Glycerin Production

Glycerin values remain stable this week.  Crude glycerin continues to be in the nine to 11 cents range, with most reported trades averaging near 10 cents.  Vertically integrated producers are operating at optimum levels and are reporting very strong demand for biodiesel. Glycerin refiners quote “tight availability” with very limited spot market presence. Refined market quotes reflect wide spreads in availability due to timing and limited supply for spot material. Refined spot veg glycerin is seen in the 47 to 54 cents range with refined tallow 46 to 50 cents per pound range.

China is reported as price driver in both the crude and refined markets. Recent demand from China in the crude glycerin market has been very supportive for prices but may have “reached an inflection point where pet-chem becomes a more economical alternative,” according to one market participant.

There are market…