The ethanolamines market size is valued at USD 3.71 Bn in 2025 and is expected to reach USD 5.62 Bn by 2032, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.1% from 2025 to 2032.
The global ethanolamines market is growing steadily as demand increases in various industries such as agriculture, personal care, textiles, and treatment of gas. Ethanolamines, mainly monoethanolamine (MEA), diethanolamine (DEA), and triethanolamine (TEA), find extensive applications as intermediates for the manufacture of surfactants, emulsifiers, corrosion inhibitors, and herbicides. One of the key drivers of the growth is the higher demand for ethanolamines in agrochemicals and detergents, particularly in emerging economies where there is a rising pace of industrialization and urbanization.
|
Current Events |
Description and its impact |
|
Increase in Alkyl Ethanolamines Manufacturing Capacity
|
|
|
Advancements in Sustainable Production Technologies
|
|
Uncover macros and micros vetted on 75+ parameters: Get instant access to report
The cleaning products industry has seen significant growth in recent years, driven by rising consumer demand for effective and environmentally friendly household and industrial cleaning solutions. Ethanolamines are largely used as pH adjusters and corrosion inhibitors in various cleaning formulations, such as dish washing liquids, laundry detergents, hard surface cleaners, and many industrial degreasing agents.
In 2024, the U.S. cleaning products industry reported substantial growth, largely driven by heightened post-pandemic hygiene awareness and rising demand for sustainable and high-performance formulations.
Various types of ethanolamines, like monoethanolamines (MEA), diethanolamines (DEA) and triethanolamine (TEA), are well-suited to fulfill the stringent formulation requirements of modern sustainable cleaners. MEA and DEA allow precise control of pH for effective stain removal. TEA also has moisturizing properties that are beneficial for hand dishwashing liquids and laundry products.
Furthermore, ethanolamines are inexpensive and readily biodegradable, meeting the environmental standards of Europe, North America, and other major markets. Their adaptability across powder, liquid, and gel formulations is another advantage. With rising health awareness and regulations restricting toxic chemicals, the cleaning industry's shift towards green chemistry helps drive consistent demand for multi-use alkanolamines.
The global ethanolamines market is being propelled by rising demand from the personal care industry. Ethanolamines such as monoethanolamines (MEA) and triethanolamine (TEA) are increasingly being used in the formulation of various personal care products like soaps, detergents, hair conditioners, and skin creams.
As consumer spending on personal grooming and hygiene rises around the world, the incorporation of these solvents and emulsifiers in cosmetic formulations is expected to surge. Their effectiveness in regulating the pH of products, improving their texture and appearance, and adding a pleasant smell makes ethanolamines suitable for use across a wide range of skin and hair care items.
In 2024, L’Oréal, the world’s largest cosmetics and personal care company, expanded its product lines in skincare and haircare by launching several new formulations that include triethanolamine (TEA) as a key pH stabilizer and emulsifier. L’Oréal’s increased use of ethanolamine derivatives aligns with their focus on product performance and regulatory compliance.
Current trends point towards a growing emphasis on natural and organic personal care worldwide. This presents a massive opportunity for ethanolamines, which are plant-derived and enable manufacturers to label their goods as containing 'natural ingredients'. Ethanolamines are well-suited to fill the function of synthetic preservatives and emulsifiers that are now being avoided due to health and environmental concerns. Their non-irritating nature and ability to solubilize oil and water mixtures make them compatible with formulating natural cosmetics.
The demand for ethanolamines is growing significantly owing to their extensive use in gas treatment processes across various industries. Ethanolamines such as monoethanolamines (MEA) and diglycolamine (DGA) play a vital role in removing acid gases like carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide from natural gas and refinery gas streams.
With rapidly expanding natural gas production and refining activities worldwide, the requirement for acid gas removal processes is on the rise. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), global natural gas production increased by over 4% year on year in 2021. This upward trend is projected to continue in the coming years as well, thereby generating strong demand for ethanolamines from the oil and gas industry.
Besides acid gas scrubbing, ethanolamines also find wide applications as corrosion inhibitors, lubricant additives, cleaning agents, and personal care products. The growing significance of ethanolamines as an eco-friendly alternative to methanol in gas treatment is another factor stimulating the market. Various field studies conducted by the IEA have demonstrated ethanolamines' effectiveness in attaining the emissions standards for greenhouse gases and other air pollutants from natural gas, making their adoption more desirable.
The development of bio-based ethanolamines produced from renewable feedstocks such as corn, sugar beet, and sugarcane has the potential to provide significant opportunities for growth in the global ethanolamines market. As environmental sustainability becomes an increasingly important factor for many industries and consumers, the ability to offer "green" bio-based products allows companies to capitalize on demand for more eco-friendly alternatives.
The transition to more sustainable bio-based raw materials could also help reduce market dependency on petroleum-derived feedstock over time. Some early research is already being carried out on technologies to produce ethanolamines through biological routes such as fermentation.
Growth in emerging markets is poised to provide significant opportunities for the global ethanolamines market. Countries such as China, India, Brazil, and other Southeast Asian nations are undergoing rapid industrialization and infrastructure development. This development leads to increased demand for personal care products, detergents, gas treatment, cement additives, metalworking fluids, and other applications where ethanolamines are used.
Increased research and development activities in the ethanolamines market provide a huge opportunity for growth and innovation. Ethanolamines have wide industrial applications in chemical neutralization processes, electroplating baths, surfactants, herbicides, and fungicides. With growing investments in research, new product variants and applications can be identified, which helps drive greater demand.
As environmental regulations around the world become more stringent, R&D focusing on developing bio-based and sustainable ethanolamine derivatives will gain more importance. Researchers are working on extracting ethanolamines from renewable feedstocks such as plant cellulose instead of traditional petroleum sources.
The shift towards water-based production technologies is having a notable influence on the global ethanolamines market. Many companies are transitioning their manufacturing processes for ethanolamines to utilize water-based technologies instead of traditional oil-based or petrochemical-based methods. This trend is being driven by both environmental regulations as well as economic incentives to reduce production costs.
For instance, Sulzer Chemtech, in collaboration with Celeghin Consultants Corporation, has developed an innovative ethanolamine production technology that significantly reduces energy consumption and environmental impact. This technology utilizes a water-based synthesis process, replacing traditional oil-based methods.
Water provides a more sustainable solvent for these reaction processes compared to petroleum derivatives. The use of water helps to lower air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions throughout the ethanolamines life cycle from production to end use. It also enables manufacturers to minimize their dependence on crude oil price fluctuations.
Several leading companies have successfully commercialized water-based technologies for ethanolamines over the past 5 years and are seeing efficiencies such as reduced energy usage in their plants.
Based on product type, Monoethanolamines dominate the market with market share of 40.5%. This is due to their wide applications in gas treatment, detergents, and agrochemicals. They are cost-effective, easier to produce, and widely accepted in regulatory frameworks. MEA's lower toxicity compared to other ethanolamines makes it suitable for consumer products.
To learn more about this report, Download Free Sample
The U.S. is still a major player in the global ethanolamines market, buoyed by high demand in industries such as personal care, agriculture, and surfactants. Having large chemical players like Dow and Huntsman, alongside strong refining facilities and high domestic demand for use in detergent and herbicide production, keeps the country in the top position.
China is a significant producer and consumer of ethanolamines due to its wide industrial base and expanding demand in the textile, agricultural, and construction chemicals sectors. Industrial expansion initiatives driven by the government and rising investments in domestic chemical production units have helped China become a leading supplier as well as a high-demand market.
Germany dominates the ethanolamines market in Europe, driven by the country's sophisticated chemical production industry and environmental focus on high-performance surfactants and gas treatment chemicals. German companies also spearhead sustainable developments in ethanolamine applications, with a strong concentration in water treatment and industrial lubricants.
| Report Coverage | Details | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Base Year: | 2024 | Market Size in 2025: | USD 3.71 Bn |
| Historical Data for: | 2020 To 2024 | Forecast Period: | 2025 To 2032 |
| Forecast Period 2025 to 2032 CAGR: | 6.1% | 2032 Value Projection: | USD 5.62 Bn |
| Geographies covered: |
|
||
| Segments covered: |
|
||
| Companies covered: |
The Dow Chemical Company, INEOS Group Ltd., SABIC, LyondellBasell Industries N.V., Huntsman Corporation, China Chemical & Petroleum Corporation, BASF-YPC Company Ltd., Sintez OKA LLC, Daicel Chemical industries Ltd., and Celanese Corporation. |
||
| Growth Drivers: |
|
||
| Restraints & Challenges: |
|
||
Uncover macros and micros vetted on 75+ parameters: Get instant access to report
The global ethanolamines market is expected to see steady growth over the next five years. Rising demand from several end-use industries, such as cleaning products, gas treatment, and cement, will drive demand for ethanolamines. Increasing natural gas transportation and the growing personal care industry are also positive drivers for the market.
However, the availability of substitutes may limit the market expansion to some extent. Stringent environmental regulations regarding Volatile organic compounds (VOC) emissions can hamper the market as well.
Asia Pacific dominated the global market share last year due to strong demand from China, India, and other developing nations. Rapid industrialization, rising disposable incomes, and an increasing population are fueling growth of end-use industries in the region. North America and Western Europe are relatively mature markets but still hold significant shares.
Central and South America and the Middle East and Africa offer lucrative prospects, and their shares are forecast to increase steadily. Key players may find opportunities through capacity expansion, product innovation, strategic partnerships, and by focusing on high growth regions. The development of bio-based ethanolamine products can also boost prospects. However, fluctuating raw material prices remain a challenge. Overall, the global ethanolamines market is expected to grow stably, driven by rising demand from end-use industries worldwide, with Asia Pacific leading the way.
*Definition:- Ethanolamines are organic chemical compounds used in various industries. Specifically, ethanolamine, also known as 2-aminoethanol, monoethanolamines, or MEA, is a colorless, viscous liquid with an odor reminiscent of ammonia. It is commonly used as a solvent in the synthesis of detergents, in gas purification, and in the manufacture of antibiotics. Ethanolamines are also utilized in a wide range of applications, including cosmetics and personal care products. Diethanolamines (DEA) and triethanolamine (TEA) are other examples of ethanolamines, which are used as emulsifiers, fragrances, pH adjusters, and emulsifying agents in various products.
Share
Share
About Author
Yash Doshi is a Senior Management Consultant. He has 12+ years of experience in conducting research and handling consulting projects across verticals in APAC, EMEA, and the Americas.
He brings strong acumen in helping chemical companies navigate complex challenges and identify growth opportunities. He has deep expertise across the chemicals value chain, including commodity, specialty and fine chemicals, plastics and polymers, and petrochemicals. Yash is a sought-after speaker at industry conferences and contributes to various publications on topics related commodity, specialty and fine chemicals, plastics and polymers, and petrochemicals.
Missing comfort of reading report in your local language? Find your preferred language :
Transform your Strategy with Exclusive Trending Reports :
Frequently Asked Questions
Joining thousands of companies around the world committed to making the Excellent Business Solutions.
View All Our Clients
Schedule a meeting with report Author
