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U.S. chemical production trended higher in February, ACC says

| By Scott Jenkins

The U.S. Chemical Production Regional Index (U.S. CPRI) rose by 0.7% in February, following declines of 2.4% in December and 0.6% in January, according to the American Chemistry Council (ACC; Washington, D.C.; www.americanchemistry.com).

“February marked a slight rebound and rise in chemical output after several months of decline thanks to increased output for consumer goods and fertilizers,” said Martha Moore, ACC’s chief economist. “These gains are being offset by declines in overall manufacturing output, which continue to push chemical output levels below last year’s production numbers.”

Key findings from ACC include the following:

  • February’s gain reflects a rebound in the most recent month that followed several declines at the end of the year due to lower manufacturing demand and disruptions from winter storm Elliott
  • Chemical output was higher than a month ago in all regions, with the largest gain in the Gulf Coast, home to much of the nation’s basic industrial chemical and synthetic materials capacity.
  • Output of plastic resins, consumer products, fertilizers, organic chemicals, and pesticides were higher.
  • Gains were offset by lower production of coatings, adhesives, other specialty chemicals, synthetic rubber manufactured fibers, industrial gases, and synthetic dyes & pigments. 

The U.S. CPRI was developed by ACC to track chemical production activity in seven regions of the United States.