The American Chemistry Council (ACC) reported that U.S. specialty chemicals market volumes ended the third quarter rising 0.2% in September. This follows a 0.5% rise in August and a 0.3% rise in July, and marks an improvement from the average 0.1% gain in the second quarter but below the average 0.5% gain in the first quarter. All changes in the data are reported on a three-month moving average (3MMA) basis.

Of the 28 specialty chemical segments monitored, 17 expanded in September, down from 22 in August. Seven markets experienced decline and four featured no change. During September, large market volume gains (1% and over) occurred only in foundry chemicals.

The overall specialty chemicals volume index was up 5.1% on a year-over-year (Y/Y) 3MMA basis. The index stood at 112.9% of its average 2012 levels in September. This is equivalent to 7.69 billion lbs. On a Y/Y basis, there were gains among 22 market and functional specialty chemical segments. Compared to last year, volumes were down in six segments.

For more information, visit www.americanchemistry.com.