The U.S. Chemical Production Regional Index (U.S. CPRI) expanded again in October by 0.6%, matching its gain from September, according to the latest Weekly Chemistry and Economic Report from the American Chemistry Council (ACC; Washington, D.C.; www.americanchemistry.com). Chemical output remained ahead of month-ago levels in all geographic regions, the ACC report said.
Despite the overall gain, chemical output by segment was more mixed. “There were gains in the output of organic chemicals, other inorganic chemicals, synthetic dyes and pigments, industrial gases, consumer products, pesticides, coatings, adhesives and pharmaceuticals,” the ACC report said. “These gains were partially offset by declines in the production of chlor-alkali, plastic resins, fertilizers and synthetic fibers.”
Meanwhile, the ACC reported that specialty chemical market volumes also rose in October, by 0.4%. The October gain follows a 0.8% rise in September and no change in August, ACC pointed out. Of the 28 specialty chemical segments monitored by ACC, 18 expanded in October. The number is down from 24 expanding in September.
In October, the segments experiencing the larger gains (1.0% and greater) included: adhesives and sealants; antioxidants; paint additives; pigments; plastic additives; and rubber-processing chemicals.