With 25,543 tonnes, the March average daily production was 7.5% lower than in the previous month (February 2017: 27,618 tonnes), and 1.4% lower than in March 2016 (25,897 tonnes). With 197,864 tonnes, the March caustic soda stocks were 12% lower than in the previous month (February 2017: 224,810 tonnes), and 33,642 tonnes below the level of March 2016 (231,506 tonnes). Details of chlorine production and caustic soda stocks in the EU-28 countries plus Norway and Switzerland in March 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	840,988	+2.4	81.9	83.7
February	805,394	773,293	-4.0	85.9	85.2
March	802,803	791,833	-1.4	80.1	78.8

Caustic soda stocks (tonnes)

	2016	2017
January	243,389	199,856
February	252,472	224,810
March	231,506	197,864

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.