U.S. specialty chemicals market volumes rose 0.7% in May and are now above the pre-winter storm levels of January, according to data from the American Chemistry Council (ACC). Activity remains off from pre-pandemic levels. Of the 28 specialty chemical segments monitored, 20 expanded in May, up from 16 in April and three in February. Seven segments declined and one was flat. On a sequential basis, diffusion was 73% in May, up from 57% in April and 11% in February. During May, 10 segments showed gains of 1.0% or more.
During May, overall specialty chemicals volumes were up 13.7% on a year-over-year (Y/Y) basis, rebounding from the depressed levels of last year. Rubber processing chemicals were especially affected by shutdowns in tire manufacturing. Total volumes stood at 99% of their average 2017 levels, equivalent to 7.26 billion pounds (3.29 million metric tons). On a year-earlier basis, 26 chemical segments expanded in May. Diffusion was 93% in May, off slightly from 96% in April.
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