U.S. Chemical Production Expands In August

The U.S. Chemical Production Regional Index (U.S. CPRI) rose by 0.6 percent in August following a 1.0 percent gain in July and a 1.4 percent decline in June, according to the American Chemistry Council (ACC). During August, chemical output expanded in all regions except the West Coast, with the largest gains occurring in the Gulf Coast region. The U.S. CPRI is measured on a three-month moving average (3MMA) basis. In August, chemical production continued to improve in many segments, including, plastic resins, chlor-alkali, organic chemicals, industrial gases, synthetic dyes and pigments, consumer products, synthetic rubber, manufactured fibers and fertilizers. Production moved lower in adhesives, coatings, other specialty chemicals, and crop protection chemicals.