RESIN SALES CLIMB

Sales and production of plastic resins rose at a strong pace in 1999, according to year-end data (compiled by Association Survey Resources, LLC) released today by the Plastics Industry Producers' Statistics Group (PIPS) of the American Plastics Council (APC).

Resin sales and captive (internal) use reached 100.3 billion pounds in 1999, a 6.7 percent increase over 1998, breaking the 100 billion-pound mark for the first time. Resin production climbed to 97.5 billion pounds in 1999, up 6.3 percent over the previous year's total.

Domestic sales of the major resins were up about 7.8 percent in 1999, while export sales were up 2.3 percent from 1998 figures. The improvement in export sales was a turnaround from the decline in 1998, due primarily to the improving Asian market.

Production and sales and captive use of thermoset resins grew in 1999, up 7.8 percent and 2.9 percent respectively. Markets for urea and melamine were up moderately last year. Production of phenolic resin jumped 11.4 percent in 1999, and sales also rose 2.7 percent. The growth difference between production and sales is attributed to the availability of lower cost raw materials during 1999.

For more information, contact: Jack LaCovey, American Plastics Council, 1300 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 800, Arlington, VA 22209, 703-253-0700, Fax: 703-253-0701, Web: www.plastics.org.