BASF has announced price increases of up to 30% for its standard amine product portfolio in the European market, with certain products seeing even higher hikes. The adjustment takes effect immediately or as existing contract terms allow.
The affected products include ethanolamines, ethyleneamines, isopropanolamines, methylamines, N,N-dimethylethanolamine (DMEOA), 3-dimethylaminopropylamine (DMAPA), DMF, propylamines, and ethylamines.
Price hike driven by Middle East conflict
BASF stated that the price adjustment is a response to significant increases in raw material prices, energy costs, and logistics expenses resulting from the ongoing military conflict in the Middle East.
Implications for the agrochemical industry
The move is expected to have direct implications for the agrochemical sector, as several of these amines are key raw materials in crop protection product manufacturing.
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Ethanolamines and isopropanolamines are widely used in herbicide formulations, including the production of salts of active ingredients such as glyphosate and 2,4-D. These compounds also serve as emulsifiers and pH adjusters in crop protection products.
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Methylamines and ethyleneamines are critical intermediates in the synthesis of a range of herbicides, fungicides, and insecticides.
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Compounds such as DMAPA are used in the production of surfactants and adjuvants that enhance pesticide performance.
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Solvents such as DMF, while typically not present in final formulations, are used in the manufacturing process of agrochemical active ingredients.
Potential ripple effects
Industry observers note that the price increase could translate into higher production costs for crop protection products, particularly herbicides that rely heavily on amine-based formulations. This may further cascade downstream, affecting farmers’ input costs, especially in markets dependent on imports or global supply chains.
