Competitive conditions.
Glycerin occurs in chemical combination in animal and vegetable oils and fats. Since it is obtained as a byproduct, the output is dependent primarily upon the output of the major products, soaps and fatty acids, and its production is largely independent of demand. At low prices, however, less glycerin is recovered.
The United States usually consumes more glycerin than it produces (see table [55]), whereas leading European producing nations produce more than they consume. In recent years the domestic production has apparently been approaching domestic requirements. A factor tending to decrease demand is the increasing resort to substitutes in various uses, particularly ethylene glycol, ethyl alcohol, and methyl alcohol. On the other hand, the demand in the resin industry is expanding rapidly.
Table 55.—Refined glycerin: United States production, imports, exports, and apparent consumption, in specified years
| Year | Production1 | Imports2 | Exports3 | Apparent consumption4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pounds | Pounds | Pounds | Pounds | |
| 1927 | 108,392 | 8,289 | 693 | 115,987 |
| 1929 | 125,772 | 5,358 | 1,374 | 129,757 |
| 1931 | 113,894 | 1,966 | 328 | 115,531 |
| 1932 | 105,163 | 2,348 | 260 | 107,250 |
| 1933 | 104,120 | 2,776 | (5) | 106,895 |
| 1934 | 128,912 | 2,214 | (5) | 131,126 |
| 1935 | 123,390 | 69 | 3,354 | 120,105 |
| 1936 | 132,922 | 3,447 | 1,146 | 135,223 |
| 19376 | (5) | 7,535 | 1,375 | (5) |
1 From table [48] (refined basis).
2 From table [51] (refined).
3 From table [54] (grade not specified, but chiefly refined).
4 Production plus imports minus exports.
5 Not available.
6 Preliminary.
Up to 1924 (except 1920) imports consisted principally of crude glycerin, much of which was refined in the United States and included in United States production; thereafter imports of refined glycerin became important relative to the crude. Exports are insignificant compared to either production or imports.