Feb 19 | 2020
(Americas) ACC reports growth in CPRI
Chemical production in the U.S. has pushed higher in January, driven by improved output in the Gulf Coast , according to data from the American Chemistry Council.
The ACC reported that its Chemical Production Regional Index, or CPRI, edged higher by 0.1 percent in January, following a 0.1 percent decline in December and a 0.2 percent decline in November.
Manufacturing 3MMA boost
Manufacturing activity was robust with an increase in the three-month moving average of 0.3 percent in January, a second consecutive increase following three months of declines. Breakbulk demand was also boosted by growth in iron and steel products, construction supplies, refining, foundries, oil and gas extraction.
“Chemical production was mixed over the three-month period. There were gains in the three-month moving average output trend of organic chemicals, plastic resins, chlor-alkali, industrial gases, synthetic dyes and pigments, other inorganic chemicals, synthetic rubber, manufactured fibers, and fertilizers.
The ACC noted that gains were offset by declines in the output of coatings, adhesives, other specialty chemicals, crop protection chemicals, and consumer products,” the ACC notes.
Regional decline
Despite an overall positive development in the sector, the ACC reported that chemical output declined across all regions except the Gulf Coast.
“Compared with January 2019, U.S. chemical production was off by 1.6 percent on a year-over-year (Y/Y) basis, the eighth consecutive month of Y/Y declines. Chemical production was lower than a year ago in all regions, with the largest declines in the Mid-Atlantic, Northeast, and Ohio Valley regions,” Jennifer Scott, ACC spokesperson, said.
Headquartered in Washington D.C., the ACC is an independent industry association represents a diverse set of companies engaged in the business of chemistry using best-in-class member engagement, political advocacy, communications and scientific research.
The ACC reported that its Chemical Production Regional Index, or CPRI, edged higher by 0.1 percent in January, following a 0.1 percent decline in December and a 0.2 percent decline in November.
Manufacturing 3MMA boost
Manufacturing activity was robust with an increase in the three-month moving average of 0.3 percent in January, a second consecutive increase following three months of declines. Breakbulk demand was also boosted by growth in iron and steel products, construction supplies, refining, foundries, oil and gas extraction.
“Chemical production was mixed over the three-month period. There were gains in the three-month moving average output trend of organic chemicals, plastic resins, chlor-alkali, industrial gases, synthetic dyes and pigments, other inorganic chemicals, synthetic rubber, manufactured fibers, and fertilizers.
The ACC noted that gains were offset by declines in the output of coatings, adhesives, other specialty chemicals, crop protection chemicals, and consumer products,” the ACC notes.
Regional decline
Despite an overall positive development in the sector, the ACC reported that chemical output declined across all regions except the Gulf Coast.
“Compared with January 2019, U.S. chemical production was off by 1.6 percent on a year-over-year (Y/Y) basis, the eighth consecutive month of Y/Y declines. Chemical production was lower than a year ago in all regions, with the largest declines in the Mid-Atlantic, Northeast, and Ohio Valley regions,” Jennifer Scott, ACC spokesperson, said.
Headquartered in Washington D.C., the ACC is an independent industry association represents a diverse set of companies engaged in the business of chemistry using best-in-class member engagement, political advocacy, communications and scientific research.
