Regions

1st Quarter 2018

Sales at companies located in Europe rose by 2% compared with the first quarter of 2017. This was primarily attributable to higher sales prices, particularly in the Chemicals, Oil & Gas and Functional Materials & Solutions segments. Higher volumes also contributed to sales growth. Sales in all segments were dampened by negative currency effects. At €1,580 million, income from operations (EBIT) exceeded the figure for the prior-year quarter by €159 million. This was due to considerable growth in both the Chemicals and Oil & Gas segments.

In North America, sales declined by 9% in euros, mainly as a result of negative currency effects in all segments. In local currency terms, sales were up 5% year on year. Sales were boosted by significantly higher prices. EBIT decreased by €196 million to €317 million due to lower contributions from all segments.

Sales in Asia Pacific rose by 11% in local currency terms and 1% in euros. Higher prices, especially in the Functional Materials & Solutions and Chemicals segments, and improved sales volumes in all segments more than compensated for the negative currency effects. We increased EBIT by €92 million to €588 million compared with the first quarter of 2017. This was largely attributable to the Chemicals and Performance Products segments.

In the region South America, Africa, Middle East, sales in euros were down 4% on the prior-year quarter due to negative currency effects in all segments. In local currency terms, sales rose by 13%. Higher prices and volumes growth had a positive impact on sales. At €36 million, EBIT exceeded the figure for the first quarter of 2017 by €15 million. This increase was driven by the Oil & Gas and Performance Products segments.