The U.S. Chemical Production Regional Index (CPRI) rose 0.6% in February, following a revised 0.8% gain in January, according to the American Chemistry Council (ACC; Washington, D.C.; www.americanchemistry.com). “Chemical production rose across all regions for the third consecutive month,” ACC said in its latest Weekly Chemistry and Economic Report.
“Within the manufacturing sector, output in several key chemistry end-use markets increased, including appliances, motor vehicles, aerospace, construction materials, machinery, computers, paper, printing, structural panel, plastic product, apparel and furniture,” the ACC report said.
Globally, the news was similar, although the regions showed mixed results. ACC said the Global CPRI rose 0.4% in February, following similar gains in January and December of last year.
ACC noted that the week’s economic reports were positive, with the housing sector continuing its upward track, and a regional survey of leading economic indicators suggest that the U.S. economy will continue to expand slowly. Overseas, however, some data suggest a continuing recession in Europe.