What drives China's ethanolamine supply-demand balance and price trends?

What drives China's ethanolamine supply-demand balance and price trends?
China's ethanolamine market is tightly linked to ethylene oxide (EO) feedstock and downstream demand. Satellite Chemical, the largest domestic producer, operates 200,000 tons/year of ethanolamine capacity, with actual output ranking first nationally and market share above 20%. The product's main uses include glyphosate production (75% global output in China), surfactants like 6501 for detergents, cement additives, and taurine synthesis. In 2022, EO prices surged over 11% to 7,000 yuan/ton, lifting ethanolamine prices with limited spot supply and low-end sellers holding back. Import dependence has historically hovered around 38%, but domestic capacity expansion, including Satellite's new plants, is improving self-sufficiency. Liquid detergent growth replacing powder forms is a key structural demand driver for ethanolamine-based nonionic surfactants.