According to the American Chemistry Council (ACC), the US Chemical Production Regional Index continued to expand, rising by 0.4 percent in January following a downwardly revised 0.3 percent gain in December, as measured on a three-month moving average (3MMA). The gain in January was the tenth consecutive monthly gain. In fact, all major chemical producing regions posted gains in January.
Also measured on a 3MMA basis, chemical production by segment was mixed. There were gains in the output of organic chemicals, chlor-alkali, synthetic rubber, synthetic dyes and pigments, industrial gases, consumer products, and pharmaceuticals. These gains were partially offset, however, by declines in the production of fertilizers, coatings, adhesives, plastic resins, synthetic fibers, acids, pesticides and other inorganic chemicals.
Compared to January 2014, total chemical production in all regions was ahead by 4.6 percent on a year-over-year (Y/Y) basis, a strengthening trend. Chemical production was up from a year ago in all regions.