Brussels, 13^th March 2012.

In February the European chlorine production reached 748,610 tonnes.  With 25,814 tonnes, the February average daily production was 4.8% lower than in the previous month (January 2012: 27,114 tonnes), and 10.6% lower than in February 2011 (28,882 tonnes). 

With 255,966 tonnes, the February caustic soda stocks were 4.9% higher than in the previous month (January 2012: 244,107 tonnes), but 25,621 tonnes (9.1%) below the level of February 2011 (281,587 tonnes). 

Details of chlorine production and caustic soda stocks in the EU-27 countries plus Norway and Switzerland in February 2012 are provided in the following tables.

EU 27 + Norway/Switzerland
Chlorine production & capacity utilisation

Caustic soda stocks (tonnes)

Further information:
Alistair J Steel, Executive Director
Tel: +32 2 676 73 50

Footnote to Editors
Some of the totals for each month may vary slightly compared with figures used earlier. Please rely on the most recent information since it sometimes happens that estimates have to be made when data is supplied late by a producer. This is subsequently adjusted when the actual figure becomes available.

Euro Chlor is a Brussels-based business association representing chlor-alkali producers in the EU and EFTA regions employing about 39,000 people at 70 manufacturing locations. Almost 2,000,000 jobs in Europe are directly or indirectly related to chlorine and its co-product caustic soda (sodium hydroxide). These two key chemical building blocks underpin 55% of European chemical industry turnover.