Synthetic resins and their raw materials / A survey of the types and uses of synthetic resins, the organization of the industry, and the trade in resins and raw materials, with particular references to factors essential to tariff consideration. Under the general provisions of section 332, title III, part II, Tariff act of 1930.

by United States Tariff Commission

Competitive conditions.

The commercial development and widespread application of surface coatings and finishes made from alkyd resins, in which phthalic anhydride and glycerin are the principal components, has resulted in a world-wide shortage of naphthalene, which is a raw material used in making phthalic anhydride. In recent years about one-half of domestic requirements of crude naphthalene have been imported (see table [46]) from Europe, principally Germany and the United Kingdom. Increased demand for the same purposes, in these countries, has so reduced the quantities available for export as to create a serious shortage in the United States. Germany placed an embargo on exports late in 1935 and continued it until late in 1937.

Table 46.—Crude naphthalene: United States production, imports, and apparent consumption in specified years

Year	Production1	Imports2	Apparent consumption3	Percent supplied by imports
	1,000 pounds	1,000 pounds	1,000 pounds
1923	53,325	20,992	74,317	28
1927	53,601	6,577	60,178	11
1929	39,263	35,007	74,270	47
1931	20,934	30,971	51,905	60
1932	13,593	27,002	40,595	66
1933	30,621	42,786	73,407	58
1934	37,922	47,995	85,917	56
1935	47,653	48,455	96,108	50
1936	89,536	39,806	129,342	31
19374	115,979	52,664	168,643	31

¹ From table [33].

² From table [43].

³ Production plus imports.

⁴ Preliminary.

Vast quantities of naphthalene potentially available in this country were not recovered because of the low prices prevailing until 1936. Since then an increase in the price of crude naphthalene from 1.55 cents to 2.5 cents and 3 cents per pound has stimulated production and has led to additional recovery.