Shipments of chemicals rose 1.0% in January, following a 0.3% decline in December, according to data from the U.S. Census Bureau that were compiled and analyzed by the American Chemistry Council (ACC; Washington, D.C.; www.americanchemistry.com).
In addition, ACC reported U.S. Census Bureau data that indicate sales of chemicals at the wholesale level increased by 0.3% in January to $9.6 billion, while overall U.S. wholesale trade declined slightly. The data are included in the most recent edition of ACC’s Weekly Chemistry and Economic Report.
Looking at U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data, the ACC said that employment of production workers in the business of chemistry rose by 1,200 jobs in February, but non-production worker employment fell by 1,800 jobs. “After allowing for productivity gains, the [BLS] report suggests expanding production, confirming last week’s ISM report,” ACC says.
In the overall U.S. economy, payroll employment grew during February, following upwardly revised gains in December and January, the report indicated. Overall, ACC said the week’s economic reports were “fairly positive” for the U.S., but overseas industrial production reports continued to be somewhat weak.