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

Imports into the United States.

The official statistics of imports of vinyl resins prior to 1936 are not satisfactory for purposes of comparison. Imports could be entered under either paragraph 2 or paragraph 11 and could be included either with the statistics of imports of vinyl acetate (see table [91], page [141]) or be thrown into a general group of non-coal-tar synthetic gums and resins, n. s. p. f., which in addition to vinyl resins would include the acrylates and ureas. Table [10] gives imports of synthetic resins under paragraph 11 of the Tariff Act of 1930.

Table 10.—Synthetic resins classified under paragraph 11:¹ United States imports for consumption 1931-37

Year	Quantity	Value	Unit value
	Pounds
1931	453	$173	$0.38
1932	454	29	.06
1933	1,120	496	.44
1934	4,084	1,576	.39
1935	3,105	1,804	.58
1936	146	65	.45
19372	1,963	439	.22

¹ Statistical classification 838.914, synthetic gums and resins, n. s. p. f. (not coal tar) 1931-35; 838.939 same, other than those in chief value of vinyl acetate, 1936 and 1937.

² Preliminary.

Source: Compiled by the U. S. Tariff Commission from official statistics of the U. S. Department of Commerce.

A better idea of the imports of vinyl resins prior to 1936 is obtained by an invoice analysis of imports through the Port of New York under paragraphs 2 and 11. Table [11] shows imports of vinyl acetate resins based on such an analysis for 1934 and 1935 and on official statistics for the years 1936 and 1937.

Similarly table [12] shows imports of Mowilith resins based upon import analysis for the period 1932-1935, and upon official statistics for 1936 and 1937.

Table 11.—Vinyl acetate resins: United States imports for consumption, 1934-37

Year	Quantity	Value	Unit value
	Pounds
19341	42,000
19351	240,000
19362	600,808	$144,782	$0.24
193723	652,730	201,213	.31

¹ Invoice analysis of imports entered through the New York customs district.

² Statistical classification 817.58 (par. 2), vinyl acetate, polymerized, and synthetic resins made in chief value from vinyl acetate, n. s. p. f. (excluding imports from Germany) and 838.938 (par. 11), synthetic resins made in chief value from vinyl acetate, n. e. s.

³ Preliminary.

Source: Compiled by the U. S. Tariff Commission from official statistics of the U. S. Department of Commerce.

Table 12.—Mowilith resins: United States imports for consumption, 1932-37

Year	Quantity	Value	Unit value
	Pounds
19321	555	$229	$0.41
19331	741	247	.33
19341	2,950	1,668	.57
19351	3,372	3,175	.94
19362	7,056	2,410	.34
193723	220	308	1.40

¹ Analysis of invoices of imports entered through the New York customs district.

² Imports from Germany under statistical classification 817.58 (par. 2), vinyl acetate, polymerized, and synthetic resins made in chief value of vinyl acetate.

³ Preliminary.

Source: Compiled by the U. S. Tariff Commission from official statistics of the U. S. Department of Commerce.

Prior to January 1, 1936, the rate of duty on imports of vinyl resins was 6 cents per pound and 30 percent ad valorem under paragraph 2, and 4 cents per pound and 30 percent ad valorem under paragraph 11 of the Tariff Act of 1930. Under the terms of the trade agreement with Canada, the duty under both paragraphs was reduced to 3 cents per pound and 15 percent ad valorem. This rate was generalized to the other countries from which we have received imports, with the exception of Germany.