With 26,813 tonnes, the May average daily production was 3.2% higher than in the previous month (April 2017: 25,988 tonnes), and 11.1% higher than in May 2016 (24,142 tonnes). With 189,025 tonnes, the May caustic soda stocks were 3.2% lower than in the previous month (April 2017: 195,342 tonnes), and 32,301 tonnes below the level of May 2016 (221,326 tonnes). Details of chlorine production and caustic soda stocks in the EU-28 countries plus Norway and Switzerland in May 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	82.8
February	805,394	773,366	-4.0	85.9	84.3
March	802,803	790,151	-1.6	80.1	77.8
April	670,713	779,636	+16.2	69.1	79.3
May	748,409	831,218	+11.1	74.7	81.8

Caustic soda stocks (tonnes)

	2016	2017
January	243,389	201,799
February	252,472	226,684
March	231,506	200,342
April	226,702	195,342
May	221,326	189,025

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.