After a solid start to the year, winter storms dampened U.S. specialty chemicals market volumes in February, according to the American Chemistry Council (ACC). Volumes fell 4.1% in February, bringing activity back to third quarter 2020 levels. Of the 28 specialty chemical segments that ACC monitors, only six expanded in February, down from 21 in January, while 22 segments declined. On a sequential basis, diffusion was 21% in February, off from 77% in January. Of the six segments rising in February, only foundry chemicals, rubber processing chemicals and textile specialties featured gains of 1.0% or more.
During February, overall specialty chemicals volumes were off 7.6% on a year-over-year (Y/Y) basis. Volumes stood at 103.8% of their average 2012 levels in February. This is equivalent to 7.07 billion pounds (3.21 million metric tons). On a year-earlier basis, five chemical segments showed gains: Cosmetic additives, electronic chemicals, flavors and fragrances, food additives and water management chemicals. On a year-earlier basis, diffusion was 18% in February.
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