The American Chemistry Council (ACC) has reported that market volumes in the US specialty chemicals market volumes rose 0.3% in December 2016.
This follows an upwardly revised 0.5% gain in November 2016. Volumes have generally been climbing since May last year. All changes in the data are reported on a three-month moving average (3MMA) basis. Of the 28 specialty chemical segments monitored, 17 expanded in December, 10 markets experienced decline and one was flat. During December, large gains (1% and over) were noted only in oilfield chemicals.
The overall specialty chemicals volume index was stable on a year-over-year (y/y) 3MMA basis. The index stood at 105.4% of its average 2012 levels. This is equivalent to 3.30 million t. The downturn in the oil and gas sector affected headline volumes and weakness spread to other segments. Year-earlier comparisons were negative since 2Q15 but are now stable. On a y/y basis, there were gains among 19 market and functional specialty chemical segments.