Citing recent data from the U.S. Federal Reserve (Washington, D.C.; www.federalreserve.gov), the American Chemistry Council (ACC; Washington, D.C.; www.americanchemistry.com) said that overall industrial production, as well as production within the chemical industry rose in September.
In the latest ACC Weekly Chemistry and Economic Report, the ACC said production in the business of chemistry rose by 0.8% in September to 90.3% of its average level from 2007. The September rise follows a 1.1% gain in August and a 0.5% gain in July.
In September, production of basic chemicals rose 0.4%, with a 1.3% gain in inorganic chemicals and nominal 0.1% gain in bulk petrochemicals and organic intermediates offsetting weakness in plastic resins, synthetic rubber and manufactured fibers,” the ACC report said, adding that pro-
duction of specialty chemicals jumped 2.0% in Sept., with gains in adhesives and sealants, coatings and most other specialty segments.
Meanwhile, overall industrial production rose 1.0% in September to 105.1% of its average 2007 level, according to Federal Reserve data discussed in the ACC report. “Manufacturing output continues to climb to record levels,” the report said, although “within manufacturing, performance was mixed.”