The U.S. Chemical Production Regional Index (U.S. CPRI) rose by 0.5 % in February, following a revised 0.5 % gain in January, according to the American Chemistry Council (ACC). Compared to February 2011, total chemical production in all regions was up 1.5 %.

The chemistry industry is one of the largest industries in the United States, a $720 billion enterprise. The manufacturing sector is the largest consumer of chemical products, and 96 % of manufactured goods are touched by chemistry.

• American Chemistry Council (ACC), Washington, D.C., USA