08.24.18
The American Chemistry Council (ACC) reported that US specialty chemicals market volumes started the third quarter on a modest note, increasing 0.2% in July after a 0.4% pgain in June, and a 0.3% gain in May. All changes in the data are reported on a three-month moving average (3MMA) basis, according to ACC.
Volumes had declined in January, when weather played a role in the slow start to the year. More recently, performance chemistry appears to reflect the strength in manufacturing. Of the 28 specialty chemical segments monitored, 12 expanded in July, down from 16 in June. Twelve markets experienced decline and four featured no change.
Cosmetic chemicals posted a 0.3% gain from June to July (see chart).
The overall specialty chemicals volume index was up 4.8% on a year-over-year (Y/Y) 3MMA basis. The index stood at 113.3 percent of its average 2012 levels in July. This is equivalent to 7.72 billion pounds (3.50 million metric tons). On a Y/Y basis, there were gains among twenty-two market and functional specialty chemical segments. Compared to last year, volumes were down in six segments.
Volumes had declined in January, when weather played a role in the slow start to the year. More recently, performance chemistry appears to reflect the strength in manufacturing. Of the 28 specialty chemical segments monitored, 12 expanded in July, down from 16 in June. Twelve markets experienced decline and four featured no change.
Cosmetic chemicals posted a 0.3% gain from June to July (see chart).
The overall specialty chemicals volume index was up 4.8% on a year-over-year (Y/Y) 3MMA basis. The index stood at 113.3 percent of its average 2012 levels in July. This is equivalent to 7.72 billion pounds (3.50 million metric tons). On a Y/Y basis, there were gains among twenty-two market and functional specialty chemical segments. Compared to last year, volumes were down in six segments.