10.01.18
The American Chemistry Council (ACC) reported that US specialty chemicals market volumes began the third quarter with a slight upswing in demand, increasing 0.2% in July after a 0.4% gain 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 were unchanged.
Cosmetic chemicals posted a 0.3% gain from June to July.
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% 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 22 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 were unchanged.
Cosmetic chemicals posted a 0.3% gain from June to July.
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% 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 22 market and functional specialty chemical segments. Compared to last year, volumes were down in six segments.