According to American Chemistry Council (ACC) Weekly Chemistry & Economic Trends report on February 24, 2023, chemical railcar loadings were up 3.8% to 33,910 during the week ending 18 February. Loadings were down 10.4% Y/Y (13-week MA), down 8.4% YTD/YTD and have been on the rise for eight of the last 13 weeks according to data released by the Association of American Railroads
U.S. production of major plastic resins totaled 6.8 billion pounds during December 2022, a down 5.4% M/M, and down 13.7% Y/Y, according to statistics released by ACC. For the year as a whole, production was 92.1 billion pounds, a level up 1.2% Y/Y. Sales and captive (internal) use of major plastic resins was 7.4 billion pounds, down 1.3% M/M and down 4.1% Y/Y. At the end of 2022, total sales were 92.4 billion pounds, up 3.5% compared to 2021.
Note On the Color Codes
The banner colors represent observations about the current conditions in the overall economy and the business chemistry. For the overall economy we keep a running tab of 20 indicators. The banner color for the macroeconomic section is determined as follows:
Green – 13 or more positives
Yellow – between 8 and 12 positives
Red – 7 or fewer positives
For the chemical industry there are fewer indicators available. As a result we rely upon judgment whether production in the industry (defined as chemicals excluding pharmaceuticals) has increased or decreased three consecutive months.
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ACC_EconomicsDepartment@americanchemistry.com
American Chemistry Council
The American Chemistry Council (ACC) represents the leading companies engaged in the multibillion-dollar business of chemistry. ACC members apply the science of chemistry to make innovative products, technologies and services that make people's lives better, healthier and safer. ACC is committed to improved environmental, health, safety and security performance through Responsible Care®; common sense advocacy addressing major public policy issues; and health and environmental research and product testing. ACC members and chemistry companies are among the largest investors in research and development, and are advancing products, processes and technologies to address climate change, enhance air and water quality, and progress toward a more sustainable, circular economy.
