Specialty chemical market volumes rose 1.0% in July, following a 0.8% rise in June, according to the latest Weekly Chemistry and Economic Report from the American Chemistry Council (ACC; Washington, D.C.; www.americanchemistry.com).
Of the 28 specialty chemical markets monitored by ACC, 23 expanded in July, up from 22 segments expanding in June. Of the remaining 5 segments that did not expand in July, two were flat and three declined.
In July, the segments that experienced gains of 1.0% or more included the following: adhesives & sealants, catalysts, coatings, construction chemicals, electronic chemicals, lubricant additives and paint additives, ACC said. Smaller monthly gains were observed in the following segments: antioxidants, biocides, corrosion inhibitors, cosmetic additives, dyes, flame retardants, foundry chemicals, industrial cleaners, mining chemicals, oilfield chemicals, paper additives, pigments, plastics additives, printing ink and water management chemicals.
The overall specialty chemicals volume index was up 5.3% year-over-year, on a three-month-moving average basis, ACC said. The level of the total specialty chemical market in July was equivalent to 8.59 billion pounds, up from 8.11 billion pounds last July, ACC said.