Table of Contents
Overview
New York, NY – July 17, 2025 – The Global Triethanolamine (TEA) Market is growing steadily, driven by its wide use in personal care, detergents, agrochemicals, and construction. The market is expected to reach USD 2.6 billion by 2034, up from USD 1.6 billion in 2024, growing at a 4.8% CAGR from 2025 to 2034.
Triethanolamine (TEA), a colorless, viscous tertiary amine, is widely used across industries for its surfactant, emulsifying, and pH-adjusting properties. It is produced by reacting ammonia with ethylene oxide, generating TEA alongside ethanolamine and diethanolamine. According to the United Nations Environment Programme, global TEA production in 1999 ranged from 100,000 to 500,000 tonnes annually. In the United States, production increased from 13,000 tonnes in 1960 to 98,000 tonnes by 1990.
As of 2024, global TEA production is estimated at 518,000 tonnes per year, reflecting consistent growth. The market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.8% through 2035. In North America, the FOB Texas price for TEA was USD 1,301 per metric ton in January 2025, down 1.5% due to subdued demand. TEA is primarily used in personal care products, household cleaners, textile processing, cement grinding aids, and metalworking fluids.
TEA’s role as a pH adjuster, emulsifier, and surfactant in cosmetics, such as lotions, cleansers, and sunscreens, has expanded with the global cosmetics market. In 2022, the California Safe Cosmetics Program noted over 57,000 product submissions containing hazardous ingredients, highlighting regulatory scrutiny that promotes TEA in compliant formulations.
Government infrastructure initiatives, such as India’s ₹110 trillion National Infrastructure Pipeline, are expected to boost demand for TEA in cement and industrial applications. Additionally, environmental regulations, including the U.S. EPA’s amine oversight and California’s cosmetics disclosure requirements, are likely to encourage safer and more transparent TEA usage in formulations.
Key Takeaways
- Triethanolamine Market size is expected to be worth around USD 2.6 billion by 2034, from USD 1.6 billion in 2024, growing at a CAGR of 4.8%.
- 99% triethanolamine held a dominant market position, capturing more than a 63.9% share of the global market.
- Emulsifier held a dominant market position, capturing more than a 38.4% share in the global triethanolamine market.
- Personal Care held a dominant market position, capturing more than a 29.1% share in the global triethanolamine market.
- Offline held a dominant market position, capturing more than a 78.8% share in the global triethanolamine market.
- North America dominates the global triethanolamine (TEA) market, commanding an estimated 47.4% share, equating to approximately USD 0.8 billion.
How Growth is Impacting the Economy
The Triethanolamine Market’s growth significantly impacts the global economy by fostering job creation and industrial development. Rising demand in cosmetics and personal care, especially in emerging markets like Asia-Pacific, boosts manufacturing and supply chain activities, contributing to GDP growth. In construction, TEA’s use as a cement additive supports infrastructure projects, particularly in urbanizing regions like India and China, driving economic activity.
The agrochemical sector’s expansion, with TEA in herbicide formulations, enhances agricultural productivity, addressing food security and supporting rural economies. However, price volatility and regulatory pressures may challenge profit margins. Strategic partnerships and sustainable production methods are mitigating these issues, ensuring continued economic contributions.
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Strategies for Businesses
Businesses in the TEA market should focus on sustainable innovation, developing bio-based and eco-friendly TEA to meet regulatory and consumer demands. Expanding into high-growth regions like Asia-Pacific through strategic partnerships and localized production can enhance market reach. Investing in R&D for advanced formulations will improve product performance and competitiveness. Efficient supply chain management and hedging raw material costs can mitigate price volatility. Additionally, leveraging digital transformation for logistics and sales can optimize operations, as seen during the post-COVID recovery. Engaging with suppliers adhering to green chemistry principles will strengthen brand loyalty and market positioning.
Report Scope
Market Value (2024) | USD 1.6 Billion |
Forecast Revenue (2034) | USD 2.6 Billion |
CAGR (2025-2034) | 4.8% |
Segments Covered | By Product Type (99%, 98%, 96%), By Function (Emulsifier, pH Adjuster, Surfactant, Others), By Application (Personal Care, Home Care, Textile, Industrial Cleaning, Metalworking, Others), By Distribution Channel (Online, Offline) |
Competitive Landscape | SABIC, Evonik, TPC Group, SK Chemicals, AkzoNobel, Huntsman, BASF, Dow Chemical, INEOS, Lanxess, Ashland, Solvay, LG Chem |
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Key Market Segments
By Product Type
- In 2024, 99% triethanolamine commanded a 63.9% share of the global market, favored for its superior purity and reliability in applications like cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, textiles, and metal treatment. Its consistent chemical properties and low impurities make it ideal for precise formulations, particularly in pH regulation and surfactant roles. Widely used in emulsifiers and as a neutralizing agent in personal care products, its demand is expected to stay robust through 2025, fueled by the need for clean, regulatory-compliant, and stable formulations.
By Function
- In 2024, emulsifiers accounted for over 38.4% of the global triethanolamine market, playing a critical role in stabilizing oil-water mixtures in products like creams, lotions, shampoos, metalworking fluids, and agricultural emulsions. In personal care, triethanolamine ensures product consistency and enhances texture, while its industrial applications support high-performance emulsions. With growing demand for stable formulations in both consumer and industrial sectors, emulsifiers are projected to maintain their dominance through 2025.
By Application
- In 2024, the personal care sector captured over 29.1% of the global triethanolamine market, driven by increasing demand for skincare, haircare, and hygiene products in both developed and emerging markets. Triethanolamine serves as a key pH balancer, emulsifier, and surfactant in formulations like moisturizers, sunscreens, shaving creams, and shampoos. With heightened consumer focus on grooming and hygiene post-pandemic, this segment is expected to remain strong through 2025, supported by expanding product portfolios and regulatory-compliant formulations.
By Distribution Channel
- In 2024, offline distribution channels held a 78.8% share of the global triethanolamine market, encompassing direct industrial sales, bulk distributors, chemical wholesalers, and B2B supply chains. Serving industries like personal care, construction, and manufacturing, these channels provide logistical efficiency, competitive bulk pricing, and tailored support for high-volume buyers. As industries prioritize reliable supplier relationships and timely delivery for seamless production, offline channels are expected to maintain their dominance through 2025.
Regional Analysis
North America leads the global triethanolamine (TEA) market, holding an estimated 47.4% share, equivalent to roughly USD 0.8 billion in annual revenue. This dominance is driven by robust chemical manufacturing infrastructure and consistent demand from key industries. The United States, with major production hubs in Texas and Louisiana, spearheads output, catering to both domestic and international markets.
Government initiatives, including regulatory oversight by the U.S. EPA and collaborations with the American Chemistry Council, ensure compliance and enhance safety in TEA production and use. Regional economic growth, particularly in manufacturing and infrastructure, significantly shapes TEA market dynamics.
Recent Developments
1. SABIC
- SABIC has been focusing on sustainable TEA production by integrating renewable feedstocks into its manufacturing processes. The company is also enhancing TEA’s applications in personal care and agrochemicals through advanced formulations. SABIC’s R&D efforts aim to reduce carbon emissions in TEA production.
2. Evonik
- Evonik has expanded its high-purity TEA offerings for the cosmetics industry, emphasizing mildness and stability in formulations. The company is also developing bio-based TEA alternatives to meet eco-friendly demand. Evonik’s recent innovations include TEA derivatives for pH regulation in detergents.
3. TPC Group
- TPC Group has been optimizing its TEA production efficiency with advanced catalytic processes, reducing energy consumption. The company supplies TEA for lubricants and gas treatment applications, with a focus on high-performance grades. TPC is also exploring new markets in Asia.
4. SK Chemicals
- SK Chemicals is investing in green TEA production using bio-ethylene oxide. The company has introduced ultra-pure TEA for pharmaceutical and cosmetic use, ensuring low heavy metal content. SK is also collaborating on TEA-based surfactants for industrial cleaners.
5. AkzoNobel
- AkzoNobel has developed specialty TEA blends for water-based coatings and cement grinding aids, improving performance and sustainability. The company is also working on low-VOC TEA formulations to meet stricter environmental regulations.
Conclusion
The Triethanolamine Market’s growth, driven by diverse applications and sustainable innovations, underscores its economic significance. By addressing regulatory challenges and leveraging opportunities in emerging markets. Strategic focus on eco-friendly production and robust supply chains will ensure resilience against volatility. As demand rises in cosmetics, construction, and agrochemicals, the TEA market is poised to contribute significantly to global economic growth, fostering innovation and sustainability across industries.
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