With 25,941 tonnes, the April average daily production was 1.8% higher than in the previous month (March 2017: 25,489 tonnes), and 16% higher than in April 2016 (22,357 tonnes). With 193,643 tonnes, the April caustic soda stocks were 2% lower than in the previous month (March 2017: 197,647 tonnes), and 33,059 tonnes below the level of April 2016 (226,702 tonnes). Details of chlorine production and caustic soda stocks in the EU-28 countries plus Norway and Switzerland in April 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	83.6
February	805,394	773,366	-4.0	85.9	85.2
March	802,803	791,833	-1.4	80.1	78.6
April	670,713	790,151	+17.8	69.1	80.0

Caustic soda stocks (tonnes)

	2016	2017
January	243,389	199,454
February	252,472	224,339
March	231,506	197,647
April	226,702	193,643

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.