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

United States imports and exports.

Imports of formaldehyde have been negligible since 1920 when 428,444 pounds, valued at $210,191, were imported. There were no imports from 1928 until 1935, when 375 pounds valued at $72 were imported from Canada. In 1936 imports amounted to 20 pounds, valued at $14, from Switzerland.

The United States exports about 5 percent of its production of formaldehyde. Canada is the principal destination of exports, and prior to 1934 Japan was an important market. Table [85] shows exports of formaldehyde to principal markets, in recent years.

Table 85.—Formaldehyde: United States exports to principal markets, in specified years, 1929-37

Exported to—	1929	1931	1933	1934	1935	1936	19371
	Quantity (pounds)
Canada	19,321	716,132	1,095,847	1,236,103	1,493,993	1,105,277	1,187,661
Japan	1,464,763	622,407	729,875	11,250
Netherlands Indies	626,689	650,875		344,725	71,375	200	335,275
United Kingdom	303	345,896	305			2
China	29,030	229,760	215,050	572,700	598,342	459,490	938,700
All other countries	448,063	339,777	332,101	433,068	334,100	279,289	403,236
Total	2,588,169	2,904,847	2,373,178	2,597,846	2,497,810	1,844,258	2,864,872
	Value
Canada	$4,405	$36,471	$46,611	$58,348	$83,805	$53,062	$50,780
Japan	124,411	33,395	43,254	562
Netherlands Indies	42,807	38,462		15,536	2,866	13	13,411
United Kingdom	510	18,629	192			1
China	3,354	13,019	11,998	27,407	28,239	19,258	34,274
All other countries	49,742	22,709	18,966	23,444	18,676	16,520	20,498
Total	225,229	162,685	121,021	125,297	133,586	88,854	118,963
	Unit value
Canada	$0.228	$0.051	$0.043	$0.047	$0.056	$0.048	$0.043
Japan	.085	.054	.059	.050
Netherlands Indies	.068	.059		.045	.040	.065	.040
United Kingdom	1.683	.054	.630			.500
China	.116	.057	.056	.048	.047	.042	.037
All other countries	.111	.067	.057	.054	.056	.059	.051
Average	.087	.056	.051	.048	.053	.048	.042
	Percent of total quantity
Canada	0.8	24.7	46.2	47.6	59.8	59.9	41.4
Japan	56.6	21.4	30.7	.4
Netherlands Indies	24.2	22.4		13.3	2.8		11.7
United Kingdom		11.9
China	1.1	7.9	9.1	22.0	24.0	24.9	32.8
All other countries	17.3	11.7	14.0	16.7	13.4	15.2	14.1
Total	100.0	100.0	100.0	100.0	100.0	100.0	100.0

¹ Preliminary.

Source: Foreign Commerce and Navigation of the United States.

Competitive conditions.

The competitive situation with respect to formaldehyde is determined largely by the output and price of the raw material, methanol. The United States produces large quantities of synthetic and natural methanol and is a net exporter of that product. Both methanol and formaldehyde are produced in many foreign countries, and foreign production is expanding. Although methanol is now the main, if not the sole, raw material utilized in making formaldehyde, plants for making the latter direct from natural gas, or from petroleum gas hydrocarbons are contemplated or actually under construction. Should such processes develop to an appreciable extent, the competitive situation of the United States may change, but in such case it is unlikely that this country would be so affected as to change its position as a moderate exporter.