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GermanyLooking ahead to the fourth quarter of 2024 and beyond, there are expectations for a partial recovery in production as weather conditions stabilize and labour issues are addressed. However, the glycerin market is likely to remain volatile through 2030, influenced by ongoing climate change impacts, changes in trade policies, and evolving consumer preferences toward sustainable and alternative products.
In the third quarter of 2024, glycerin prices have faced upward pressure due to a tight supply situation combined with steady demand from various industries. The market has remained sensitive to global supply chain disruptions, including transportation and export restrictions.
As of August 2024, glycerin prices have experienced notable fluctuations, averaging around USD 695 per metric ton, which has marked a 6% increase from the previous quarter. This rise in prices has been driven by tight supply conditions and robust demand from key sectors, reflecting the ongoing dynamics in the market.
In the first half of Q2 2024, the glycerin market continued to struggle with ongoing production challenges caused by extreme weather and logistical disruptions. Glycerine prices had continued to rise as production constraints persisted. Despite these issues, demand from the food and personal care industries had remained robust, with a 5% increase in consumption of glycerin-based products. By May 2024, glycerin prices had begun to stabilize as supply dynamics improved in the manufacturing market, easing some pressure on prices.
In the first quarter of 2024, glycerin prices in Indonesia had reached USD 356 per metric ton, reflecting a notable increase due to production disruptions in key manufacturing regions. Extreme weather and logistical issues had significantly impacted glycerin production, leading to a drop in overall output by 2 million metric tons. Prices had been further buoyed by strong demand from essential sectors, particularly in the food and personal care industries. Meanwhile, the biodiesel sector experienced a slight 1.5% decline in demand due to shifting energy policies and a move towards alternative fuels. However, the glycerin market faced tight supply and rising prices during those first three months.
PriceWatch is your trusted resource for tracking global glycerine price trends. Our platform delivers real-time data and expert analysis, offering deep insights into the key factors driving price fluctuations in the glycerine market. By monitoring critical events such as geopolitical tensions, supply chain disruptions, and economic shifts, PriceWatch keeps you fully informed of market dynamics.
In addition, PriceWatch provides detailed forecasts and updates on production capacities, enabling you to anticipate market changes and make well-informed decisions. With PriceWatch, you gain a competitive edge in understanding all the elements that influence glycerine prices worldwide. Stay ahead of the curve with PriceWatch’s reliable, accurate, and timely glycerine market data.
Track PriceWatch's glycerine price assessment on a weekly basis since 2015 onwards, along with short-term forecasts, and get access to the detailed report in a downloadable format.
The pandemic triggered an unprecedented surge in demand for glycerin, particularly as a key ingredient in hand sanitizers and disinfectants. With the global emphasis on hygiene, manufacturers ramped up production, causing glycerin prices to rise sharply. The increased demand was so substantial that it strained supply chains, leading to temporary shortages and heightened competition among buyers.
As environmental regulations became more stringent, particularly in the European Union, there was a shift toward more sustainable alternatives to glycerin. Consumers and manufacturers began favoring plant-based and bio-based products. This shift decreased the demand for conventional glycerin, as businesses sought to align with sustainability goals and regulations. The market started adapting, with producers exploring greener methods of glycerin production to meet changing consumer preferences.
Geopolitical issues and trade tensions, particularly between major producers, created uncertainty in the glycerin market. For example, export restrictions from key glycerin-producing countries led to supply constraints but did not significantly alter overall demand. Industries that relied on glycerin for essential products continued to maintain stable demand levels, as glycerin is a critical component in many applications, including food processing and personal care.
Advances in glycerin production technologies and the development of synthetic glycerin sources have the potential to disrupt traditional glycerin markets. For example, new extraction methods could lower production costs and increase efficiency. If these innovations lead to more widespread use of glycerin in emerging applications, such as bioplastics or pharmaceuticals, it could stabilize or even boost demand.
As the world recovered from the pandemic, economic conditions fluctuated. While some industries rebounded quickly, such as personal care and cleaning products, others lagged behind, creating variable demand patterns for glycerin. Economic uncertainties, inflation, and changing consumer behaviors influenced purchasing decisions, leading to a mixed impact on glycerin prices.
This research methodology ensures that Price-Watch delivers the most accurate, timely, and actionable glycerine pricing assessments, helping our clients stay ahead of market trends and make informed business decisions.
Molecular Weight[g/mol]
CAS No
HS Code
Molecular Formula
Glycerine, also known as glycerol, is a colorless, odorless, and viscous liquid with a sweet taste. It is a byproduct of soap manufacturing and biodiesel production, obtained through the hydrolysis of fats and oils. Glycerine consists of three hydroxyl groups, making it hygroscopic and highly effective in moisture retention. It is widely used in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, food production, and personal care products due to its humectant properties, helping to retain moisture and improve skin texture. Major producers of glycerine include companies like Procter & Gamble, Dow Chemical, and Wilmar International. The production process typically involves refining crude glycerine obtained from animal fats or vegetable oils, followed by distillation and purification to achieve pharmaceutical-grade quality, suitable for various industrial applications.
Packaging Type
Grades Covered
Incoterms Used
Synonym
PriceWatch Quotation Terms:
Ex-Location: This incoterm refers to a shipping agreement where the seller makes the goods available at their premises, and the buyer is responsible for all transportation costs, including shipping, insurance, and any other fees.
CIF: CIF refers to the Cost, Insurance, and Freight (CIF) terms for goods. Under CIF terms, the seller is responsible for the cost of goods, insurance, and freight charges until the goods reach the port of destination.
FD: FD stands for Free Delivered where the seller takes full responsibility for delivering goods to the location/port. This ensures the buyer receives the goods at the designated port with all necessary costs, except import duties, covered.
FOB: FOB refers to the Free On-Board shipping term, where the seller is responsible for the cost and risk of delivering the goods to the port. Once the goods are on board the vessel, the responsibility shifts to the buyer for all costs, including shipping and insurance.
Refined Glycerine Table
| Properties | Specification |
| Characters/Appearance | Clear, Colorless |
| Glycerine Content (%wt) | 99.5 min |
| Density (@20C) | 1.260-1.263 |
| Refractive index (@20C) | 1.470-1.475 |
| Water Content (%wt) | 0.5 max |
| Sulphated ash (%wt) | 0.01 max |
| Ester Index (ml 0.1N HCl/25g) | 8 min |
| Chlorides (ppm V) | 10 max |
| Total Heavy metals (ppm as Pb) | 5 max |
| Halogenated compounds (ppm as Cl) | 35 max |
| Acidity and alkalinity (ml 0.1NaOH/25g) | 0.2 max |
| Aldehyde (ppm) | 10 max |
| Color Index (APHA) | 5 max |
| Sugars | Negative |
| Identification (A&B) | Pass |
| Impurities A & related substances | Pass |
Crude Glycerine Table
| Properties | Specification |
| ODOR | Light musty odor. |
| APPEARANCE | Light to dark yellow liquid |
| FLASH POINT | >193°C (380°F) |
| VAPOR PRESSURE | <1mmHg |
| VAPOR DENSITY | 3.17 (Air = 1) |
| BOILING POINT | 108°C (226°F) |
| FREEZING POINT | 18°C (64°F) |
| SOLUBILITY IN WATER | Miscible in water. |
| SPECIFIC Density | 1.25 |
Applications
Glycerin, a versatile liquid, finds applications in various industries. It’s used in personal care products like moisturizers and soaps due to its humectant properties. In the pharmaceutical industry, glycerin serves as a solvent and base for medications. The food industry uses it as a sweetener and preservative. Glycerin also has industrial applications in plastics, textiles, and explosives. Additionally, it’s used in ink, cosmetics, and animal feed. Its versatility and properties make glycerin a valuable ingredient across numerous products.
The pricing of glycerin is influenced by several key factors, including global demand and supply dynamics, production costs, and the availability of raw materials. Fluctuations in the prices of feedstocks, such as vegetable oils and biodiesel, directly impact glycerin pricing. Additionally, market demand from industries like cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and food can drive prices up or down. Geopolitical events, trade policies, and regulatory changes in major producing regions also play a significant role in determining glycerin prices. Understanding these factors is essential for procurement heads to make informed purchasing decisions.
Procurement heads can forecast glycerin price trends by analyzing historical pricing data and monitoring the global supply and demand landscape. Engaging with market analysis reports, tracking feedstock prices, and assessing external influences such as currency fluctuations and geopolitical developments are vital. Collaborating with industry experts and leveraging predictive analytics can enhance the accuracy of forecasts. This proactive approach enables better planning and budgeting in procurement strategies.
Sustainability considerations can significantly impact glycerin pricing. As consumer demand for environmentally friendly and ethically sourced products grows, glycerin produced from sustainable feedstocks may command a premium price. For procurement heads, understanding the implications of sustainability practices is crucial. While the initial costs might be higher, sourcing sustainable glycerin can enhance brand reputation and align with corporate social responsibility goals. It can also open up new market opportunities, making it a strategic investment in the long run.
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