The Global Chemical Production Regional Index (Global CPRI) was flat for the second month in a row in June, on a three-month-moving-average basis, according to the latest Weekly Chemistry and Economic Report from the American Chemistry Council (ACC; Washington, D.C.; www.americanchemistry.com). This indicates that growth stalled in the second quarter of 2014, with activity only slightly higher than the first quarter, the ACC report said.
Production gains occurred in North America, Central & Eastern Europe, and Africa & the Middle East, but declines were seen in Western Europe and Latin America, the ACC said.
Meanwhile, the U.S. CPRI rose 0.3% in June, with chemical output higher in all geographic regions, the ACC report said. The June gain follows a 0.5% rise in May. Compared to June of last year, the current total chemical production in all regions was ahead by 1.3%. Chemical production in the U.S. Gulf Coast region in June led all other regions, with a 0.5% gain in June.