Brussels, 12^th June 2012
 
With 26,737 tonnes, the May average daily production was 3.8% lower than in the previous month (April 2012: 27,790 tonnes), but 4.2% higher than in May 2011 (25,653 tonnes).

With 269,670 tonnes, the May caustic soda stocks were 3.6% lower than in the previous month (April 2012: 279,546 tonnes), but 32,880 tonnes above the level of May 2011 (236,790 tonnes).

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