US GDP expectations rise for 2010, 2011 – chem group

29 January 2010 21:24  [Source: ICIS news]

HOUSTON (ICIS news)--Economists increased their expectations for US economic growth for the next two years, following the US announcement of an unexpectedly high 5.7% GDP rise during the fourth quarter.

For 2010, the economy is now projected to grow by 2.8% - a 0.1 percentage point improvement from December results in the American Chemistry Council's (ACC) Economic Forecasters Survey. Likewise, GDP growth for 2011 is now forecast at 2.9%, up 0.4 percentage point from December.

The most recent GDP increase was driven primarily by private inventory investment, exports and personal expenditures, according to the US Department of Commerce.

The outlook for US industrial output also improved, according to the ACC survey. Output should be 4.6% higher in 2010 and 4.3% in 2011, up 0.2 and 0.7 percentage point, respectively, from the December survey.

Industrial output is a more meaningful benchmark than GDP for comparing the performance of basic and specialty chemicals, according to the ACC.

Modest recoveries in consumer spending, light vehicle sales and housing starts are all expected over the next two years, but at levels comparable to previous monthly surveys, the ACC said.

Paul Hodges studies key influencers shaping the chemical industry in Chemicals and the Economy
To discuss issues facing the chemical industry go to ICIS connect

By: Ben DuBose
+1 713 525 2653

For the latest chemical news, data and analysis that directly impacts your business sign up for a free trial to ICIS news - the breaking online news service for the global chemical industry.

Get the facts and analysis behind the headlines from our market leading weekly magazine: sign up to a free trial to ICIS Chemical Business.

Printer Friendly