Global and U.S. chemical production rose in April

Global and U.S. chemical production rose in April, marking another month of incremental growth, according to Chemengonline. The Regional Index of Global Chemical Production (Global CPRI) rose 0.4 percent in April after a revised 1.5 percent increase in March, according to the American Chemistry Council (ACC).

In the U.S., the Regional Index of U.S. Chemical Industry Production (U.S. CPRI) rose 0.5 percent in April. Both indexes are measured on a three-month moving average (3MMA) basis to reduce monthly volatility.

ACC chief economist Martha Moore said chemical production increased in all regions except South America in April. Compared with the same period last year, production increased in Europe, the Asia-Pacific region, Africa and the Middle East, although global production remained below the same period last year.

In the United States, the April production increase reflected an improvement in the market for several chemicals, particularly those that were disrupted in the first quarter due to bad weather and refinery maintenance, ACC said.