Glycerol thumbnail

Glycerol Suppliers, Trade & Prices — Market Overview 2026

Derived Products
Rosemary Extract, Glycerol ester of wood rosin, Instant White Rice, Lactic and fatty acid esters of glycerol, +3
Raw Materials
Crude Glycerine
HS Code
152000
Last Updated
2026-07-09
Key takeaways for search and sourcing teams
  • Glycerol market coverage spans 131 countries.
  • 1,111 exporter companies and 1,154 importer companies are indexed in the global supply chain intelligence network for this product.
  • 3,972 supplier-linked transactions are summarized across the top 20 countries.
  • 0 premium suppliers and 0 catalog items are currently listed.
  • Wholesale sample entries: 0; farmgate sample entries: 0.
  • Latest reference year in this page dataset is 2024.
  • Page data last updated on 2026-07-09.

Global Supplier Transactions, Export Activity, and Price Benchmarks for Glycerol

Analyze 3,972 supplier-linked transactions across the top 20 countries, with monthly unit-price benchmarks to track export competitiveness and sourcing risk for Glycerol.

Glycerol Country YoY Change in Supplier Transactions and Export Momentum

Compare positive and negative YoY shifts in Glycerol to identify accelerating supplier markets and weakening export corridors.
Top YoY shifts for Glycerol: Germany (+66.4%), United Arab Emirates (-62.5%), South Korea (-53.6%).

Glycerol Country-Level Supplier Transaction and Unit Price Summary

As of 2025-08, benchmark Glycerol country transaction counts with monthly unit price and volume to prioritize supplier and export markets.
In 2026-01, countries with visible Glycerol transaction unit prices: South Africa (11.72 USD / kg), Germany (5.36 USD / kg), China (2.93 USD / kg), South Korea (2.84 USD / kg), India (2.60 USD / kg), 10 more countries.
CountryYoY ChangeTransaction Count2025-082025-092025-102025-112025-122026-012026-022026-032026-042026-052026-062026-07
Malaysia+30.0%1341.31 USD / kg (203,220 kg)1.66 USD / kg (2,801,660 kg)1.12 USD / kg (511,119.73 kg)1.10 USD / kg (292,929.4 kg)1.32 USD / kg (362,883.85 kg)1.13 USD / kg (820,948 kg)
Indonesia+29.2%1141.02 USD / kg (2,413,304 kg)1.16 USD / kg (1,019,790 kg)1.13 USD / kg (1,707,772 kg)1.00 USD / kg (3,071,795 kg)1.11 USD / kg (1,457,230 kg)1.08 USD / kg (239,820 kg)
India+15.5%3342.78 USD / kg (1,255,305.98 kg)3.30 USD / kg (1,172,168.97 kg)2.78 USD / kg (387,127.28 kg)2.75 USD / kg (663,117.44 kg)2.06 USD / kg (806,727.06 kg)2.60 USD / kg (311,000.3 kg)
Germany+66.4%991.43 USD / kg (680,143.1 kg)11.57 USD / kg (79,230.89 kg)7.50 USD / kg (3,980.65 kg)6.54 USD / kg (104,337 kg)6.94 USD / kg (85,050.24 kg)5.36 USD / kg (65,551.6 kg)
Costa Rica+7.6%1,224- (-)1.16 USD / kg (98.216 kg)1.19 USD / kg (193.07 kg)1.19 USD / kg (85.393 kg)1.20 USD / kg (85.962 kg)1.18 USD / kg (148.979 kg)
South Africa-5.2%8302.96 USD / kg (1,445 kg)2.04 USD / kg (42,005 kg)2.49 USD / kg (15,259 kg)2.96 USD / kg (142,468.08 kg)4.03 USD / kg (941 kg)11.72 USD / kg (6,282 kg)
Argentina+22.7%4470.84 USD / kg (5,498,130 kg)0.80 USD / kg (5,460,610 kg)0.85 USD / kg (7,041,597.89 kg)0.80 USD / kg (3,681,260 kg)0.74 USD / kg (3,374,956.65 kg)0.77 USD / kg (5,120,315 kg)
Brazil+34.0%1490.99 USD / kg (841,072 kg)1.31 USD / kg (939,084.94 kg)1.40 USD / kg (619,217.41 kg)1.31 USD / kg (421,310 kg)1.40 USD / kg (505,511 kg)1.21 USD / kg (308,085 kg)
China+15.2%1431.59 USD / kg (225,937 kg)1.71 USD / kg (451,444 kg)2.11 USD / kg (241,845.43 kg)1.52 USD / kg (109,836 kg)1.98 USD / kg (275,889.23 kg)2.93 USD / kg (100,327 kg)
Belgium+0.1%291.14 USD / kg (314,750 kg)1.11 USD / kg (488,200 kg)1.03 USD / kg (151,063 kg)0.98 USD / kg (145,510 kg)1.13 USD / kg (40,060 kg)1.05 USD / kg (20,880 kg)
Glycerol Global Supply Chain Coverage
2,265 companies
1,111 exporters and 1,154 importers are mapped for Glycerol.
Exporters and importers can use Tridge Supply Chain Intelligence company profiles and analytics to identify counterparties for Glycerol, benchmark reach, and prioritize outreach by market.

Glycerol Export Supplier Intelligence, Trade Flows, and Price Signals

1,111 exporter companies are mapped in Tridge Supply Chain Intelligence for Glycerol. Exporters and importers can use company profiles and analytics to evaluate supplier coverage, trading activity, and route opportunities.

Glycerol Top Exporters and Supplier Profiles

Review leading exporter profiles while benchmarking against 1,111 total exporter companies in the Glycerol supply chain intelligence network. Exporters and importers can unlock company profiles and analytics to qualify partners faster.
(Italy)
Latest Export Transaction: 2025-11-12
Recently Export Partner Companies: 1
Employee Size: Over 1000 Employees
Industries: Others
Value Chain Roles: Distribution / WholesaleOthers
(United States)
Latest Export Transaction: 2025-11-07
Recently Export Partner Companies: 1
Industries: Food Manufacturing
Value Chain Roles: Food Manufacturing
(Netherlands)
Latest Export Transaction: 2026-06-09
Recently Export Partner Companies: 1
Employee Size: 1 - 10 Employees
Industries: Others
Value Chain Roles: Trade
(Belgium)
Latest Export Transaction: 2026-06-09
Recently Export Partner Companies: 2
Employee Size: 51 - 100 Employees
Sales Revenue: USD 10M - 50M
Industries: Animal ProductionCrop ProductionFood ManufacturingFood Services And Drinking PlacesFood WholesalersOthers
Value Chain Roles: Distribution / WholesaleFarming / Production / Processing / PackingFood ManufacturingTrade
(Mexico)
Latest Export Transaction: 2025-07-16
Recently Export Partner Companies: 1
Employee Size: 1 - 10 Employees
Industries: Others
Value Chain Roles: Distribution / WholesaleTrade
(India)
Latest Export Transaction: 2025-09-09
Recently Export Partner Companies: 2
Employee Size: 101 - 500 Employees
Sales Revenue: USD 5M - 10M
Industries: Food Manufacturing
Value Chain Roles: Food ManufacturingTrade
Glycerol Global Exporter Coverage
1,111 companies
Exporter company count is a key signal for Glycerol supply depth and sourcing optionality.
Use Supply Chain Intelligence analytics to narrow Glycerol opportunities by country, product, and value-chain role, then open company profiles to validate fit.

Top Exporting Countries for Glycerol (HS Code 152000) in 2024

For Glycerol in 2024, compare export volume and value across the top 10 supplier countries to map core supply structure.
RankCountryVolumeValue
1Brazil598,316,596.64 kg148,175,591 USD
2Germany239,971,851.558 kg71,428,431.833 USD
3Malaysia156,139,418 kg46,947,925.574 USD
4United States56,288,810 kg26,142,628 USD
5Canada48,897,839 kg20,580,533.577 USD
6Netherlands71,123,308 kg18,731,434.87 USD
7Thailand32,241,823.293 kg10,197,273.39 USD
8South Korea36,330,150 kg8,621,256 USD
9Lithuania20,185,320 kg7,609,229 USD
10Romania29,082,485 kg7,546,602.48 USD

Glycerol Export Trade Flow and Partner Country Summary

Track Glycerol exporter-to-importer flows by value, volume, and share to uncover high-potential export routes.

Glycerol Import Buyer Intelligence, Demand Signals, and Price Benchmarks

1,154 importer companies are mapped for Glycerol demand intelligence. Use Supply Chain Intelligence company profiles and analytics to prioritize buyers, distributors, and downstream demand partners by market.

Glycerol Top Buyers, Importers, and Demand Partners

Review leading buyer profiles and compare them against 1,154 total importer companies tracked for Glycerol. Exporters and importers can use Supply Chain Intelligence company profiles and analytics to evaluate buyer quality and demand concentration.
(Kazakhstan)
Latest Import Transaction: 2026-06-09
Recently Import Partner Companies: 1
Industries: Others
Value Chain Roles: -
(United Kingdom)
Latest Import Transaction: 2026-06-09
Industries: Others
Value Chain Roles: -
(Uruguay)
Latest Import Transaction: 2026-02-20
Recently Import Partner Companies: 1
Industries: Food ManufacturingFood Packaging
Value Chain Roles: -
(United States)
Latest Import Transaction: 2026-06-09
Employee Size: 51 - 100 Employees
Sales Revenue: USD 50M - 100M
Industries: Others
Value Chain Roles: -
(Vietnam)
Latest Import Transaction: 2025-12-01
Recently Import Partner Companies: 1
Employee Size: 101 - 500 Employees
Industries: Others
Value Chain Roles: -
(Mexico)
Latest Import Transaction: 2026-06-09
Recently Import Partner Companies: 1
Employee Size: 101 - 500 Employees
Industries: Others
Value Chain Roles: -
Global Importer Coverage
1,154 companies
Importer company count highlights the current depth of demand-side visibility for Glycerol.
Use Supply Chain Intelligence analytics and company profiles to identify active Glycerol buyers, compare partner density by country, and refine GTM priorities.

Top Import Demand Countries for Glycerol (HS Code 152000) in 2024

For Glycerol in 2024, compare import volume and value across the top 10 demand countries to identify priority markets.
RankCountryVolumeValue
1Netherlands177,402,572 kg57,625,648.86 USD
2Germany137,178,906.613 kg46,637,387.372 USD
3India128,083,501 kg43,665,045.632 USD
4Denmark130,405,008.677 kg36,260,916.91 USD
5Malaysia103,748,658 kg26,138,547.907 USD
6United States48,988,090.146 kg24,450,203 USD
7Mexico31,322,251 kg10,149,501 USD
8Canada21,222,301.487 kg6,236,380.025 USD
9Japan12,249,461 kg4,774,206.424 USD
10Sweden3,703,510.985 kg2,310,450.188 USD

Glycerol Import Trade Flow and Origin Country Summary

Analyze Glycerol origin-to-destination trade flows by value, volume, and share to monitor demand-side sourcing channels.

Classification

Product TypeIngredient
Product FormRefined liquid
Industry PositionFood additive (humectant/thickener) and formulation aid (E 422 / INS 422)

Market

Glycerol (glycerin) is a globally traded polyol used as a food additive (INS 422 / E 422), with demand linked to processed food formulation needs such as moisture management and texture control. Internationally traded refined glycerol supply is strongly connected to oleochemical and biodiesel value chains because refined glycerol can be produced from vegetable oils and fats, including via purification of crude glycerol from biodiesel by-products. Recent trade patterns show export capacity concentrated in Southeast Asia and parts of Europe, while large import demand is led by major industrial and consumer markets in Asia, North America, and the EU. Market dynamics often reflect a mix of food-grade specification compliance requirements and upstream feedstock/policy-driven swings affecting availability and pricing.
Market GrowthMixed (medium-term outlook)Diversified downstream demand across food and other industries, with supply and pricing often influenced by oleochemical and biodiesel cycles.
Major Producing Countries
  • IndonesiaMajor production/refining hub reflected in high export volumes for glycerol (excl. crude), including synthetic (UN Comtrade via WITS; HS 1988/92 code 152090, 2024).
  • MalaysiaSignificant oleochemical/biodiesel-linked supply base reflected in export position for glycerol (excl. crude), including synthetic (UN Comtrade via WITS; 152090, 2024).
  • GermanyMajor European processing and trade node for glycerol (excl. crude), including synthetic (UN Comtrade via WITS; 152090, 2024).
  • NetherlandsKey EU trade/logistics hub with substantial exports of glycerol (excl. crude), including synthetic (UN Comtrade via WITS; 152090, 2024).
  • BrazilNotable exporter of glycerol (excl. crude), including synthetic; linked to large biofuel/agro-industrial base (UN Comtrade via WITS; 152090, 2024).
Major Exporting Countries
  • IndonesiaTop exporter of glycerol (excl. crude), including synthetic in 2024 (UN Comtrade via WITS; 152090).
  • GermanyAmong top exporters of glycerol (excl. crude), including synthetic in 2024 (UN Comtrade via WITS; 152090).
  • MalaysiaAmong top exporters of glycerol (excl. crude), including synthetic in 2024 (UN Comtrade via WITS; 152090).
  • NetherlandsAmong top exporters of glycerol (excl. crude), including synthetic in 2024 (UN Comtrade via WITS; 152090).
  • BrazilAmong notable exporters of glycerol (excl. crude), including synthetic in 2024 (UN Comtrade via WITS; 152090).
Major Importing Countries
  • ChinaTop importer of glycerol (excl. crude), including synthetic in 2024 by trade value and quantity (UN Comtrade via WITS; 152090).
  • United StatesAmong top importers of glycerol (excl. crude), including synthetic in 2024 (UN Comtrade via WITS; 152090).
  • DenmarkAmong top importers of glycerol (excl. crude), including synthetic in 2024 (UN Comtrade via WITS; 152090).
  • FranceAmong top importers of glycerol (excl. crude), including synthetic in 2024 (UN Comtrade via WITS; 152090).
  • NetherlandsAmong top importers of glycerol (excl. crude), including synthetic in 2024 (UN Comtrade via WITS; 152090).

Specification

Major VarietiesVegetable-derived refined glycerol (food additive grade), Synthetic glycerol (refined)
Physical Attributes
  • Clear, colourless, hygroscopic, syrupy and viscous liquid with slight characteristic odour (as described in EU specifications for E 422).
  • Sweet-tasting and fully miscible in water (typical handling and formulation characteristic).
Compositional Metrics
  • Assay: not less than 98% glycerol on the anhydrous basis (EU E 422 specification).
  • Water content: not more than 5% (Karl Fischer method) (EU E 422 specification).
  • Key impurity limits in specifications may include acrolein and 3-MCPD (EU E 422 specification updates).
Grades
  • Codex Alimentarius: INS 422 (Glycerol) permitted in specified food categories at GMP (GSFA Online).
  • EU food additive: E 422 (specifications set under Regulation (EU) No 231/2012 as amended).
  • Food Chemicals Codex (FCC) / pharmacopeial grades (USP/EP) are commonly referenced in procurement for high-purity applications (verification required per buyer standard).
Packaging
  • Bulk liquid shipments via ISO tanks or tank trucks for industrial users; intermediate bulk containers (IBCs) for regional distribution.
  • Drums (e.g., lined steel or HDPE) for smaller lots and specialty supply chains.
  • Packaging and closures designed to manage hygroscopicity (minimize water uptake during storage/handling).
ProcessingRefining and purification steps (e.g., distillation and clean-up) are central to achieving food additive-grade specifications from crude glycerol streams.

Supply Chain

Value Chain
  • Vegetable oils/fats processing or biodiesel production -> crude glycerol stream -> purification/refining (distillation + clean-up) -> specification compliance testing -> bulk distribution to food and ingredient manufacturers
  • Finished glycerol distributed as a multi-industry input; food additive demand competes with pharmaceutical, personal care, and industrial uses in many markets
Demand Drivers
  • Use as a humectant and thickener in permitted food categories under Codex GSFA (INS 422).
  • Formulation demand for moisture retention, texture control, and solvent/carrier functions in processed foods and ingredient systems.
Temperature
  • Generally stable for ambient bulk logistics; viscosity increases at lower temperatures, which can affect pumping/handling and may require warmed lines or storage in colder climates.
  • Hygroscopicity means storage practices often focus on minimizing exposure to ambient moisture to maintain specification.
Shelf Life
  • Typically long shelf life in sealed containers; quality management focuses on preventing water uptake and contamination rather than spoilage.

Risks

Supply And Price Volatility HighFood-grade glycerol availability and pricing can swing when upstream oleochemical and biodiesel output changes, because refined glycerol may be produced from vegetable oils and fats and from purified crude glycerol generated as a biodiesel by-product. Concentration of export supply in a few major exporting countries increases exposure to disruptions in feedstock markets, policy-driven biodiesel cycles, and export logistics.Diversify approved origins and suppliers; maintain dual qualification across vegetable-derived and synthetic supply where permitted; use forward contracts and buffer stocks for critical formulations.
Regulatory Compliance MediumSpecification updates for E 422 (e.g., tighter impurity and toxic element limits and specific limits for compounds such as acrolein and 3-MCPD in EU specifications) can render some supply lots non-compliant, forcing rework or supply requalification.Align procurement specs to Codex/JECFA and target-market regulations; require COAs for key impurities and periodic third-party testing; audit refining/purification controls.
Sustainability And Traceability MediumWhere glycerol is sourced from vegetable oil chains with known deforestation and social risk exposure (especially palm oil), downstream food brands may face scrutiny around traceability, land-use change, and supplier ESG claims.Implement traceability to mill/refinery where feasible; preference certified supply chains and publish credible chain-of-custody documentation.
Food Safety MediumAs a widely used formulation aid, glycerol quality failures (e.g., off-spec impurities or contamination) can cause broad product impact across multiple SKUs because it is often used across diverse categories and batches.Use supplier approval programs, incoming QC sampling plans, and clear segregation between technical and food/pharma grades throughout storage and transfer.
Sustainability
  • Land-use change and deforestation concerns where glycerol supply is linked to palm-oil-derived oleochemical and biodiesel chains.
  • Traceability and chain-of-custody expectations (e.g., mass-balance or segregated claims) may affect procurement access in ESG-sensitive markets.
  • Wastewater and energy intensity considerations in refining/purification operations.
Labor & Social
  • Labor rights, worker protections, and land tenure issues in upstream vegetable oil supply chains (notably palm oil) can create reputational and compliance risks for downstream buyers.
  • Smallholder inclusion and auditability challenges in parts of the palm oil value chain can complicate traceability claims for glycerol derived from vegetable sources.

FAQ

What is glycerol used for in food applications?In global food additive systems, glycerol (INS 422 / E 422) is commonly used as a humectant and thickener, helping manage moisture and texture in permitted food categories under Codex GSFA provisions.
Which countries are major exporters and importers of refined glycerol in recent trade data?UN Comtrade data surfaced via the World Bank WITS tool (product code 152090, 2024) shows major exporters including Indonesia, Malaysia, Germany, and the Netherlands, while major importers include China, the United States, Denmark, France, and the Netherlands.
What are key compliance concerns for food additive-grade glycerol?Compliance commonly focuses on meeting food additive specifications (Codex/JECFA and target-market regulations) and controlling impurities; EU specifications for E 422 include defined assay and water-content requirements and set limits for certain impurities and toxic elements.

Glycerol Country Coverage for Suppliers, Export Flows, and Prices

Explore country-level Glycerol market pages for supplier coverage, trade flows, and price benchmarks.

Related Glycerol Product Categories

Browse parent, sub, derived, and raw-material product market pages related to Glycerol.
Raw materials: Crude Glycerine
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