicides such as glyphosate. In 2023, over 40% of global diethanolamine consumption was attributed to agricultural chemicals, reflecting its importance in enhancing crop yield and pest control.

The personal care industry is another key driver, with diethanolamine serving as a critical ingredient in shampoos, conditioners, and body washes. In 2023, the demand for diethanolamine in personal care products increased by 15%, driven by consumer preferences for high-quality, foaming products.

Sustainability is becoming a significant trend, with manufacturers exploring bio-based and environmentally friendly production methods. In 2023, bio-based diethanolamine accounted for 10% of market share, highlighting the shift toward greener alternatives.

Geographically, Asia-Pacific leads in diethanolamine production and consumption, supported by rapid industrialization and growing demand in agriculture and personal care sectors. North America and Europe follow, focusing on sustainable practices and advanced manufacturing technologies.

These trends underscore diethanolamine's role as a versatile compound in supporting industrial growth, meeting consumer needs, and driving innovation across its diverse applications.

Diethanolamine Market Dynamics

OPPORTUNITY

Growth in Bio-Based and Sustainable Alternatives

The rising focus on sustainability presents lucrative opportunities for the diethanolamine market. Manufacturers are increasingly investing in bio-based production methods to reduce environmental impact and meet regulatory requirements. In 2023, bio-based diethanolamine products accounted for 10% of market demand, reflecting growing consumer preferences for eco-friendly solutions. The expansion of green chemistry initiatives in North America and Europe further supports this trend. Companies adopting sustainable practices and developing innovative formulations can capitalize on this growing demand, particularly in industries like personal care and agriculture, where sustainability is becoming a key purchasing criterion.

DRIVERS

Increasing Demand in Agriculture and Personal Care

The growing need for agrochemicals and personal care products is driving the diethanolamine market. In agriculture, diethanolamine is essential for producing herbicides like glyphosate, which accounted for over 40% of agricultural chemical sales in 2023. Additionally, its role in personal care products like shampoos and conditioners has increased significantly, with demand rising by 15% in the same year. The compound’s versatility and efficiency in stabilizing formulations and enhancing product performance make it indispensable for manufacturers, further supporting market growth across these industries.

Market Restraints

"Environmental Concerns and Regulatory Challenges"

Environmental concerns regarding the production and use of diethanolamine pose significant restraints to market growth. The compound’s potential to produce nitrosamines, which are harmful to health and the environment, has led to stringent regulations, particularly in North America and Europe. For example, restrictions on certain personal care formulations impacted the adoption of diethanolamine-based products in 2023. Additionally, compliance with these regulations increases production costs, creating challenges for small and medium-sized manufacturers. These factors emphasize the need for sustainable production practices and alternative solutions to overcome regulatory and environmental barriers.

Market Challenges

"Volatility in Raw Material Prices"

Fluctuations in raw material prices pose a significant challenge for the diethanolamine market. Ethylene oxide, a primary raw material for diethanolamine production, experienced price volatility in 2023 due to supply chain disruptions and geopolitical tensions. These fluctuations directly impact production costs, making it difficult for manufacturers to maintain stable pricing. Small and medium-sized enterprises are particularly affected, as they lack the resources to absorb cost increases. Addressing this challenge requires diversification of raw material sources and investments in supply chain resilience to minimize the impact of market volatility on production and pricing.

Segmentation Analysis

The diethanolamine market is segmented by type and application, reflecting its diverse production methods and uses. By type, the market includes ethylene oxide ammonia method, formaldehyde cyanohydrin catalytic hydrogenation, and chloroethanol ammonia method, each catering to specific production efficiencies and industrial requirements. By application, diethanolamine finds widespread use in herbicides, detergents, personal care products, and textile finishing. Herbicides dominate due to their critical role in agriculture, while detergents and personal care products account for a significant share driven by rising consumer demand. These segments highlight the compound’s versatility and importance across various industrial sectors.

By Type

• Ethylene Oxide Ammonia Method: The ethylene oxide ammonia method is the most widely used production process for diethanolamine, accounting for over 60% of total output in 2023. This method offers high yield and cost-efficiency, making it the preferred choice for large-scale industrial production. It is primarily used by manufacturers in Asia-Pacific due to its scalability and availability of raw materials like ethylene oxide.

• Formaldehyde Cyanohydrin Catalytic Hydrogenation: This method is used for producing high-purity diethanolamine, primarily for applications in personal care and pharmaceuticals. In 2023, it accounted for 25% of market production, with growing demand in Europe and North America, where purity standards are stringent.

• Chloroethanol Ammonia Method: The chloroethanol ammonia method is less commonly used but offers advantages in specific applications requiring customized formulations. It represented 15% of production in 2023, mainly adopted by smaller manufacturers targeting niche markets.

By Application

• Herbicides: Herbicides are the largest application segment, with diethanolamine used in producing glyphosate. In 2023, over 40% of global diethanolamine consumption was attributed to herbicides, driven by increasing agricultural demand to enhance crop yield and efficiency.

• Detergents: The detergents segment accounted for 30% of market demand in 2023. Diethanolamine serves as a key ingredient in liquid detergents and cleaning agents, enhancing foam stability and grease-cutting properties, making it indispensable for household and industrial cleaning products.

• Personal Care: In personal care products, diethanolamine is used as a surfactant and emulsifier in shampoos, conditioners, and body washes. This segment accounted for 20% of market demand in 2023, driven by rising consumer preferences for high-quality foaming products.

• Textile Finishing: The textile finishing industry utilizes diethanolamine for softening agents and dye stabilizers. In 2023, this segment represented 10% of market demand, with significant adoption in Asia-Pacific, a major hub for textile manufacturing.

Regional Outlook

The diethanolamine market exhibits varied regional dynamics, driven by industrial growth, raw material availability, and end-use applications. North America leads due to its robust agrochemical and personal care industries, followed by Europe, where stringent regulations drive demand for high-purity diethanolamine. Asia-Pacific dominates in production and consumption, supported by rapid industrialization and demand in agriculture and textiles. The Middle East & Africa is an emerging market, with increasing use in oil refining and infrastructure projects. Each region reflects unique trends and opportunities, contributing to the global expansion of the diethanolamine market across diverse applications.

North America

North America is a significant market for diethanolamine, accounting for over 30% of global demand in 2023. The U.S. leads the region due to its extensive agricultural sector, which relies heavily on herbicides like glyphosate. The personal care industry also contributes significantly, with diethanolamine being used in high-quality shampoos and conditioners. Canada’s focus on sustainable chemical production adds to the market's growth. Increased investments in R&D for environmentally friendly production methods and compliance with stringent regulations further solidify North America’s position as a leader in the diethanolamine market.

Europe

Europe is a key player in the diethanolamine market, driven by demand in personal care and industrial cleaning products. Germany, France, and the U.K. are major contributors, accounting for over 50% of regional consumption in 2023. The region emphasizes high-purity diethanolamine for applications in pharmaceuticals and personal care. European Union regulations on sustainable chemical production have encouraged manufacturers to adopt eco-friendly practices, aligning with consumer preferences. Additionally, the agriculture sector in Eastern Europe increasingly utilizes diethanolamine-based herbicides to enhance crop yields, further supporting market growth.

Asia-Pacific

Asia-Pacific dominates the diethanolamine market, accounting for over 45% of global demand in 2023. China and India are major contributors, driven by rapid industrialization and demand in agriculture and textiles. The agricultural sector uses diethanolamine extensively in herbicide production, while the textile industry benefits from its application in dye stabilizers and softening agents. Japan and South Korea lead in innovation, focusing on high-purity diethanolamine for personal care products. Government initiatives promoting agrochemicals and industrial growth further boost the market, making Asia-Pacific a critical region for diethanolamine production and consumption.

Middle East & Africa

The Middle East & Africa region is an emerging market for diethanolamine, driven by its use in oil refining and construction industries. In 2023, the UAE and Saudi Arabia accounted for over 60% of regional demand, leveraging diethanolamine for corrosion inhibitors and industrial cleaning applications. South Africa’s growing agriculture sector also contributes to demand for herbicides. While challenges such as limited infrastructure and high costs persist, increasing investments in industrial projects and government initiatives supporting agricultural development present significant growth opportunities for the diethanolamine market in the region.

LIST OF KEY Diethanolamine Market COMPANIES PROFILED

Investment Analysis and Opportunities

Investments in the diethanolamine market are increasing, driven by its versatile applications in agriculture, personal care, and industrial cleaning. In 2023, global investments in diethanolamine production facilities exceeded $2 billion, with a focus on sustainable manufacturing and expanding production capacities. Companies like BASF and Dow Chemical are leading the way by allocating significant funds for research and development of eco-friendly processes.

Asia-Pacific remains the largest investment hub due to its growing agricultural sector and industrialization. In 2023, China announced a $500 million investment to expand its diethanolamine production, targeting herbicide manufacturing for domestic and export markets. Similarly, India’s focus on agrochemical production has attracted private and public investments.

North America and Europe are also prioritizing investments in sustainable diethanolamine production. The U.S. government provided subsidies for green chemical technologies in 2023, encouraging manufacturers to adopt environmentally friendly practices. In Europe, compliance with stringent environmental regulations has prompted companies to invest in advanced purification processes to meet quality standards.

Opportunities lie in developing bio-based diethanolamine to align with sustainability goals. Manufacturers expanding their presence in emerging markets like Africa and the Middle East can capitalize on growing demand in agriculture and construction, presenting significant growth potential for the diethanolamine market.

NEW PRODUCTS Development

Innovation in the diethanolamine market is accelerating, with manufacturers focusing on sustainable and high-performance products to meet evolving consumer and regulatory demands. In 2023, BASF launched a bio-based diethanolamine product for the personal care and agricultural sectors. This product reduces environmental impact and aligns with global sustainability initiatives, gaining significant traction among eco-conscious manufacturers.

Dow Chemical introduced a high-purity diethanolamine in 2024, designed for applications in pharmaceuticals and personal care products. This product offers enhanced performance and complies with stringent regulatory standards in Europe and North America, increasing its adoption among premium product manufacturers.

In the agriculture sector, a Chinese manufacturer unveiled a new grade of diethanolamine tailored for glyphosate production in 2023. This innovation improved herbicide efficiency by 15%, addressing growing demand for high-performance agrochemicals in Asia-Pacific.

Technological advancements in production processes are also driving product innovation. A European company developed a low-emission production method for diethanolamine in 2024, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 20% compared to conventional methods. This innovation appeals to manufacturers aiming to meet strict environmental regulations.

These product developments reflect the market’s commitment to addressing consumer preferences, regulatory requirements, and sustainability goals, ensuring continued growth and diversification across industries.

Recent Developments by Manufacturers

1. 2023: BASF launched a bio-based diethanolamine for personal care and agriculture, reducing carbon emissions by 15%.
2. 2023: Dow Chemical expanded its diethanolamine production facility in the U.S., increasing capacity by 20% to meet rising demand.
3. 2024: A Chinese manufacturer introduced a high-efficiency diethanolamine grade for glyphosate production, enhancing herbicide performance.
4. 2024: Huntsman Corporation developed a sustainable production method for diethanolamine, achieving a 10% reduction in production costs.
5. 2024: INEOS partnered with a European distributor to supply high-purity diethanolamine for pharmaceutical applications, targeting increased market share.

REPORT COVERAGE

The report on the diethanolamine market provides a comprehensive analysis of key trends, market segmentation, regional outlook, and competitive dynamics. It covers segmentation by type, including ethylene oxide ammonia method, formaldehyde cyanohydrin catalytic hydrogenation, and chloroethanol ammonia method, highlighting their specific applications and production efficiencies. By application, the report explores herbicides, detergents, personal care, and textile finishing, emphasizing their contributions to market growth.

Regional insights focus on North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Middle East & Africa, detailing growth drivers such as increased herbicide production in Asia-Pacific and rising demand for eco-friendly solutions in North America. For instance, China and India dominate production and consumption due to their large agricultural sectors.

The report profiles leading companies like BASF and Dow Chemical, analyzing their market shares, product innovations, and recent developments. It also examines investment trends, such as the shift toward bio-based diethanolamine and advanced production technologies, and highlights opportunities in emerging markets.

Recent product launches, including high-purity diethanolamine and sustainable manufacturing methods, showcase the market’s focus on innovation and sustainability. Backed by detailed facts and figures, this report is an essential resource for understanding the diethanolamine market and identifying growth opportunities.