Chlorine output in Europe rose 13.3% year over year, to 4.11 million metric tons in the first half of 2024, as the average chlor-alkali plant utilization rate improved to 68.8%, according to data from regional industry body Euro Chlor (Brussels). The utilization rate was up from an average of 62.1% in the prior-year period.

Average daily chlorine production of 22,168 metric tons in June was up slightly month over month, by 0.3%, but improved by 11.7% compared with last year, it said. Total European volume for the month increased to 665,033 metric tons from 595,554 metric tons in June 2023. The average plant utilization rate in June was almost flat sequentially, rising to 67.5% from 67.4% a month earlier.

Caustic soda stocks in June increased year over year and sequentially, rising to 216,235 metric tons from 206,773 metric tons a year earlier and 211,704 metric tons in May.

Euro Chlor represents 38 member companies that produce chlorine at 62 manufacturing locations in 19 countries.

European chlorine and caustic soda spot prices have been pressured by weak demand and oversupply since the start of the year, although tightening supply prompted an uptick in caustic soda spot prices toward the end of July due to a combination of planned turnarounds in August and September and production glitches, according to S&P Global Commodity Insights. Demand typically decreases in August due to lower customer orders.

Source: Euro Chlor