US monthly chemical production accelerates as all regions see improvement

US chemical production expanded by 0.4% in July following a downwardly-revised 0.2% gain in June, the American Chemistry Council (ACC) said Tuesday in the release of its US Chemical Production Regional Index (CPRI).

Manufacturing output accelerated during July, and on a three-month moving average (3MMA), production of the nation’s overall manufacturing sector was 0.6% higher. 

Within the manufacturing sector, output in many key chemistry end-use markets expanded, including appliances, motor vehicles, aerospace, construction supplies, machinery, fabricated metal products, computers, semiconductors, plastic products, rubber products, plywood, printing, and furniture.

Also measured on a 3MMA basis, overall chemical production was again mixed. There were gains in the output of chlor-alkali and other inorganic chemicals, plastic resins, synthetic dyes and pigments, industrial gases, consumer products, and pharmaceuticals. 

These gains were partially offset by declines in the production of fertilizers, pesticides, organic chemicals, synthetic fibers, synthetic rubber, coatings, and adhesives. 

Compared to July 2013, total chemical production in all regions was ahead by 1.2% on a year-over-year (Y/Y) basis, up from a revised 0.9% Y/Y gain in June. Chemical production was up from a year ago in all regions, except the Gulf Coast. The Gulf Coast did move up 0.1% from June, though.

Comparing the seven months of 2014 to that in 2013, chemical production was up 0.8% nationally, with all seven regions posting gains.