Triethanolamine (TEA) has a wide range of applications and the import and export markets are benefiting from policy relaxations

Triethanolamine (TEA), tris(2-hydroxyethyl)amine, is an amine compound generated by the reaction of ethylene oxide and ammonia. It appears as a colorless to light yellow transparent viscous liquid with a slight ammonia smell. It becomes colorless to light yellow cubic crystal at low temperature. Triethanolamine can be mixed with water and alcohol at will, soluble in chloroform, slightly soluble in benzene, ether and carbon tetrachloride, etc., and almost insoluble in non-polar solvents. Due to the lone pair of electrons on the nitrogen atom, triethanolamine is weakly basic and can react with inorganic or organic acids to form salts.

As a chemical raw material, triethanolamine has a wide range of applications, including cosmetics, metal processing, medicine, textiles, petrochemicals and other fields. In the field of cosmetics, triethanolamine has the functions of neutralizing, brightening, and maintaining water-oil balance. It is often used as an emulsifier, moisturizer, thickener, PH balancer, etc. to make detergents, creams, eye gels and other products; in metal In the field of processing, triethanolamine cutting fluid can improve cutting efficiency, extend tool service life, and reduce processing costs. In the field of medicine, triethanolamine cream can be used for secondary erythema and varying degrees of trauma caused by radiation therapy.

According to the “2023-2028 China Triethanolamine (TEA) Industry Market In-depth Research and Development Prospects Forecast Report released by the Industrial Research Center It shows that there are many triethanolamine manufacturers around the world, including Dow, Huntsman, Mitsui Chemicals, BASF, Maoming Yunlong, Nanjing Sanzhong Chemical, Zhongke Refining and Chemicals, etc., and market competition is increasingly intensifying. On December 19, 2022, the National Pharmacopoeia Committee issued a number of standards for pharmaceutical excipients including triethanolamine, with a publicity period of 3 months. With the gradual formulation of this standard, the application of triethanolamine will be more standardized and standardized.

Triethanolamine is a common cosmetic ingredient, but as a third category chemical, triethanolamine can also be used as a chemical that is the main raw material for the production of chemical weapons. Based on this, my country has strict supervision on triethanolamine. Triethanolamine is an imported controlled chemical. Previously, only two domestic companies, Sinochem International and Zhonghao International, had operating rights. Other importers had to entrust the above companies to apply for import licenses as domestic consignees. In October 2022, the latest policy on triethanolamine was introduced, that is, if triethanolamine in cosmetics has completely reacted, it can be exempted from applying for a certificate of use based on the test report. The introduction of this policy has achieved practical benefits for more companies, such as simplifying customs clearance procedures and reducing costs.

​Industry analysts said that triethanolamine is a type of ethanolamine. There are many manufacturing companies around the world and market competition is intensifying. As one of the chemical raw materials, triethanolamine has a wide range of applications. With my country’s economic growth, the application demand for triethanolamine will continue to be released. At the same time, import and export policies have been relaxed and standards for pharmaceutical excipients have been gradually formulated, which is beneficial to the standardization and development of the triethanolamine market.