In February, the European chlorine production reached 762,446 tonnes. With 27,230 tonnes, the February average daily production was 2.4% higher than in the previous month (January 2013: 26,593 tonnes), and 4% higher than in February 2012 (26,184 tonnes).

An unusually low export tonnage meant  that by the end of February stocks (242,715 tonnes) were 14,738 tonnes above the previous month (January 2013: 227,977 tonnes), but 7.7% lower than February 2012 (262,822 tonnes).

Details of chlorine production and caustic soda stocks in the EU-27 countries plus Norway
and Switzerland in February 2013 are provided in the following tables.
  

Chlorine production & capacity utilisation - EU 27 + Norway/Switzerland 

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 71 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.