Chemical manufacturers’ assessment of their own company’s activity level (e.g., sales, production, output) improved over Q1 following reports of deterioration every quarter in 2023, according to findings from ACC’s Chemical Manufacturing Economic Sentiment Index (ESI). Sentiment around major customer market demand also turned positive in Q1 as the ESI readings indicated strong growth in new orders (both foreign and domestic). Chemical manufacturers were optimistic about improving demand from major markets and their company’s activity level over the coming few quarters. They see economic conditions having improved in the U.S. but continuing to deteriorate globally. While chemical manufacturers are reporting improvement on many key business indicators, they have yet to experience relief regarding the level of regulatory burden which continues to rise every quarter and is anticipated to maintain that trajectory looking ahead.