According to Cefic, the European Chemical Industry Council, production by the EU chemical industry will increase 9.5% this year, excluding pharmaceuticals. In 2009, EU chemical production declined 11.3%, excluding pharmaceuticals. The recovery this year has been driven by inventory corrections, but uncertainty remains due to the EU’s uncertain economic recovery. Capacity utilization for producers remains below normal. Polymer production by EU chemical companies is expected to improve 14.5%. Production of basic inorganics and petrochemicals are each forecasted to increase 11.0%. In 2011, EU chemical production is expected to increase just 2% due to consolidation.

Source: Cefic