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Business

European Chemical Sales Rise In Second Quarter

Finance: Market picks up, but chemical industry leaders remain cautious

by Alex Scott
August 14, 2015 | A version of this story appeared in Volume 93, Issue 32

EUROPEAN RESULTS
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Most firms posted second-quarter sales, earnings gains
A table showing EU second quarter financial results.
Most firms posted second-quarter sales, earnings gains

Leading European chemical firms are reporting an uptick in sales and profits for the second quarter of 2015 compared with the same period a year ago. Although sales are accelerating, companies say some markets are spotty, and they remain cautious about prospects for sustained growth in 2015. Most firms cite recent restructuring measures or growth in markets outside Europe as key reasons for improvements.

CEFIC, Europe’s largest chemical industry association, states that European chemical production grew just 0.3% in the first four months of 2015. “These figures show that the real economy is still not growing. In Europe, we need EU policymakers to start walking their talk on competitiveness, jobs, and growth,” says CEFIC Director General Hubert Mandery.

And yet the uptick in European company sales compares favorably with the second-quarter performance of some leading U.S. chemical makers, including Dow Chemical and DuPont, which recorded sales declines, due in part to the effect of shifting exchange rates.

Additionally, confidence among Europe’s chemical company executives has improved in recent months, according to a CEFIC survey. British chemical execs also appear to be gaining confidence, according to the Chemical Industries Association, a U.K. trade group. A survey found that nearly 60% of U.K. chemical firms expect sales to rise during the next 12 months.

Lanxess reported a surge in second-quarter earnings driven by higher sales volumes and positive currency effects. The German firm, which until recently was struggling, has upped its full-year profit forecast as a result. “Lanxess is returning more and more to the right course,” Chairman Matthias Zachert says.

French chemical maker Arkema experienced a significant financial improvement in the second quarter. Like-for-like sales increased 12%, rising to 39% when Bostik, its recently acquired adhesives business, is included. Sales in thiochemicals, nylon, and fluorochemicals improved nicely, the firm says. “Arkema enters the second half of the year with confidence, while remaining cautious on the future development of the global economic environment,” CEO Thierry Le Hénaff says.

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