The U.S. Chemical Production Regional Index (U.S. CPRI) edged higher by 0.3% in March, following a 0.1% gain in February, and a 0.4% gain in January, according to the latest Weekly Chemistry and Economic Report from the American Chemistry Council (ACC; Washington, D.C.; www.americanchemistry.com). All regions posted growth in March.
Chemical production was mixed over the first quarter of the year. On a three-month-moving-average basis, there were production gains in adhesives, fertilizers, coatings, pesticides, organic chemicals and consumer products, the ACC report says. These gains were offset by declines in the output trend in inorganic chemicals, synthetic rubber, manufactured fibers and industrial gases, the report adds.
“Compared to March 2015, U.S. chemical production was ahead by 1.5% on a Y/Y basis, a moderatin trend,” the report says. Chemical production remained ahead of year ago levels in all regions.