Organic chemicals price index reading in August

Source: www.purchasingdata.com

WHAT IT MEANS: Chemical buyers say prices have never been higher, as 73% of buyers polled reported increases for organics in August and 76% for inorganics.

Decrease in U.S. plastic resin production through May

Source: American Chemistry Council

WHAT IT MEANS: The 33.2 billion lbs of plastics produced in the U.S. this year is well off the 2007 volume, indicating demand for resins has slumped further than some industry analsysts expected.

Increase in U.S. chemical rail shipments through July

Source: Association of American Railroads

WHAT IT MEANS: "With fuel prices staying high, many shippers are finding that the fuel efficiency of rail is just one more reason to turn to railroads to meet their transportation needs," says John Gray, senior vice president of the AAR.