The American Chemistry Council (ACC) reports that U.S. specialty chemicals market volumes rose 1.2% in January, accelerating slightly from a 1.0% gain in December. Of the 28 specialty chemical segments that ACC monitors, 19 expanded in January, off from 22 in December. Two segments were stable and seven declined. On a sequential basis, diffusion was 70%, off from 79% in December. Of the segments that increased in January, 12 featured gains of 1.0% or more.
During January, overall specialty chemicals volumes were off 4.2% on a year-over-year (Y/Y) basis, a slight improvement from December. Volumes stood at 108.3% of their average 2012 levels in December. This is equivalent to 7.38 billion pounds (3.35 million metric tons). On a year-earlier basis, six chemical segments showed gains: cosmetic additives, electronic chemicals, flavors and fragrances, food additives, plastic compounding and water management chemicals. On a year-earlier basis, diffusion was 18% in January.
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