The U.S. Chemical Production Regional Index (U.S. CPRI) rose in January, by 0.5%, according to the latest Weekly Chemistry and Economic Report from the American Chemistry Council (ACC; Washington, D.C.; www.americanchemistry.com). The gain in January follows 0.4% and 0.7% gains in December and November of last year, respectively. All geographic regions in the U.S. reported production growth in January, the ACC report notes.
“Chemical production was mixed,” the ACC report states, “with gains in the production three-month moving average (3MMA) output trend of plastic resins, organic chemicals, consumer products, chlor-alkalis, other inorganics, and other specialties.”
“These gains were offset by declines in manufactured fibers, fertilizers, pesticides, coatings, adhesives, and industrial gases,” the ACC report added.
The most recent ACC weekly report also says that U.S. specialty chemicals market volumes (on a 3MMA basis) retreated again in January, falling 0.5%. This decrease follows a 0.1% decline in December.
“Weakness in oilfield chemicals and other segments have weighed on overall volumes,” the report says. Of the 28 specialty chemical segments monitored by ACC, only 10 expanded in January, their report says, while one was flat, and 17 declined.
“In December, 15 sectors had expanded,” the report says, adding, “In January, there were no segments experiencing large gains (1.0% and over) in market volumes.”