In October, US specialty chemicals market volumes rose to start the last quarter of 2020.
According to the American Chemistry Council (ACC), last month the country’s specialty chemicals market volumes increased by 1.2%, from the 0.1% gain in September and a 1.1% climb in August.
Out of 28 specialty chemicals, segments monitored, 25 expanded in the month, up from 9 in the previous month. 18 segments gained by 1.0% or more.
On a sequential basis, diffusion was 89%, soaring from September’s 34%.
Last month, overall specialty chemicals volumes were off 6.5% year-on-year, improving from the previous month. Volumes were at 104.4% of the average 2012 levels, at 7.11 billion pounds (3.23 million tons). The yearly volumes gaining were posted by the cosmetic additives, electronic chemicals, flavors and fragrances, plastic compounding, and water management chemicals.
On a year-on-year basis, diffusion in October was 20%, improving from September’s 11%.
