US monthly chemical output continues to rise - ACC
The US Chemical Production Regional Index (CPRI) rose by 0.1% in March from February, the American Chemistry Council (ACC) trade group said on Tuesday, following a revised 1.0% gain in the prior month.
The March increase was the fourth consecutive monthly improvement in the index.
Regionally, chemical production rose in the US Gulf Coast, Midwest, Ohio Valley and Southeast regions. Production slipped in the Mid-Atlantic and West Coast and was flat in the Northeast, the ACC said.
Using a three-month moving average, output of the nation’s overall manufacturing sector rose by 0.6% in March after showing a 1.1% gain in February, the ACC said.
Within the manufacturing sector, output in several key chemistry end-use markets increased, including motor vehicles, aerospace, construction supplies, machinery, computers, plastic products, structural panels, apparel and furniture.
Also measured on a three-month moving average basis, production gains were seen in nearly all chemical segments, except fertilizers.
Some of the largest gains were in man-made fibers, adhesives, industrial gases, inorganic chemicals, and pesticides.
Compared to March 2011, total chemical production in all regions was up 1.3% and remained ahead year-over-year in all regions, according to the ACC.
Looking at year-ago comparisons, improvements were seen in the Gulf Coast, Midwest, Ohio Valley and Southeast regions.
On a year-to-date basis, chemical production was up 0.9% nationally. All regions were ahead on a year-to-date basis except the Gulf Coast region.
For more details on the index, visit the ACC’s full report on its website by clicking here.
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