A method manufactures diethyl carbonate by reaction distillation where transesterification and distillation are simultaneously performed in a multistage reaction distillation column provided with a catalyst introduction port and a raw material introduction port located below the catalyst introduction port, wherein: (a) the reaction is performed in a countercurrent flow format in which contact is brought about between a transesterification catalyst, dimethyl carbonate, and ethanol; (e) 1 to 250 mmol of catalyst is used per mole of dimethyl carbonate; (f) the ratio of the volume of air in the catalyst introduction port and the raw material introduction port regarding the volume of air in the reaction distillation part is 0.1 to 0.9; (g) the recirculation ratio in the reaction distillation column is 0.5 to 10; and (h) the temperature of the top part of the column and the reaction distillation part is 60 to 100° C.