Eleven of 13 chemical categories posted production gains, according to Federal Reserve figures. However, an NPRA spokesman explained that 1996 was the first year NPRA collected data that the International Trade Commission formerly collected. Thus, missing and incomplete data for 1996 accounted for discrepancies in production with more complete information for 1997. Federal Reserve Board Synthetic rubber is included in the Federal Reserve's larger synthetic materials production index, but more specific figures come from the International Institute of Synthetic Rubber Producers. Consumption levels of 22.3 billion lb are still below the decade peak of 22.4 billion lb in 1994.
Global competition includes some caveats for future growth of U.S. chemical production.
According to the Chemical Manufacturers Association's economics managing director, Allen J. Lenz, growing global chemical production signals a tougher, more competitive environment for the U.S. chemical industry.