Regions

2nd Quarter 2018

Sales at companies located in Europe rose by 5% compared with the second quarter of 2017. This was primarily attributable to higher sales prices in almost all segments. Volumes growth also had a positive impact on sales. This was partially offset by negative currency effects in all segments. At €1,475 million, income from operations (EBIT) exceeded the figure for the prior-year quarter by €76 million. This was due to considerable growth in the Oil & Gas segment.

In North America, sales in euros were down 4% on the prior-year quarter, mainly due to negative currency effects. In local currency terms, sales rose by 4%. Sales were lifted by higher prices in almost all segments. EBIT declined by €71 million to €266 million. The considerable increase in Other and in the Performance Products segment was unable to compensate for the significantly lower contributions from the Chemicals, Functional Materials & Solutions and Agricultural Solutions segments.

Sales in Asia Pacific rose by 14% in local currency terms and 9% in euros. This was attributable to higher volumes and prices in all segments. Sales were weighed down by negative currency effects. We increased EBIT by €25 million compared with the second quarter of 2017 to €523 million. Contributions from all segments except Functional Materials & Solutions rose.

In the region South America, Africa, Middle East, sales improved by 22% in local currency terms and 2% in euros as against the prior-year quarter. This was due to higher prices in all segments and volumes growth, especially in the Agricultural Solutions segment. At €27 million, EBIT exceeded the figure for the second quarter of 2017 by €80 million. The increase was driven by the Agricultural Solutions segment.