Cefic: EU chemical production “slightly above” pre-pandemic levels

Brussels – Europe's chemical output is returning to the pre-Covid levels with a 7% year-on-year increase over the first three quarters of 2021, according to the European Chemicals Industry Council (Cefic).

The growth, however, is overshadowed by continued disruptions within the supply-chain, rising inflation and risks of lingering Covid restrictions, said Cefic in its quarterly report published 20 Dec.

“Across Europe there are some concerns over how growth will hold up in the fourth quarter,” it added.

During the first eight months of 2021, chemicals sales value across EU27 reached €411.6 billion, up 19.4% from €344.6 billion during the same period the year before.

Total chemicals sales in 2020 stood at €499.1 billion, 6.4% below the previous year’s level.

Consumption for the first eight months of 2021 reached the value of €385.9 billion, up 21% compared to the previous year’s level.

Europe’s manufacturing output increased 10.7% year-on-year over the first nine months, but remained 1.0% below 2019’s level, according to Cefic.

Sectors “far below the pre-Covid levels” were automotive, printing, textile, basic metals, machinery and equipment.

Sectors “far above the pre-Covid levels” were electrical equipment, electrical appliances and pharmaceuticals.