US March chlorinated solvent exports rise 6.3% year on year

10 May 2012 21:40  [Source: ICIS news]

HOUSTON (ICIS)--US exports of chlorinated solvents methylene chloride, perchloroethylene (perc) and trichloroethylene (TCE) increased by 6.3% year on year, according to data released on Thursday by the US International Trade Commission (ITC).

Total exports of the three were 12,770 tonnes in March 2012, up from 12,006 tonnes for the same month a year ago.

Among the three chemicals, TCE and perc each showed gains, while methylene chloride export volumes fell.

TCE exports were more than twice as high year on year, with March volumes at 3,902 tonnes. Perc volumes were at 5,108 tonnes, 21% higher year on year.

Methylene chloride volumes were 3,760 tonnes in March 2012, down by 38% year on year.

Month on month, exports of the solvents increased by 64%, from 7,790 tonnes in February.

Each of the three reported month-on-month growth, with TCE exports more than tripling, methylene chloride exports jumping by 52% and perc exports increasing by 22%.

The biggest reason for the higher export volumes was the ramping up of refrigerant liquids production ahead of the warmer spring and summer months.

Major US sellers of the chlorinated solvents are Dow Chemical, INEOS Chlor, Occidental Chemical (OxyChem) and PPG Industries.

By: John Dietrich
713-525-2600

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