The American Chemistry Council (ACC) reports that U.S. specialty chemicals market volumes grew 0.4% in November following a revised 1.5% gain in October. Of the 28 specialty chemical segments that ACC monitors, 17 expanded in November, off from 25 in October. On a sequential basis, diffusion was 61%, down from 91% in October. Of the 17 segments that expanded November, six – catalysts, lubricant additives, mining chemicals, oilfield chemicals, paper additives and plasticizers – featured gains of 1.0% or more.
During November, overall specialty chemicals volumes were off 5.8% on a year-over-year (Y/Y) basis, an improvement from October. Volumes stood at 105.3% of their average 2012 levels in October. This is equivalent to 7.17 billion pounds (3.25 million metric tons). On a year-earlier basis, gains were seen in seven segments: Cosmetic additives, dyes, electronic chemicals, flavors and fragrances, food additives, paper additives and plastic compounding. On a year-earlier basis, diffusion was 25% in November, an improvement from 20% in October.
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