North American PVC operating rates in October were at 79%, which represented a decrease of more than 4% from September and 9.3% compared to the same time period in 2010, according to an industry report published this week.
According to the monthly report, which compiles data from different consulting firms, PVC production in October totalled 1.2 billion lbs, a fall of 5% compared to September and also down 5% compared to October 2010.
October export sales were at 518 million lbs, 13% higher than September and flat to the same period in 2010.
"Export sales are struggling to find direction with price and volume fluctuating constantly," the report said.
The export-to-production ratio for October edged down by 7% to 45% compared to September, and 2.4% lower from the same period of 2010.
On the domestic side, PVC sales totaled 668 million lbs, a drop of 5% from the previous month and a reduction of 8% from October of last year.
"PVC domestic demand (is) expected to be seasonally slow through the end of the year. Expect 2011 domestic demand to be down 5-7% versus 2010," the report noted.
October existing home sales increased slightly by 1.4% to nearly 5 million. Compared to October 2010, however, sales increased almost 14%.
During the same month of reference, housing permits rose by 11% to 653,000 compared to previous month and edged up 18% compared to October of 2010.
Housing starts in October were 628,000, flat to September but 17% higher from October of last year.
