Purchasing's Monthly Index of Chemical Prices Increased by two index points in April to 121.19, up from 119.16 last month, according to data from chemical buyers.

Chemical indexes showing particular strength this month include aliphatics, which increased 5.63 index points this month to 122.69; aromatics (up 3.04 index points to 104.63); and solvents, which increased slightly more than one index point to 119.34.

Paper chemicals saw a sizable downturn this month as the paper chemicals index fell more than 10 index points to 74.99. The primary causes for this movement are weak demand from the pulp and paper market along with poor performance of the chlorine market. With Caustic soda prices skyrocketing, chlorine prices are now at the bottom of the price cycle.