The American Chemistry Council (ACC) reports that U.S. specialty chemicals market volumes gained 0.9% in December, ending the year on a strong note. All changes in the data are reported on a three-month moving average (3MMA) basis. Of the 28 specialty chemical segments monitored, 25 expanded in December, no markets experienced decline and three were stable. During December, large market volume gains (1.0% and over) occurred in catalysts, electronic chemicals, lubricant additives, mining chemicals, oilfield chemicals, plastic additives, plasticizers and plastic compounding.
The overall specialty chemicals volume index was up 5.6% on a year-over-year (Y/Y) 3MMA basis. The index stood at 111.6% of its average 2012 levels. This is equivalent to 7.69 billion pounds (3.49 million metric tons). On a Y/Y basis, there were gains among 24 market and functional specialty chemical segments. Compared to last year, volumes were down in only four segments.
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