EU chemicals sector output drops 2.1 per cent through first five months of year
EU chemicals production contracted 2.1 per cent in the first five months of 2013 compared with the same period in 2012. Monthly production data for May showed a 1.1 per cent drop compared with the same month the year prior. The EU chemicals net trade surplus improved through the first four months of the year, latest data show, reaching €16.9 billion, up €1.9 billion on the same period last year.
EU chemicals prices were lower on a year-on-year basis in May, falling 1.8 per cent during the month against the comparable month in 2012. Sales were 3.3 per cent lower in the January-April time period compared with the first four months of the year prior, and remain 2.7 per cent lower than the peak level reached in third quarter 2008.
EU chemicals confidence indicator improves in May
The EU chemical industry confidence indicator (CCI), generated by Cefic, registered a significant improvement in June 2013 compared with the month prior. Production expectations for the months ahead contributed largely to the positive changes in confidence. However, current overall order books deteriorated slightly. Chemicals industry confidence remains below the long-term average.
Source: Cefic Trends Report, July 25, 2013
