Organics Top Previous Marks

Abstract

PRODUCTION, sales, and value of sales of synthetic organic chemicals reached a record high in 1956—a total of 40.7 billion pounds produced (which involves considerable duplication); 20.4 billion pounds sold, valued at $5 billion. This represents a 15.1% increase in output comparer! with the previous peak output isn 1955; and an increase of 4.2% in quantity and 5.1% in value of sales. All groups in terms of quantity, showed increases in both production and sales compared with 1955 except dyes, toners and lakes, rubber-processing chemicals, plasticizers, elastomers, and pesticides and other organic agricultural products. Only toners and lakes, dyes, and. rubber-processing chemicals declined in both production and sales. Production of pesticides, plasticizers, and elastomers increased in 1956, whereas the quantity of their sales declined; the value of sales of pesticides and plasticizers, however, was greater in 1956 than in 1955 as was the value of sales of dyes. Groups showing the ...