Construction outlays in the US dropped 0.3% in January after a 0.8% gain in December, as a 0.6% drop in personal spending outweighed a Proportional growth in the public sector, as per the report by American Chemistry Council.
Private residential and non-residential construction both declined. Compared to a year ago, total construction spending was up 1.0% Y/Y, analysts mentioned.
Import prices (except tariffs) jumped 1.3% in February—the largest monthly growth since March 2022—while export expenses soared 1.5%, signifying the most biggest growth since May 2022. Year-over-year, import costs had been up tp 1.3% and export prices went up 3.5%.
Global semiconductor sales kept their quick growth in January, increasing 3.7% to $82.5-billion. Profits were wide-ranging throughout regions besides Japan, with China and Europe main the charge. “Compared to a year ago, worldwide semiconductor sales were up to 46.1%,” the record stated. Analysts emphasized the role of more than 500 significantly pure process chemicals in manufacturing.
Expectations for the U.S. economy weakened in March, as per the Association of Commerce and Currency’s Survey of Economic Forecasters: “U.S. GDP is predicted to increased by 2.3% in 2026, slightly decrease than last month’s survey. In 2027, increase in GDP is predicted to moderate to a 2.1% pace.”
Consumer outlay increase is projected to slow to 2.1% in 2026 before easing to 2.0% in 2027. Business investment, buoyed by using AI and power infrastructure, is anticipated to ease just slightly to a 3.8% in 2026, earlier than settling round 3.4% in 2027. Industrial manufacturing is expected to increase 1.1% in 2026 and 1.3% in 2027, both lower than February’s estimates.
Vehicle sales are anticipated to drop to a 15.7 million pace in 2026 before rebounding to 16.2 million in 2027. Housing begins are anticipated to ease to 1.35 million in 2026, with a modest restoration to 1.39 million in 2027.
“The unemployment rate is anticipated to persist to expand, averaging 4.4% in 2026 and stays constant at 4.4% rate in 2027.”
Inflation rise is anticipated to sluggish slightly, averaging 2.7% in 2026 and 2.4% in 2027.
The 10 year Treasury yield is estimated to get decrease in 2026 and hold steady in 2027.
“The US dollar is anticipated to reinforce against the euro in 2026 before than retreating 2027.”
Global outlook:
1. Global GDP growth is ventured at 2.9% in 2026 and 3.0% in 2027.
2. Inflation stays increased, anticipated to rise to 3.9% in 2026 before easing to a 3.3% in 2027.
3. Industrial output is anticipated to increase by 2.8% in 2026 and 3.0% in 2027.
4. World trade volumes are projected to increased by 2.4% in 2026 and 2.8% in 2027.
Chemical zone snapshots:
Chemical railcar loadings surged to 36,302 for the week ending of March 21, up 2.1% Y/Y and 3.6% YTD.
Chemical import prices surged to 0.6% in February, whilst exports grew 1.1%. Year-over-year, import prices were down 1.3% and export prices fell 0.3%.
Chemical construction spending totalled $45.6 billion in January, up 0.8% from December and 11.5% Y/Y. “Chemical production construction indicates 23.4% of all production construction spending in January, up from 17.8% a year ago and the highest share since November 2022.”
Global chemical manufacturing scale up to 0.2% in February, with Taiwan and South Korea leading profits. “On a year-over-year basis, global chemical manufacturing was up to 3.1% in February 2026.”
Energy replace
Brent crude remained above $100 following Iran’s rejection of U.S. Negotiations; US natural gas prices hovered close to $3/mmbtu as manufacturing set new records; The integrated oil and gasoline rig count stayed stable at 545.
