US chemical production increased in April across all regions - ACC
US chemical production rose in April by 0.3% month on month, the American Chemistry Council (ACC) said, returning to growth after a flat March.
Production increased in all regions, with the largest gains in the Northeast, Ohio Valley, Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions.
Output of the US manufacturing sector fell by 0.5% in April, following a 0.6% gain during March. Output grew in several key end-use markets for chemistry products, including computers and electronics, printing, textile and product mills, and plastic and rubber products, the ACC said.
Output of motor vehicles and parts, however, fell sharply due to supply chain disruptions resulting from the March earthquake and tsunami in Japan.
Output of chemistry products rose strongly during the month of April. Recent data for April shows gains in production of plastic resins, synthetic rubber, man-made fibers, industrial gases, pharmaceuticals, consumer products, adhesives and other specialties, which were offset by declines in petrochemicals, inorganic chemicals, coatings, fertilizers and pesticides.
Compared to April 2010, total chemical production in all regions was up 2.1% and was up year-over-year in all regions. Over the past few months, year-on-year comparisons have been improving in all regions except in the Gulf Coast and Ohio Valley regions, where year-ago comparisons have weakened.
Chemical output remains below its prerecession peak despite improving demand by US customers and strong export markets.
The chemistry industry is one of the largest industries in the US, a $674 billion enterprise. The manufacturing sector is the largest consumer of chemical products, and 96 percent of manufactured goods are touched by chemistry, the ACC said.
For the full chemical production report, click here.
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