03.23.18
The US specialty chemicals market volumes regained momentum, increasing 0.4% in February after only a 0.1% gain in January, according to the American Chemistry Council (ACC). All changes in the data are reported on a three-month moving average (3MMA) basis. Of the 28 specialty chemical segments ACC monitors, 21 expanded in February and seven experienced decline.
During February, large market volume gains (1.0% and over) occurred in food additives, mining chemicals, oilfield chemicals, and textile specialties.
Cosmetic chemicals posted a 0.5% gain (see chart for details).
The overall specialty chemicals volume index was up 5.1% on a year-over-year (Y/Y) 3MMA basis. The index stood at 113.1% of its average 2012 levels. This is equivalent to 7.79 billion pounds (3.54 million metric tons). On a Y/Y basis, there were gains among twenty-three market and functional specialty chemical segments. Compared to last year, volumes were down in only five segments.
During February, large market volume gains (1.0% and over) occurred in food additives, mining chemicals, oilfield chemicals, and textile specialties.
Cosmetic chemicals posted a 0.5% gain (see chart for details).
The overall specialty chemicals volume index was up 5.1% on a year-over-year (Y/Y) 3MMA basis. The index stood at 113.1% of its average 2012 levels. This is equivalent to 7.79 billion pounds (3.54 million metric tons). On a Y/Y basis, there were gains among twenty-three market and functional specialty chemical segments. Compared to last year, volumes were down in only five segments.