Growing PVC Exports Contribute to Trade Surplus, Job Growth in Louisiana

NEW ORLEANS La., Oct. 20, 2011 ‒ Booming U.S. exports of PVC, which have tripled since 2006, helped to shift the balance of trade for the plastics industry.

With 20 percent of plastics output exported in 2010, double the level recorded before the recession, a deficit from two years ago is now a significant surplus. Continued growth is expected help to create high-paying manufacturing jobs and spark economic growth.

ACC President Cal Dooley spoke today at the Port of New Orleans about the 34-percent increase of chemical exports there since last year. PVC, along with abundant natural gas from shale, helped contribute to this growth. An ACC analysis shows how increased investment could add 35,000 new Louisiana jobs in the chemical industry and throughout its supply chain.
 
Read the full release here at americanchemistry.com.