The American Chemistry Council (ACC) has reduced its forecast for US chemical output in 2009. In December 2008, the ACC predicted a 3.1% decline, excluding pharmaceutical chemicals, which has now been revised downward to an 8.7% decrease. Total US chemical production is expected to decline 5.7% in 2009, after falling 3.5% last year. US production of pharmaceutical chemicals is expected to decline 0.7% this year, compared to a 0.7% increase last year. Agricultural chemicals also posted a growth of 1.0%. This year, output of agricultural chemicals is expected to decline 5.5%. In 2009, US production of chemicals for consumer products is estimated to shrink 3.6%, specialty chemicals’ production and production of basic chemicals are expected to fall 4.8% and 12.5%, respectively.

Source: Chemical and Engineering News