08.21.15
The Specialty Chemicals Market Volume Index, a new tool created by the American Chemistry Council (ACC), began the third quarter on a stable note. This follows steady monthly declines since December as weakness in oilfield chemicals and a few other segments weighed on overall volumes. Of the twenty-eight specialty chemical segments included in the index, sixteen expanded in July, nine declined and three were flat.
The overall specialty chemicals volume index was off 0.1 percent year-over-year (Y/Y) on a three-month moving average (3MMA) basis. Year-earlier comparisons were generally in the 4.0 percent to 6.8 percent range during 2012-2014, but ongoing weakness in the oil and gas sectors continue to affect headline volumes. Still, on a Y/Y basis, gains are fairly widespread among most market and functional specialty chemical segments. Compared to last year, July volumes were up in twenty-one segments and down in seven segments, though year-earlier comparisons have been moderating.
The overall specialty chemicals volume index was off 0.1 percent year-over-year (Y/Y) on a three-month moving average (3MMA) basis. Year-earlier comparisons were generally in the 4.0 percent to 6.8 percent range during 2012-2014, but ongoing weakness in the oil and gas sectors continue to affect headline volumes. Still, on a Y/Y basis, gains are fairly widespread among most market and functional specialty chemical segments. Compared to last year, July volumes were up in twenty-one segments and down in seven segments, though year-earlier comparisons have been moderating.