05.01.17
The American Chemistry Council (ACC) reported that US specialty chemicals market volumes rose 0.6% in February. This follows an upwardly revised 0.4% gain in January. Volumes have generally been moving up since May, 2016. All changes in the data are reported on a three-month moving average (3MMA) basis.
Of the 28 specialty, chemical segments monitored by ACC, 18 expanded in February and 10 declined. During February, large gains (1.0% and higher) occurred in antioxidants, food additives, mining chemicals, oilfield chemicals, paint additives and rubber processing chemicals.
The overall specialty chemicals volume index was up 1.3% on a year-over-year (Y/Y) 3MMA basis. The index stood at 107.2% of its average 2012 levels.
Year-earlier comparisons were negative through second quarter 2016 but are now improving as the recovery in the oil and gas sector has engaged, according to ACC. On a Y/Y basis, there were gains among 15 market and functional specialty chemical segments.
Of the 28 specialty, chemical segments monitored by ACC, 18 expanded in February and 10 declined. During February, large gains (1.0% and higher) occurred in antioxidants, food additives, mining chemicals, oilfield chemicals, paint additives and rubber processing chemicals.
The overall specialty chemicals volume index was up 1.3% on a year-over-year (Y/Y) 3MMA basis. The index stood at 107.2% of its average 2012 levels.
Year-earlier comparisons were negative through second quarter 2016 but are now improving as the recovery in the oil and gas sector has engaged, according to ACC. On a Y/Y basis, there were gains among 15 market and functional specialty chemical segments.