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

The industry abroad.

World production of synthetic resins at this time is estimated at 300 million pounds annually, of which the United States accounts for 45 percent. Germany produces about 27 percent and Great Britain about 20 percent of the total and a number of countries including France, Italy, Czechoslovakia, Canada, and Japan produce the remainder. Practically all types are made in Germany and Great Britain although in lesser quantities than here. The urea resins originated abroad, as did the acrylates and polystyrenes.

Commercial development of the synthetic resins abroad has been somewhat behind that in the United States, although in recent years the increase there has been so rapid as to seriously affect the international raw material market. Germany, formerly one of our principal sources of crude naphthalene, for a time restricted exports of that commodity in order to conserve the available supply for home consumption, presumably in alkyd resins. Great Britain, formerly the principal exporter of phenol, has found it necessary to supplement production of natural phenol with synthetic phenol. It is possible that in the future similar conditions may arise in world markets for cresylic acid.