Brussels, 12^th April 2012

In March the European chlorine production reached 856,659 tonnes.  With 27,634 tonnes, the March average daily production was 5.6% higher than in the previous month (February 2012: 26,169 tonnes), but 1.9% lower than in March 2011 (28,158 tonnes). 

With 250,036 tonnes, the March caustic soda stocks were 2.5% lower than in the previous month (February 2012: 256,523 tonnes), but 6,627 tonnes above the level of March 2011 (243,409 tonnes).

Details of chlorine production and caustic soda stocks in the EU-27 countries plus Norway and Switzerland in March 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.