Latest data reveals the recovery of the EU chemical output is slowing down
Brussels, 26th November 2020, –
- Chemical output in the EU27 dropped by 4.4% from January to September 2020 compared to the previous year’s level (Jan-Sept 2019), and the EU27 manufacturing output was down 10.6% compared to the same period of last year, both following the COVID-19 outbreak in Europe.
- Country data shows that among the largest European countries, France and Italy are the most impacted by the crisis in Europe whereas production assessment in Poland reached the same level as last year.
- On a global level, the chemical output declined by 1.8% in the first three quarters of 2020 compared to the same period of 2019. The EU27 chemical exports outside the EU27 area is €6.6 billion below the previous year’s level (Jan-Aug 2019, -5.5%).
Marco Mensink, Cefic Director General: While we were encouraged to see signs of recovery following the COVID-19 outbreak in May, early signs indicate this recovery is now slowing down. As widely recognised, the second wave of COVID-19 is serious and will likewise impact the chemical business in the upcoming months. This underpins the need for rapid approval and implementation of the EU Economic Recovery Plan, that needs to be firmly embedded in the EU Industrial Strategy and the Green Deal agenda. Only this will ensure that the recovery funding achieves an industrial transformation that will be sustainable and contributes to a resilient economy over time.
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