MERCOSUR: Crude Glycerol Market 2025

Crude Glycerol Market Size in MERCOSUR

The MERCOSUR crude glycerol market amounted to $X in 2021, rising by 1.5% against the previous year. The total consumption indicated temperate growth from 2012 to 2021: its value increased at an average annual rate of +4.7% over the last nine-year period. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, consumption decreased by -17.5% against 2019 indices. The level of consumption peaked at $X in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2021, consumption remained at a lower figure.

Crude Glycerol Production in MERCOSUR

In value terms, crude glycerol production expanded rapidly to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. The total production indicated a pronounced expansion from 2012 to 2021: its value increased at an average annual rate of +4.0% over the last nine years. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, production decreased by -17.9% against 2018 indices. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2017 when the production volume increased by 38% against the previous year. Over the period under review, production hit record highs at $X in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, production stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Crude Glycerol Exports

Exports in MERCOSUR

In 2021, the amount of crude glycerol, glycerine waters and lyes exported in MERCOSUR surged to X tons, picking up by 27% against the previous year's figure. Total exports indicated pronounced growth from 2012 to 2021: its volume increased at an average annual rate of +3.6% over the last nine-year period. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, exports increased by +50.1% against 2019 indices. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2014 with an increase of 35%. The volume of export peaked in 2021 and is expected to retain growth in years to come.

In value terms, crude glycerol exports skyrocketed to $X in 2021. Over the period under review, exports enjoyed a buoyant expansion. As a result, the exports attained the peak and are likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

Exports by Country

Brazil represented the major exporting country with an export of around X tons, which resulted at 85% of total exports. It was distantly followed by Colombia (X tons), creating an 11% share of total exports. Argentina (X tons) followed a long way behind the leaders.

Exports from Brazil increased at an average annual rate of +10.6% from 2012 to 2021. At the same time, Colombia (+14.2%) displayed positive paces of growth. Moreover, Colombia emerged as the fastest-growing exporter exported in MERCOSUR, with a CAGR of +14.2% from 2012-2021. By contrast, Argentina (-21.5%) illustrated a downward trend over the same period. Brazil (+37 p.p.) and Colombia (+6.2 p.p.) significantly strengthened its position in terms of the total exports, while Argentina saw its share reduced by -43.9% from 2012 to 2021, respectively.

In value terms, Brazil ($X) remains the largest crude glycerol supplier in MERCOSUR, comprising 88% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Colombia ($X), with a 9.1% share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of value in Brazil totaled +15.1%. In the other countries, the average annual rates were as follows: Colombia (+15.1% per year) and Argentina (-20.9% per year).

Export Prices by Country

The export price in MERCOSUR stood at $X per ton in 2021, growing by 85% against the previous year. Export price indicated a tangible increase from 2012 to 2021: its price increased at an average annual rate of +3.9% over the last nine-year period. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. As a result, the export price reached the peak level and is likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

Average prices varied somewhat amongst the major exporting countries. In 2021, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Brazil ($X per ton), while Argentina ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Brazil (+4.1%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Crude Glycerol Imports

Imports in MERCOSUR

After three years of growth, purchases abroad of crude glycerol, glycerine waters and lyes decreased by -45.2% to X tons in 2021. In general, imports, however, continue to indicate a strong increase. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2020 when imports increased by 271% against the previous year. As a result, imports attained the peak of X tons, and then dropped sharply in the following year.

In value terms, crude glycerol imports fell sharply to $X in 2021. Overall, imports, however, showed a measured expansion. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2020 when imports increased by 182%. As a result, imports reached the peak of $X, and then contracted sharply in the following year.

Imports by Country

Peru prevails in imports structure, amounting to X tons, which was approx. 93% of total imports in 2021. Chile (X tons) took a little share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2021, average annual rates of growth with regard to crude glycerol imports into Peru stood at +13.7%. At the same time, Chile (+49.8%) displayed positive paces of growth. Moreover, Chile emerged as the fastest-growing importer imported in MERCOSUR, with a CAGR of +49.8% from 2012-2021. Peru (+14 p.p.) and Chile (+4 p.p.) significantly strengthened its position in terms of the total imports, while the shares of the other countries remained relatively stable throughout the analyzed period.

In value terms, Peru ($X) constitutes the largest market for imported crude glycerol, glycerine waters and lyes in MERCOSUR, comprising 77% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Chile ($X), with a 10% share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value in Peru amounted to +6.7%.

Import Prices by Country

In 2021, the import price in MERCOSUR amounted to $X per ton, rising by 23% against the previous year. Overall, the import price, however, recorded a abrupt slump. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 when the import price increased by 28% against the previous year. Over the period under review, import prices hit record highs at $X per ton in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, import prices remained at a lower figure.

Prices varied noticeably by country of destination: amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Chile ($X per ton), while Peru amounted to $X per ton.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Chile (-2.4%).

Source: IndexBox Platform