With 27,881 tonnes, the July average daily production was 1.1% higher than in the previous month (June 2017: 27,591 tonnes), and 4.3% higher than in July 2016 (26,731 tonnes). With 191,605 tonnes, the July caustic soda stocks were 6.3% higher than in the previous month (June 2017: 180,294 tonnes), but 12,733 tonnes below the level of July 2016 (204,338 tonnes). Details of chlorine production and caustic soda stocks in the EU-28 countries plus Norway and Switzerland in May 2017 are provided in the following tables. Chlorine production & capacity utilisation - EU 28 + Norway/Switzerland 

Month	Production (tonnes)			Capacity Utilisation (%)
	2016	2017	% change	2016	2017
January	821,341	840,794	+2.4	81.9	82.8
February	805,394	773,366	-4.0	85.9	84.3
March	802,803	790,151	-1.6	80.1	77.8
April	670,713	779,636	+16.2	69.1	79.3
May	748,409	831,218	+11.1	74.7	81.8
June	751,434	827,733	+10.2	77.5	84.2
July	828,652	864,321	+4.3	82.7	85.1

Caustic soda stocks (tonnes)

	2016	2017
January	243,389	201,799
February	252,472	226,684
March	231,506	200,342
April	226,702	195,342
May	221,326	189,025
June	200,718	180,294
July	204,338	191,605

Further information: Dolf van Wijk, Executive Director,  tel: +32 2 676 73 70 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.