News Release: April 24, 2025
Glycerol Carbonate Price Trend, Production, and Latest Developments in 2025
The Glycerol Carbonate price trend is showing significant movement in 2025, driven by changing feedstock availability, evolving global trade dynamics, and renewed focus on sustainable industrial chemicals. For in-depth insights, access the full report here: Glycerol Carbonate price trend
Expanding consumption across lithium battery electrolyte solutions, polymers, and surfactants is directly influencing Glycerol Carbonate Production and sales. For detailed analysis, recent updates, and market dynamics, check the latest findings here: Glycerol Carbonate price trend and production News
Glycerol Carbonate Price Trend in Past Five Years and Factors Impacting Price Movements
Between 2020 and 2024, the global Glycerol Carbonate price trend moved between $3,200/MT to $5,200/MT. In 2020, prices were relatively stable around $3,500/MT, driven by steady glycerol supply from biodiesel units. However, by mid-2021, tight supply of ethylene carbonate and surging downstream demand in polyurethane and lithium-ion battery sectors pushed prices to $4,300/MT.
By 2022, supply chain disruptions due to logistic bottlenecks and increased freight rates pushed the Glycerol Carbonate price further to $4,900/MT. Meanwhile, the EU’s push for bio-based chemicals and lower carbon alternatives increased the demand, particularly from battery manufacturers shifting toward sustainable solvents.
In 2023, Asian producers ramped up production capacities, stabilizing the market temporarily. The price retreated to $4,200/MT. However, regional imbalances persisted. China’s strategic positioning in the EV battery ecosystem influenced the global Glycerol Carbonate sales volume, resulting in price sensitivity to demand fluctuations.
In 2024, the price hovered near $4,800/MT, supported by downstream growth and temporary shutdowns in Southeast Asia. South Korea and Japan led technology adoption in niche glycerol carbonate applications, while India’s chemical industry caught up with increased imports due to limited domestic production.
The key drivers of Glycerol Carbonate price news include:
- Raw material glycerol availability and pricing (linked to biodiesel economics).
- Growth in energy storage and electric vehicle batteries.
- Emergence of glycerol carbonate in green solvents and coatings.
- Changes in regulatory frameworks encouraging sustainable solvents.
As 2025 unfolds, the momentum from previous years is expected to continue, with prices expected to remain elevated due to tight balances between supply and growing demand in specialty applications.
Glycerol Carbonate Price Trend Quarterly Update in $/MT
Below are the estimated average Glycerol Carbonate price levels for each quarter of 2025, reflecting real-time market dynamics and feedback from production hubs:
- Q1 2025: $5,050/MT
Minor feedstock shortages and strong Q1 demand in electronics and coatings influenced the price upward.
- Q2 2025: $5,200/MT
Prices increased as several downstream polymer producers entered long-term procurement contracts.
- Q3 2025: $5,100/MT
A minor correction followed inventory accumulation and slightly lower off-take during monsoon impact in South Asia.
- Q4 2025: $5,300/MT
Expected rise in demand from lithium battery projects in Europe and increased procurement for 2026.
These figures mark a consistent upward trend in Glycerol Carbonate price news, driven by stable demand across the specialty chemical and green solvent segments.
Global Glycerol Carbonate Import-Export Business Overview
The global Glycerol Carbonate Production landscape in 2025 is shaped by a mix of innovation-driven expansions, trade policy alignment, and evolving demand hubs. Asia-Pacific remains the dominant exporter, with China leading both in capacity and outbound volumes. South Korea and India continue to scale their production base in response to regional demand.
Export Landscape
China holds the largest share of global exports. In 2024, China exported over 14,000 MT, primarily to Europe and Southeast Asia. By Q1 2025, this figure had already exceeded 4,000 MT, indicating a projected 15% annual growth in Glycerol Carbonate sales volume.
South Korea, leveraging its technology and infrastructure for electronic chemicals, increased exports by 11% year-on-year, mainly to the U.S. and Japan. The nation’s integration with the EV battery sector has made it a critical link in the value chain.
Japan remains a net exporter, but marginally. Its high-purity Glycerol Carbonate Production caters to electronics and medical device manufacturers in the U.S., Germany, and Taiwan.
Import Landscape
Europe is the largest importer globally. The region’s stringent environmental regulations and the rapid expansion of EV battery plants, particularly in Germany and France, have increased dependency on imported glycerol carbonate. Imports crossed 18,000 MT in 2024 and are forecasted to exceed 22,000 MT by end of 2025.
United States imports continue to rise, despite local production efforts in Texas and California. Due to technical challenges and raw material dependency, U.S. companies prefer secure long-term imports from Asia.
India is increasingly importing due to limited domestic manufacturing capabilities. Imports grew 23% from 2023 to 2024 and continue to climb in 2025 due to increased application in coatings and industrial cleaning agents.
Major Trade Routes and Strategic Movements
The Glycerol Carbonate news in 2025 highlights the strategic move by Chinese exporters to diversify shipping routes, utilizing Southeast Asian logistics hubs to bypass trade tensions and tariffs.
South Korea signed a bilateral trade agreement with the EU that reduced import duties on specialty chemicals including glycerol carbonate. This move is expected to boost export volumes by 20% over the next two years.
Meanwhile, intra-Asia trade between Vietnam, Malaysia, and Indonesia has strengthened due to lower intra-regional logistics cost and cooperative development of downstream value chains.
Trade Volume Snapshot (2025 YTD Projections)
| Country/Region | Export Volume (MT) | Import Volume (MT) |
| China | 18,000 | 1,200 |
| South Korea | 7,500 | 900 |
| Japan | 3,200 | 500 |
| USA | 1,400 | 9,800 |
| Germany | 500 | 8,600 |
| France | 300 | 7,400 |
| India | 200 | 6,300 |
This trade matrix highlights how Asia dominates the Glycerol Carbonate Production and export market, while the West, particularly Europe and North America, serves as the demand epicenter.
Challenges and Forward Outlook
Despite growth, the Glycerol Carbonate news in Q2 2025 points to risks including:
- Volatility in glycerol feedstock prices due to fluctuations in biodiesel production.
- Geopolitical factors influencing trade tariffs and cross-border compliance.
- Shipping container availability and cost fluctuations, especially from Chinese ports.
Nonetheless, the outlook for the remainder of 2025 remains optimistic. Green chemistry mandates, coupled with industrial-scale application of glycerol carbonate, particularly in battery-grade chemicals and eco-friendly polymers, are expected to strengthen the global trade volumes and uplift the Glycerol Carbonate sales volume consistently.
For detailed market projections, downstream consumption analytics, and regional trade forecasts, visit:
Glycerol Carbonate Production Trends by Geography
The production of glycerol carbonate in 2025 is characterized by distinct regional trends driven by access to raw materials, advancements in chemical synthesis technologies, and the strategic direction of downstream industries. Key geographies like China, South Korea, Japan, the European Union, the United States, and India are taking divergent approaches to scale production to meet both domestic and export demands.
China
China continues to dominate the global glycerol carbonate production capacity. The country’s vertically integrated chemical infrastructure allows seamless access to raw glycerol derived from biodiesel production, which remains a key feedstock. With a strong focus on domestic consumption and export to Europe and Southeast Asia, Chinese producers are leveraging economies of scale and favorable production economics. In 2025, several new mid-scale plants are being commissioned in eastern provinces like Jiangsu and Zhejiang, where proximity to ports supports efficient export logistics.
The push towards greener chemicals in China’s industrial policy has accelerated innovation in glycerol carbonate synthesis, shifting from traditional routes to enzymatic and catalytic processes that reduce carbon footprints. The production growth is supported by a well-developed downstream application base, including polymers, battery electrolytes, and specialty solvents.
South Korea
South Korea is rapidly positioning itself as a high-purity glycerol carbonate producer. Its output primarily caters to the electronics and semiconductor cleaning segments, which demand extremely refined chemicals. The country’s research-driven chemical sector, backed by collaborations with global battery manufacturers, is pushing for glycerol carbonate to be adopted as an electrolyte component in lithium-ion batteries.
In 2025, expansion projects near Busan and Ulsan are aimed at increasing production volumes by up to 20% compared to 2024. These investments are strategically aligned with South Korea’s growing role as an exporter of specialty chemicals to Europe and the US.
Japan
Japan remains a niche producer focused on high-quality glycerol carbonate for pharmaceutical, biomedical, and electronics applications. The country’s production volumes are modest but command a price premium in international markets due to stringent quality and purity standards.
In 2025, production facilities in Shizuoka and Osaka are being upgraded with advanced microfiltration and distillation systems to enhance output purity. Japan’s production remains tightly integrated with its downstream industries, minimizing waste and improving supply chain efficiency.
European Union
The EU has limited domestic glycerol carbonate production capacity but has been making strategic moves to improve self-reliance. Germany and France have initiated R&D-backed pilot plants with green chemistry processes aimed at lowering dependency on imports.
In 2025, collaborative efforts between public research institutions and private players are resulting in scalable enzymatic production models. While the volumes remain small, the region is focusing on quality, sustainability, and regional security of supply, particularly for battery and coating industries.
United States
The US has shown renewed interest in glycerol carbonate production, driven by the Inflation Reduction Act and incentives for sustainable chemicals. Production is largely concentrated in the Gulf Coast region, where access to petrochemical feedstock and refining infrastructure simplifies scale-up.
Texas and Louisiana are seeing new investments in glycerol carbonate capacity, often in joint ventures between local firms and Asian technology providers. While production still lags behind import levels, the gap is narrowing. The US market is also exploring applications in construction materials and green coatings.
India
India’s glycerol carbonate production remains at a nascent stage. The country primarily relies on imports to fulfill growing domestic demand, especially in paints, adhesives, and industrial cleaners. However, small-scale production units are emerging in Gujarat and Maharashtra, supported by local biodiesel manufacturers.
The Indian government’s focus on import substitution and chemical industrialization is expected to spur capacity additions in the coming years. In 2025, public-private partnerships are in development to establish localized value chains.
Glycerol Carbonate Market Segmentation
The glycerol carbonate market in 2025 is segmented based on application, end-use industry, grade type, and geography. Each segment reflects specific market dynamics and consumption patterns driven by technological advancements and regulatory trends.
Key Market Segments
- By Application:
- Battery Electrolytes
- Polymer Intermediates
- Industrial Solvents
- Personal Care Additives
- Coatings and Paints
- By End-Use Industry:
- Automotive
- Electronics
- Chemicals
- Cosmetics and Personal Care
- Construction
- By Grade Type:
- Industrial Grade
- Battery Grade
- Cosmetic Grade
- Pharmaceutical Grade
- By Geography:
- Asia Pacific
- North America
- Europe
- Latin America
- Middle East and Africa
Leading Segment Explanations
Battery Electrolytes – Application Segment
The battery electrolyte segment is witnessing the highest growth in 2025. Glycerol carbonate is gaining traction as a sustainable alternative to ethylene carbonate in lithium-ion battery formulations. With global demand for electric vehicles surging, especially in Europe and China, battery-grade glycerol carbonate is becoming critical. Producers are investing in high-purity production lines to meet the technical specifications required by battery OEMs.
Polymer Intermediates – Application Segment
Glycerol carbonate acts as an intermediate in non-isocyanate polyurethane synthesis, which is gaining favor as a safer alternative in polyurethane applications. This is particularly relevant for consumer goods, medical devices, and sustainable foams. The versatility of glycerol carbonate in producing biodegradable plastics also supports growth in this segment.
Electronics – End-Use Industry
Electronics manufacturers require ultra-high purity solvents and intermediates. Glycerol carbonate’s low toxicity, high boiling point, and biodegradability make it an ideal candidate for use in semiconductors and PCB cleaning applications. In 2025, Japan and South Korea are the largest consumers of glycerol carbonate in the electronics sector.
Cosmetic and Personal Care – End-Use Industry
Cosmetic-grade glycerol carbonate is used in formulations requiring low irritation potential and enhanced solubility. It functions as a solubilizer and emollient, and its plant-based origin makes it popular among organic and vegan cosmetic brands. The demand is rising particularly in Europe and North America where consumer preference for bio-based ingredients is strong.
Industrial Grade – Grade Type
The industrial grade remains the volume leader, used widely across coatings, adhesives, and as a reactive diluent. This grade dominates the Asia-Pacific market, especially in China and India, where glycerol carbonate is increasingly being incorporated in sustainable building materials and general-purpose chemical blends.
Asia-Pacific – Geography
Asia-Pacific is the largest and fastest-growing regional segment. China alone accounts for over 40% of global consumption, followed by South Korea and India. Regional advantages include cost-effective production, export infrastructure, and expanding domestic markets across automotive, construction, and electronics.
Europe – Geography
Europe represents a value-driven market with a strong preference for sustainable and high-purity products. With green chemistry mandates becoming more stringent, the demand for cosmetic and pharmaceutical grade glycerol carbonate is expected to grow. Import dependency continues, but local production is slowly expanding.
North America – Geography
North America’s market is defined by industrial and construction-grade applications. The growing awareness of greener alternatives in adhesives and paints has improved uptake. The region is also investing in downstream R&D to replace petro-based chemicals with glycerol carbonate in insulation foams and waterproofing solutions.