In Q1 2025, the U.S. glycerine market witnessed a consistent upward price trend, driven by a combination of tightening supply conditions, firm demand, and persistent logistical challenges. January marked the beginning of the rally, with prices steadily increasing due to post-holiday industrial recovery, robust export demand, and reduced import availability following late-2024 disruptions. The market remained sensitive to geopolitical tensions and trade policy shifts, particularly concerning Chinese imports, prompting cautious procurement strategies among buyers.

Get the latest insights on price movement and trend analysis of Glycerin in different regions across the world (Asia, Europe, North America, Latin America, and the Middle East Africa).

The average crude glycerol export price stood at $698 per ton in April 2025, declining by -7.1% against the previous month.

In 2024, the Malaysian crude glycerol market decreased by -5.6% to $18M, falling for the second year in a row after two years of growth. In general, consumption showed a mild descent. Over the period under review, the market reached the maximum level at $25M in 2022; however, from 2023 to 2024, consumption failed to regain momentum.

Q4 2024 saw a sharp glycerine price rise (+26% YoY Dec) on demand & global shifts. H2 2025 may see softening on ample supply & stable palm oil.

The UK crude glycerol market totaled $50M in 2024, picking up by 4.9% against the previous year. Overall, consumption recorded a relatively flat trend pattern. Over the period under review, the market attained the peak level at $55M in 2022; however, from 2023 to 2024, consumption stood at a somewhat lower figure.

According to Cognitive Market Research, the global Glycerin market size will be USD 2.0 billion in 2024 and will expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.2% from 2024 to 2031. Market Dynamics of Glycerin Market

Key Drivers for Glycerin Market

Expanding Demand from the Personal Care and Cosmetics Industry

Glycerin is a widely used ingredient in personal care and cosmetic products due to its excellent moisturizing, humectant, and skin-soothing properties. As global consumer demand for skincare, haircare, and hygiene products continues to rise especially in emerging economies the need for high-quality, plant-based and non-toxic ingredients like glycerin is growing steadily. The clean beauty trend further amplifies this demand, as brands seek safe, natural, and sustainable ingredients to align with eco-conscious consumer preferences. This robust uptake from the personal care sector remains one of the strongest growth engines for the glycerin market.

Increasing Utilization in Pharmaceutical and Food Industries

Glycerin is gaining widespread application in the pharmaceutical and food & beverage sectors due to its non-toxic, sweet-tasting, and solvent-like qualities. In pharmaceuticals, it is used as a carrier in syrups, lozenges, and capsules, while in food, it acts as a humectant, preservative, and low-calorie sweetener. The surge in demand for processed foods, oral medications, and wellness supplements especially in the wake of growing health awareness has led to increased industrial consumption of refined glycerin. As regulatory bodies approve glycerin for diverse end uses, its importance as a versatile, functional ingredient continues to grow.

Key Restraints for Glycerin Market

The availability and development of synthetic glycerin alternatives hinder the Glycerin industry growth

One major restraint in the glycerin market is the increasing availability and adoption of synthetic alternatives, which are chemically engineered to replicate the properties of natural glycerin. These synthetic versions, often derived from petrochemical sources or advanced bio-engineering processes, can offer greater consistency, purity, and tailored functionality depending on the end-use application. Industries such as pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and personal care may prefer synthetic variants for applications requiring strict formulation control or allergen-free standards. As research and innovation in synthetic substitutes advance, they present a growing competitive threat to natural glycerin reducing its demand and putting pressure on pricing and market share for traditional glycerin producers.

The market also faces significant difficulties related to fluctuating raw material prices

Another critical restraint is the high volatility in raw material prices, particularly those linked to biodiesel production and vegetable oils like palm, soybean, or coconut key feedstocks for natural glycerin. Since glycerin is often a byproduct of biodiesel manufacturing, its supply and cost are tightly linked to biodiesel market dynamics and global oilseed crop yields. Any disruption in agricultural output due to weather, geopolitical factors, or trade policies can lead to sharp price swings. This unpredictability affects manufacturers' ability to plan, price competitively, and maintain stable margins. As a result, cost instability discourages long-term investment and creates operational challenges for businesses reliant on glycerin as a core ingredient.

Key Trends of Glycerin Market

Surge in Bio-based and Sustainable Glycerin Production

Driven by growing environmental awareness and demand for renewable alternatives, manufacturers are increasingly producing bio-based glycerin derived from vegetable oils and biodiesel by-products over petroleum-based synthetic versions. This shift supports circular economy principles, reduces carbon emissions, and aligns with consumer and regulatory preferences for green ingredients. It’s also prompting major investments in refining infrastructure, such as the expansion of biobased glycerin facilities in Europe, making high-purity, eco-friendly glycerin more accessible across industries.

Rising Use in Personal Care, Food & Specialty Applications

Glycerin is seeing increased integration into personal care, food, pharmaceutical, and specialty chemical products, thanks to its moisturizing, humectant, and stabilizing pro...

The Vietnamese crude glycerol market stood at $20M in 2024, growing by 3.2% against the previous year. The market value increased at an average annual rate of +1.8% over the period from 2012 to 2024; the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded in certain years. Crude glycerol consumption peaked at $24M in 2022; however, from 2023 to 2024, consumption remained at a lower figure.

In 2023, the glycerine market is around 1300 thousand metric tons and is estimated to grow at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 4.2%.

The Southeast Asian crude glycerol market rose modestly to $168M in 2024, growing by 2.8% against the previous year. The market value increased at an average annual rate of +1.7% from 2012 to 2024; the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. The level of consumption peaked at $193M in 2022; however, from 2023 to 2024, consumption stood at a somewhat lower figure.

The global glycerol market, valued at approximately $XX million in 2025 (estimated based on provided CAGR and market trends), is projected to experience robust growth, exhibiting a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 7.55% from 2025 to 2033. This expansion is fueled by several key drivers. The increasing demand for glycerol in the biofuels industry, driven by the global push for renewable energy sources and stricter environmental regulations, is a significant contributor. Furthermore, the growing applications of glycerol in the food and beverage sector as a sweetener, humectant, and solvent are boosting market demand. The cosmetics and personal care industry's utilization of glycerol as a moisturizer and emollient further propels market growth. Technological advancements leading to more efficient and cost-effective glycerol production processes also contribute to this positive outlook. However, price fluctuations in raw materials and the potential for substitution by alternative products pose challenges to the market's sustained growth. Market segmentation reveals strong performance across various applications, including food & beverage, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and biofuels, with regional variations reflecting differing levels of industrial development and consumer preferences. Leading companies are adopting competitive strategies focused on innovation, strategic partnerships, and geographic expansion to capitalize on these market opportunities. The market's competitive landscape is characterized by the presence of both large multinational corporations and specialized smaller players. Aemetis Inc., Archer Daniels Midland Co., Cargill Inc., and other key players are engaged in intense competition, focusing on product diversification, capacity expansion, and acquisitions to gain market share. Consumer engagement is increasingly important, with companies emphasizing the sustainability and natural origins of glycerol to resonate with environmentally conscious consumers. The North American and Asian markets, particularly China and India, represent significant growth opportunities due to expanding industrial sectors and rising consumer spending. Europe also holds a substantial market share driven by strong regulatory frameworks supporting renewable energy and the presence of established chemical industries. The forecast period of 2025-2033 suggests continued expansion, with growth potential across all major segments and regions, although challenges related to supply chain stability and fluctuating raw material prices need careful management.

After two years of decline, supplies from abroad of crude glycerol, glycerine waters and lyes increased by 204% to 2.1K tons in 2023.

Learn about the increasing global demand for crude glycerol, glycerine waters, and lyes, driving market growth. Market performance is expected to steadily rise over the next decade, with a projected 8.8M tons of market volume and $6.9B market value by 2035.

Explore the expected growth in the refined or synthetic glycerol market in the MENA region, with consumption trends projected to rise over the next decade. Market performance is forecasted to expand with an anticipated CAGR of +1.0% in volume and +1.8% in value terms from 2024 to 2035, reaching 199K tons and $174M respectively by the end of 2035.

51726 Global export shipment records of Glycerin with prices, volume & current Buyer's suppliers relationships based on actual Global export trade database.

Glycerol‑to‑Biodiesel Upgrading Market Outlook

According to our latest research, the global glycerol-to-biodiesel upgrading market size reached USD 3.4 billion in 2024, reflecting robust demand across both developed and emerging economies. The market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 7.2% from 2025 to 2033, driving the value to approximately USD 6.37 billion by 2033. The primary growth driver is the increasing adoption of sustainable fuels and the circular economy approach, which emphasizes the conversion of waste by-products like glycerol into value-added biodiesel, thereby reducing environmental impact and enhancing energy security.

One of the most significant growth factors for the glycerol-to-biodiesel upgrading market is the global shift toward renewable energy and green chemistry. Governments and regulatory authorities worldwide are tightening environmental regulations and incentivizing the use of biofuels to meet carbon reduction targets. This push is prompting refiners and chemical producers to invest in advanced upgrading technologies that can efficiently convert surplus glycerol, a by-product of biodiesel production, into high-quality biodiesel. The rise in biodiesel production, especially in regions like Europe and North America, is leading to a surplus of crude glycerol, making its upgrading both an economic necessity and a sustainability imperative. Additionally, the integration of glycerol upgrading processes into existing biodiesel plants is enabling producers to maximize resource utilization and profitability, further fueling market expansion.

Technological advancements are another pivotal growth driver in the glycerol-to-biodiesel upgrading market. Innovations in catalytic upgrading, transesterification, and biochemical conversion methods have significantly improved conversion efficiencies and product yields. These advancements are reducing operational costs and making the upgrading process more economically viable for both large-scale and small-scale producers. The development of novel catalysts, enzyme-based processes, and integrated biorefinery concepts is supporting the diversification of feedstock sources, including waste oils and animal fats, thereby broadening the scope and scalability of glycerol upgrading. As research and development efforts continue to focus on process optimization and feedstock flexibility, the market is expected to witness sustained growth and technological evolution over the forecast period.

The rising demand for bio-based chemicals and fuel additives is further catalyzing the growth of the glycerol-to-biodiesel upgrading market. Industries such as automotive, energy, and pharmaceuticals are increasingly seeking renewable and low-carbon alternatives to conventional fuels and chemicals. Upgraded biodiesel derived from glycerol is gaining traction as a cleaner-burning fuel with lower emissions, meeting the stringent regulatory standards for transportation fuels. Moreover, the valorization of glycerol into high-value industrial chemicals and pharmaceutical intermediates is opening new revenue streams for market participants. These trends, combined with favorable government policies and increased investment in bioenergy infrastructure, are creating a conducive environment for the widespread adoption of glycerol upgrading technologies.

From a regional perspective, the Asia Pacific region is emerging as a major growth hub for the glycerol-to-biodiesel upgrading market, driven by rapid industrialization, rising energy demand, and supportive government initiatives promoting biofuel adoption. Countries like China, India, and Indonesia are witnessing significant investments in biodiesel production and downstream processing, leading to increased glycerol availability and upgrading activity. Meanwhile, Europe continues to lead in technological innovation and regulatory support, while North America is investing heavily in research and infrastructure development. Latin America and the Middle East & Africa are also showing promising growth potential, supported by abundant feedstock availability and growing awareness of sustainable energy solutions.

In August 2022, the crude glycerol price amounted to $700 per ton (FOB, Brazil), dropping by -16.7% against the previous month.

China Trade Index: MoM: Unit Value: Export HS4: Glycerol, Crude; Glycerol Waters and Glycerol Lyes. data was reported at 133.600 Average 12 Mths PY=100 in Mar 2025. This records an increase from the previous number of 126.600 Average 12 Mths PY=100 for Feb 2025. China Trade Index: MoM: Unit Value: Export HS4: Glycerol, Crude; Glycerol Waters and Glycerol Lyes. data is updated monthly, averaging 126.300 Average 12 Mths PY=100 from Mar 2019 (Median) to Mar 2025, with 14 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 177.900 Average 12 Mths PY=100 in Jul 2020 and a record low of 80.494 Average 12 Mths PY=100 in Mar 2019. China Trade Index: MoM: Unit Value: Export HS4: Glycerol, Crude; Glycerol Waters and Glycerol Lyes. data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by General Administration of Customs. The data is categorized under China Premium Database’s International Trade – Table CN.JE: Unit Value Index: MoM: HS4 Classification.

Biodiesel Glycerin Valorization Market Outlook

According to our latest research, the global biodiesel glycerin valorization market size stood at USD 2.47 billion in 2024, reflecting robust industry expansion driven by growing sustainability initiatives and the expanding biodiesel sector. The market is projected to reach USD 6.01 billion by 2033, registering a remarkable CAGR of 10.2% during the forecast period. The key growth factor behind this surge is the increasing emphasis on waste minimization and resource optimization in the biodiesel industry, which is fueling the demand for value-added applications of glycerin, a major byproduct.

One of the primary growth drivers for the biodiesel glycerin valorization market is the exponential rise in biodiesel production worldwide, particularly across developed and emerging economies. As governments and industries intensify efforts to decarbonize transportation and industrial operations, biodiesel is gaining traction as a renewable alternative to fossil fuels. This surge in biodiesel output has led to a proportional increase in glycerin generation, creating both a challenge and an opportunity for producers. Valorizing this surplus glycerin through innovative processing technologies not only addresses waste management issues but also unlocks new revenue streams, thereby enhancing the overall economic viability of biodiesel projects.

Technological advancements in glycerin purification and conversion processes are further catalyzing market growth. Innovations in transesterification, fermentation, and chemical conversion techniques have significantly improved the efficiency, yield, and quality of value-added glycerin derivatives. This has expanded the spectrum of applications for valorized glycerin, ranging from pharmaceuticals to personal care and food & beverages. The development of cost-effective and scalable technologies has also lowered entry barriers for small and medium enterprises, promoting broader market participation and intensifying competition. Additionally, collaborations between research institutions and industry players are accelerating the commercialization of novel glycerin-derived products, further propelling market expansion.

Another significant growth factor is the increasing adoption of circular economy principles by industries and regulatory bodies worldwide. Environmental regulations mandating the sustainable disposal and utilization of industrial byproducts have compelled biodiesel manufacturers to invest in glycerin valorization initiatives. The growing consumer preference for bio-based and eco-friendly products is also driving demand for glycerin-derived ingredients in sectors such as cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and food processing. These trends are reinforcing the market’s upward trajectory, as manufacturers seek to align their operations with evolving sustainability standards and capitalize on emerging green market opportunities.

Regionally, the Asia Pacific market is emerging as a powerhouse in the biodiesel glycerin valorization landscape, underpinned by rapid industrialization, expanding biodiesel production facilities, and supportive government policies. Countries such as China, India, and Indonesia are witnessing increased investments in biofuel infrastructure and downstream valorization units. Meanwhile, Europe and North America continue to lead in technological innovation and regulatory frameworks, fostering a mature market ecosystem. Latin America and the Middle East & Africa, though currently smaller in market share, are expected to register above-average growth rates due to rising awareness and policy support for renewable energy initiatives. This regional diversification is contributing to the overall resilience and dynamism of the global market.

Product Type Analysis

The product type segment of the biodiesel glycerin valorization market is primarily categorized into crude glycerin and re

67 Global export shipment records of Glycerol Monostearate with prices, volume & current Buyer's suppliers relationships based on actual Global export trade database.