Imports of naphthalene into Germany in past years have been supplied by nearby countries, notably the Saar (which became an integral part of Germany in February 1935), Belgium, Czechoslovakia, Poland, the Soviet Union, and others. The United States has been the most important foreign market for German naphthalene, taking from 50 to 75 percent of the total quantity exported. Other important buyers were Belgium, Italy, Japan, and France. Table [92] (see p. [144]) shows the quantity and value of imports and exports by countries in recent years.
Great Britain.—The recovery and distillation of coal tar in Great Britain is highly developed. The annual output of tar, principally gas-works tar, is somewhat smaller than in the United States, although the quantities distilled for the recovery of separate components exceed the quantities distilled in the United States. In 1935 the tar distilled in England and Wales totaled 330 million gallons and in Scotland, 31 million gallons, or a combined total of 361 million gallons as compared with about 280 million distilled in this country.
Production of naphthalene in Great Britain is shown in table [37].
Table 37.—Naphthalene: Production in Great Britain, in specified years
| Year | Production |
|---|---|
| 1,000 pounds | |
| 1924 | 13,730 |
| 1930 | 41,400 |
| 1933 | 45,750 |
| 19351 | 55,000 |
| 19361 | 70,000 |
1 Estimated.
Source: Consular reports.
Table [38] shows exports of naphthalene from Great Britain in recent years. The United States has been the best customer, in most recent years taking 50 percent or more of the total exported. Our imports from Great Britain have been entirely crude naphthalene, duty-free.
Imports of naphthalene into Great Britain are not shown separately in official statistics. It is known that the Netherlands exported small quantities to Great Britain in 1929 and 1933.