North American PVC operating rates at 79% for October, down 5% month-over-month, 9.3% year-over-year, according to industry report; PVC output reached 1.2 billion lbs., down 5% from September, 5% from 2010

Alison Gallant

LOS ANGELES , December 2, 2011 (Industry Intelligence) – Operating rates at polyvinyl chloride plants in North America were at 79% in October, down more than 4% month-over-month and 9.3% year-over-year, Platts reported Dec. 2, citing an industry report issued this week.

PVC output in October reached 1.2 billion pounds, down 5% month-over-month and 5% year-over-year, Platts reported

Export sales in October totaled 518 million lbs., up 13% month-over-month, and flat year-over-year.

October's export-to-production ratio for slipped 7% from September to 45%, and was off 2.4% year-over-year. In the domestic market, PVC sales reached 668 million lbs., down 5% month-over-month and 8% year-over-year.

Domestic demand for PVC is likely to be sluggish through the end of 2011, according to the report. Total domestic demand for 2011 is forecast to be 5%-7% lower than 2010.

The primary source of this article is Platts, New York, New York, Dec. 2, 2011.

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