Regions

3rd Quarter 2017

Sales at companies located in Europe grew by 11% year-on-year, largely due to higher prices, particularly in the Chemicals segment. Volumes increased slightly overall. At €986 million, income from operations exceeded the prior-year figure by €255 million thanks to the considerably higher contribution from the Chemicals segment.

In North America, sales improved by 7% in local currency terms and 2% in euros compared with the prior-year quarter. This was mainly due to higher sales prices in the chemicals business¹ and volumes growth, particularly in the Chemicals segment. Income from operations declined by €102 million to €158 million, primarily as a result of the considerable decline in the Functional Materials & Solutions segment and in Other.

Sales in Asia Pacific rose by 26% in local currency terms and 19% in euros. The change was primarily due to the significant price increase in the chemicals business and improved sales volumes in all segments. Income from operations was up €366 million on the third quarter of 2016, at €636 million. All segments achieved considerable growth, especially the Chemicals segment.

The region South America, Africa, Middle East saw a sales decrease of 3% in local currency terms and 7% in euros. Sales were negatively impacted by these currency effects, as well as by lower prices and volumes in the Agricultural Solutions segment in particular. At €178 million, income from operations was €25 million short of the previous third quarter’s level. This was primarily due to the considerable decline in the Agricultural Solutions segment.